Emirates Foundation announces call for research proposals focusing on Emirati youth
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 30.05.08
The Emirates Foundation announced a call for research proposals focusing on Emirati youth.

The Emirates Foundation, as part of its mission to support social research and development in the United Arab Emirates, will partner on the project with Occidental Petroleum Corporation ('Oxy'), with headquarters in Los Angeles, California and a regional office in Abu Dhabi. An early contributor to the Emirates Foundation, Oxy issues an annual sustainability report outlining its contributions to corporate citizenship worldwide.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment sets up childcare centre for women employees
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 29.05.08
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders became the first Dubai Government entity to offer crèche facilities at its premises, enabling women employees to achieve ideal balance between their family and work commitments.

Akil Kazim, Director of Operations, Mohammed Bin Rashid Est. For Young Business Leaders, said: 'The Establishment is very keen to provide its staff with optimum working conditions. The crèche will help assure women employees of the well-being of their children during working hours, motivating them to focus better on their key deliverables.'

Dubai Women's College inaugurates a CSR Forum on Social Entrepreneurship
AME-INFO - 28.05.08
Dubai Women's College (DWC) held today its inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Forum in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nehayan, Chairman of Injaz Al Arab and Bin Zayed Group, UAE.

Sponsored by the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), the Forum focused on Social Entrepreneurship: Embracing social change through education and was attended by local and international policy makers, leaders, innovators and CSR practitioners. The objective of the Forum is to promote CSR and encourage partnerships with organizations to enrich the educational experience of Emirati students through community projects.

The Arab Cares & Giving Forum at the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies & Research concludes
AME-INFO - 27.05.08
The 'Arab Cares & Giving Forum' concluded at the Sheikh Zayed Hall in the Emirates Center of Strategic Studies and Research., was under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister.

Mr Habib Al Sayegh from the Gulf News, Chairman of this session. Different papaers were presented in different fields, such as the paper presented by the Saudi Information Specialist, Mr. Turky Al Dakheel from Al Arabia Channel discussed in his paper the role of visual information and its impact on serving the community.

Inaugural Arab Benevolence Forum promotes intensified regional corporate social responsibility
BI-ME - 26.05.08
Injazat Data Systems, the region's leading Information Technology and Business Process Managed Services Company, has extended its full support to the inaugural Arab Benevolence Forum being held at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi, which started on May 26, 2008, and ended yesterday.

Injazat Data Systems' Silver sponsorship of the event is part of the company's commitment to upholding and promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR), particularly in view of a relatively slow CSR adoption rate among UAE firms. Organized by 'The Arab Benevolence for Health Development', one of the initiatives of the non-profit group, Zayed Giving, the Arab Benevolence Forum is a first-of-its-kind initiative that recognises Arab benevolence and encourages a culture of giving and social responsibility among individuals and corporations.

UAE firms join global 'good citizens' movement
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 25.05.08
United Arab Emirates companies are joining a growing worldwide movement encouraging businesses to adopt core values in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment and corruption, according to a United Nations initiative.

'Despite the image sometimes portrayed of regional companies, more and more are demonstrating their leadership by advancing responsible corporate citizenship,' said Kosta Petrov, Conference Manager of the 5th Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Summit that takes place at the JW Marriott Hotel, Dubai, from 14 to 19 June 2008.

Hawkamah workshop highlights role of company secretary
AME-INFO - 24.05.08
The Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance (Hawkamah) held a workshop to highlight the growing role of Company Secretaries in promoting good corporate governance practices within the region's organisations.

Featuring renowned international speakers, the workshop provided practical information on the core duties and responsibilities of the Company Secretary and the essential role that the Secretary plays in advancing corporate governance within the Board Room.

Dubai Chamber donates hi-tech equipment
AL-BAWABA - 23.05.08
Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry recently donated used audio/visual equipment valued at Dhs500,000 to the Emirates Scientific Club.

Said HE Eng Hamad Buamim, 'Dubai Chamber is always on the look out for serving the society under its strategy stressing on Corporate Social Responsibility and this time we chose to donate the Chamber's used audio/visual equipment worth half a million dirhams to the Emirates Scientific Club. I am happy that this donation will go a long way in providing training courses to the national youth while also educating and encouraging them to acquire high tech knowledge that will give them competitive edge in the job market.'

Dubai World Trade Centre hosts Global Summit on Corporate Social Responsibility
EYE OF DUBAI - 22.05.08
Major organizations in Dubai participated in a special satellite session of the Global Summit on Social Responsibility in order to help build and contribute to one of the world's largest social responsibility initiatives.

The central meeting of the Global Summit, held in Maryland, USA, attracted several organizations representing more than 287 million people and discussed how best to create a shared strategy to maximize corporate social responsibility (CSR) worldwide. To reinforce global commitment to the Summit and its initiatives, dozens of cities across the world - including Dubai - held satellite sessions in parallel with the US event.

Arab businesses should take CSR more seriously says Alshaya at the World Economic Forum
AME-INFO - 21.05.08
Mr. Mohammed Alshaya made an impassioned plea at the World Economic Forum asking Arab businesses to place more emphasis on corporate social responsibility programmes that can contribute to the long term growth of the region.

'In the Middle East, corporate social responsibility is still in its infancy, it is very much associated with 'giving' through charitable donations. There is much more we can do in partnership with governments and NGOs to tackle deeper issues like unemployment, lack of quality education and carbon footprint reduction ,' said Mr. Alshaya.

Alshaya announces 1000 summer internships for Kuwait's youth
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 20.05.08
M.H. Alshaya Co. has announced it has launched a summer internship programme for 1,000 young Kuwaitis across its retail franchise operations in Kuwait.

t the press conference Mr. Mohammed Abdulaziz Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co., said: 'We are confident this programme will give a large group of ambitious young Kuwaitis the chance to develop skills and obtain important experience of working in the private sector. There is no doubt, this will help give them life-skills and prepare them to be future leaders in whatever they choose to do. I hope that this will support the trend we have witnessed in Alshaya where increasingly Kuwaitis are being developed to take on key positions of responsibility.'

Awards launched to honour companies for good practice
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 19.05.08
EEG (Emirates Environmental Group)and its partners have announced the launch of the Arabia Corporate Social Responsibility Awards 2008.

What singles out this initiative is its inclusive nature. Supported by the United Nations Global Compact, and ably supported by a range of business leaders, think tanks and academics, the Arabia CSR Awards have the potential to become the biggest of its kind in the United Arab Emirates and the GCC. The need for a CSR Award is felt most acutely now that companies in the Region have taken a lively and productive interest in engaging more actively with communities, opting for eco-friendly practices, improving quality and performance, and supporting social and cultural issues and causes.

Campaign for breast cancer detection starts
SAUDI GAZETTE - 18.05.08
The campaign, organized by the Saudi Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology in cooperation with Roche Medicine Company, was headlined “Two minutes of my time saved my life.”

Breast cancer is no longer part of the Kingdom’s traditional culture of “Don’t tell anyone.” Public programs have been set up to encourage women to check on their breasts for early detection of the No. 1 killer of women in thus region. A national campaign for breast cancer detection kicked off on Saturday at Jeddah Intercontinental Hotel in the presence of more than 300 physicians and specialists of different disciplines.

Nuqul Group hosts The United Nations Global Impact Seminar
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 18.05.08
Nuqul Group and in coordination with The Jordanian National Commission for Women hosted a seminar entitled “UN Global Compact, Sharing experiences”. The event shed light on the Corporate Social Responsibility angle related to the United Nations Global Compact initiative. Novo Nordisk, represented by the Danish expert Mr. Eric Dziedzic, Jordanian signatories of Global Compact initiative shared their experience in the field of CSR.

Nuqul Group also presented its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative involving the adoption of “Tubnah Village" in al Koura district, and the formulation of programs for community development. The presentation also focused on the role of Elia Nuqul Foundation in the sustainable development of the community and the Group’s commitment towards the United Nations Global Compact.

DHL supplies emergency airfreight to African children in need
AME INFO - 18.05.08
DHL Express UAE, recently mobilized the company’s global logistics capabilities to assist African children in need, through the shipping of essential supplies, donated by UAE residents, to help the impoverished children of Sierra Leone, Africa.

The leading logistics provider organized and delivered a shipment, containing baby formula, nappies and detergents, all items that were urgently required to serve the growing number of critical cases helped by the “All As One” (AAO) children’s charity in Freetown, the capital of the African state.

Alshaya announces 1000 summer internships for Kuwait’s youth
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 17.05.08
M.H. Alshaya Co. has announced it has launched a summer internship programme for 1,000 young Kuwaitis across its retail franchise operations in Kuwait.

The announcement of the “Jumpstart your Potential” programme comes at a time when the region’s expanding retail sector is being looked upon as a major provider of jobs in the years to come.

Sama Dubai’s ‘The Lagoons’ development bags two awards at Cityscape Abu Dhabi
ZAWYA - 16.05.08
‘The Lagoons’, a freehold, mixed-use project being developed in the heart of Dubai by Sama Dubai, the international real estate investment and development arm of Dubai Holding, won awards in two categories – ‘Best Mixed-Use Development’ and ‘Best Corporate Social Responsibility’ – at Cityscape Abu Dhabi.

The second award was in the ‘Best Corporate Social Responsibility’ category for The Lagoons’ vigorous efforts to preserve and enhance wildlife in its surrounding area and its drive to obtain international protection and recognition for its neighbouring Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Good practice award launched for companies
KHALEEJ TIMES - 15.05.08
The Emirates Environmental Group has announced a regional award on CSR called the "Arabia Corporate Social Responsibility Awards". Already the announcement of the awards has met with considerable enthusiasm and interest from CSR players across sectors.

The awards were publicly announced in the EEG's annual dinner held in February this year. On May 15th, the Arabia CSR Awards were formally launched during a press conference conducted by EEG and its partners.

'Give Blood, Gift Life’ campaign to support ‘Thalassemia’
AME INFO - 14.05.08
S.S. Lootah Group conducted their bi-annual blood donation campaign in association with Al Wasl hospital at their headquarters under the theme “Give Blood, gift life” with the aim to support and assist children with ‘Thalassemia’, one of the most common recessive blood diseases in the UAE.

The campaign is part of S.S. Lootah’s CSR initiatives in line with the company’s focus on the importance of private sector participation in fighting such illnesses to build a healthier nation, by spreading awareness about conditions like ‘Thalassemia’ and responsibility of the people by participating in such activities that contribute to humanitarian relief for patients, especially children.

BNP Paribas – GCC embraces and promotes diversity through its inaugural Women & Leadership Conference in Bahrain
AL-BAWABA - 14.05.08
BNP Paribas - GCC, held its inaugural Women and Leadership Conference today, in the presence of prominent guest speakers, including H.E. Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa of Bahrain and HH Sheika Hussa Saad Al-Bdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah of Kuwait.

The Women and Leadership conference is an human resources and social responsibility initiative aimed to: recognize the crucial role that leading women play in the region; reflect the importance of diversity within the workplace, and discuss challenges and recommended solutions of women empowerment in the GCC.

DP World’s UAE region participates actively in blood donation campaign to help Thalassemia patients
ZAWYA - 13.05.08
DP World’s UAE region, the local arm of DP World, marked International Thalassemia Day on May 8 by dedicating the entire day to blood donations to aid Thalassemia patients.

Company employees and workers from its various departments and sections located in Jebel Ali Free Zone took part in the campaign, which was held in cooperation with the Blood Bank in the Ministry of Health’s Al Wasl Hospital and the Thalassemia Centre.

‘One Million Tree Campaign’ joins hands with Zee Network to plant 25 trees at Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Boys
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 12.05.08
The ‘One Million Tree Campaign’ pledge of EEG has increased by 25 more indigenous trees that were donated to Mohammed Bin Rashid School through the effort of Real Media FZ LLC’s programme ‘Habitat – a unique, new prime time property and lifestyle show on Zee TV.

EEG Chairperson, Mrs. Al Marashi, said “EEG’s One Million Tree campaign aims to increase sustainable green spaces in UAE’s rapidly developing urban environment. The simple act of planting trees will not only help offset the carbon emissions but also provide green areas that will ensure a cleaner, greener future for the future generation. EEG is pleased to join hands with the Real Media – Zee Network to promulgate the cause of conservation and environmental responsibility.”

Imperial Palace Hotel honors people with special needs and celebrates Labour Day
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 11.05.08
Believing in its social responsibility towards the different sectors of the society, Imperial Palace Hotel Amman held on 1st May 2008 in cooperation with Aman Centre for Special Education a social activity for people with special needs.

The activity named 'Beyond Boundaries' is an opportunity for people with special needs to get engaged in every day's life activities, express themselves and their hopes as their peers, and contribute to the society in their own way.

DLA Piper pushes green practices for a sustainable environment
DUBAI CITY - 10.05.08
In the race to a greener environment, many companies are taking small steps they hope will contribute to the whole, introducing schemes that encourage employees to change their habits in the workplace. Sometimes done as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, the aim is to reduce the use of resources such as paper and electricity and promote recycling.

'Global organisations such as ours, with 3,700 lawyers worldwide across 64 offices in 25 countries, need to consider how their actions affect their clients, their employees, the community and the environment,' says Wafaa Tarnowska, Business Executive in DLA Piper’s Dubai office.

RasGas donates QR750,000 to special needs society
GULF TIMES - 09.05.08
As part of RasGas Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, the company has donated QR750,000 to the Qatar Society for the Rehabilitation of Special Needs.

The money was raised through the 2008 RasGas Pro Am Golf Tournament and associated Charity Gala Dinner which was held earlier this year and coordinated by a committee chaired by Tom Mc Hale, RasGas Finance Group manager.

UN secretary-general receives Talal Abu-Ghazaleh half a million computers for schools in developing world by 2010
AME INFO - 09.05.08
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recently received Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, CEO and Chairman of the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAGorg), at the UN headquarters, along with the UN team in charge of the project for dedicating a half million new computers to the schools of developing nations by the year 2010.

The Secretary-General praised Abu-Ghazaleh’s willingness to take on the responsibility for this venture in the Arab region, in addition to his role, efforts and leadership worldwide as the co-chair of the Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID) Steering Committee.

Le Méridien Al Aqah plants 100 coconut palms to highlight environmental focus at ATM 2008
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 08.05.08
As part of its continued efforts to ensure that issues surrounding social and environmental responsibility remain visible throughout the year, Le Méridien Al Aqah is ‘greening up’ this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), taking place from May 6 – 9 2008.

To promote a more natural and sustainable beach environment, Le Méridien Al Aqah has replanted 100 new coconut palms along its shoreline in an effort to further promote means of combating global warming.

Dubai Quality Group contributes Dhs20,000 to Al Noor Centre for children with special needs
AME INFO - 07.05.08
Dubai Quality Group (DQG) has contributed Dhs20,000 to Al Noor Centre, a facility for children with special needs, in a special presentation made during the recently concluded 3rd annual Ideas.Arabia International Conference - held under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Department, and the patron of DQG - at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

The donation, which was taken from the proceeds of the conference, is in line with DQG's commitment to its corporate social responsibility, while it also provided a humanitarian touch to the international gathering as participants were encouraged to likewise extend their assistance to charitable institutions.

Tatweer joins United Nations Global Compact of Corporate Citizenship
TRADE ARABIA - 07.05.08
Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding, today joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest voluntary corporate citizenship initiative.

On signing the Global Compact, Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman of Tatweer said: “Tatweer is proud to be a part of the United Nations Global Compact. This reflects our commitment to being a responsible business operator. The Global Compact provides an excellent forum for Tatweer to share knowledge and best practice with its peers and we look forward to participating in this international initiative and particularly in the local GCC network.”

First series of CSR Leadership Forum 2008 held
CSR MIDDLE EAST - 06.05.08
Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Centre for Responsible Business launched the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Leadership Forum Series 2008 at the Chamber premises.

This series, dubbed as an interactive thought and experience sharing forum for Board members, Presidents, CEOs, Directors and CSR opinion leaders in Dubai provide a unique opportunity for business leaders to interact with one another, exchange ideas and practices in corporate social responsibility.

'Sorouh Faces' campaign succeeds in raising $1m for UAE charities
AME INFO - 05.05.08
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sorouh Real Estate P.J.S.C announced that it had succeeded in reaching its target of raising $1m through its world record-breaking 'Sorouh Faces' campaign, as it unveiled a poster made up of one million pictures.

The poster, which will replace the current world record-holding poster on the final approaches into Dubai International Airport, will cover an area of 20,000m2. Images were submitted through a dedicated website and via promotions teams who went to schools, universities and some of Sorouh’s major events and exhibitions throughout the Emirates – and for each image submitted, the company committed US$1 to charity.

ADC launches campaign in cooperation with JOHUD to introduce scholarships program to school students
AL-BAWABA - 05.05.08
As part of its corporate social responsibility and commitment to creating sustainable social development projects, the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) launched a campaign in cooperation with the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) and the Education Directorate in Aqaba to introduce secondary school students to the benefits, requirements and procedures of joining ADC’s scholarships program.

For its part, JUHOD manages and closely monitors the scholarships, which fall under a four year program after which ADC will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the entire program.

EEG driving leadership in environmental sustainability
ZAWYA - 04.05.08
Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) organized a lecture at the Emarat Atrium’s Auditorium in Dubai on the 29th of April.

The lecture is part of EEG’ ongoing endeavour to inform and educate different stakeholders, as well as the community at large. The free lecture was organized with the help of EEG’s corporate members Emarat and Abela Catering. The organizations were formally recognized for their part in the event. Every year EEG puts together interesting topics in a set of eight lectures for the community. This program has been going on annually since the late 1990s, and close to a hundred lectures have so far been held.

Bonyan Group sponsors 10 aviation students from Dubai Men’s College to visit Deutsche Lufthansa in Germany
EYE OF DUBAI - 03.05.08
Bonyan International Investments Group has announced that it will be sponsoring 10 aviation technology students from the Dubai Men’s College (DMC) to visit Deutsche Lufthansa, the world-renowned European aircraft manufacturer, in its main hub in Hamburg, Germany.

‘Education is a key catalyst that drives the growth and development of nations,” said Eng. Abdullah Atatreh, Chairman, Bonyan International Investments Group. “At Bonyan, we firmly believe that we have a responsibility to provide ample opportunities to groom UAE youth’s talent. This sponsorship will provide necessary support for deserving students to pursue a world class hands-on educational opportunity. We are proud to be associated with such an initiative that will train and develop the next generation of leaders in the country”.

ADTA staff participates in blood donation programme
AME INFO - 02.05.08
Employees of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) participated in a blood donation programme conducted at the ADTA Headquarters recently.

By organizing the campaign, the ADTA aim to cooperate with healthcare organizations and fulfill its commitment to the community in all aspects of life, including the healthcare. The ADTA's vision calls for enriching the lives of the Abu Dhabi community and visitors alike and the blood donation campaign goes in line with its social responsibility commitment.

SNASCO sponsors health lecture for school nurses
ARABIAN BUSINESS - 01.05.08
Leading real estate developer, SNASCO, master developer of the Sharjah Investment Center project, has sponsored a lecture on spinal diseases organised by the Al Manar Model School, as part of the firm’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Dr. Omar Al Mushaabi, Managing Director of SNASCO and Development Manager of the SIC, said, “SNASCO is committed to maintaining mutually beneficial relations with the local community through active involvement in all activities and events that support the local society. We at SNASCO aim to contribute to the welfare of our society through our projects – particularly the Sharjah Investment Center - which will be an integrated community that includes all the amenities required for contemporary life.