du launches staff blood donation drive in partnership with Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre

In line with the company’s ongoing commitment to developing and undertaking initiatives that benefit the local community, du, the UAE’s integrated telecom operator held a blood donation session for its employees, in partnership with the Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre.

Organised at du offices in Dubai Media City, the latest corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by du was developed in response to the pressing demand for more blood in the UAE to treat blood disorders such as Thalassaemia, which requires patients to undergo frequent blood transfusions – in order to survive.

Hala Badri, EVP Brand and Communications, du, said: “As a UAE national company with a strong focus on corporate social responsibility, we firmly believe in using our position to pioneer initiatives that help and support the local community. We organised the blood donation drive because it is something that will benefit the entire of the UAE. We are proud of the enthusiastic participation of our employees in this noble initiative and doing their bit to save lives.” 

ENOC Makes Difference To The Lives Of Disadvantaged Youngsters

Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) today launched ‘ENOC Challenge III’, a comprehensive training programme aimed at providing disadvantaged youngsters with a unique opportunity to acquire critical professional skills and embark on challenging new careers.

For this year’s programme, ENOC has linked up with the UAE Red Crescent, the principal charitable organisation in the emirate, and Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, a humanitarian organisation which provides quality education and therapy services to children with special needs. The two institutions nominated 20 disadvantaged candidates, including special needs youth, who will complete their training apprenticeships at various ENOC departments.

The progress of each trainee will be regularly evaluated by the mentors and trainers of ENOC Learning and Development Department. On successful completion of the 8-week programme for disadvantaged individuals and 6 months for participants with special needs, the trainees will be given a career opportunity and training certificate.

ENOC Challenge III follows the success of two previous editions of the ENOC Challenge, and highlights ENOC’s continued commitment to the UAE community. The initiative underlines ENOC’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme and has been designed to encourage businesses in the country to strengthen their ties with all sections of the community.

Speaking at the launch of the ENOC Challenge III, Saif Al Falasi, ENOC Group General Manager, said: “There are many challenges in life, and we should face them with determination. That is the underlying philosophy of the ENOC Challenge. We hope that all corporates will undertake similar initiatives and contribute to the overall welfare of society.”

“Over the years, the UAE has promoted entrepreneurship and facilitated businesses, helping many people to shape their destinies and craft success stories. It is time for successful individuals and institutions to come together, to give back and make a real impact in the UAE community. ENOC Challenge does just that. I thank the UAE Red Crescent and Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre for nominating the 20 candidates for ENOC Challenge III,” Al Falasi added.

The learning and development modules of the programme will cover technical- functional trainings such as typing, Microsoft Office, telephone operations, job interview techniques, and writing winning CVs. The modules also include behavioral training in the English language, problem solving, team building, customer care, presentation skills and communication skills.

Khalid Hadi, ENOC Group Brand and Marketing Manager, said: “With our operations spanning oil and gas, retail and real estate, regionally and internationally, the ENOC Challenge is the ideal training ground for these youngsters. It will help special needs and disadvantaged individuals to be prepared for their future, by enhancing their independence, developing their contribution to society, and ensuring they have a full participation in all aspects of life.”

“ENOC Challenge III also aims to provide the participants with the opportunity to gain experience in today’s business and commerce, as well as make them strong candidates for employment in various industries” Hadi concluded.

The launch ceremony was also attended by Hussain Al Sheikh, the Deputy Minister of Social Affairs; Mariam Othman, Director of Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre; Mohammed Zaroni, General Manager of the UAE Red Crescent Society and Dr. Omar Abdul Kafi, a well-known social motivator.

Dubai Silicon Oasis Organizes Green Campaign to Mark World Environment Day

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the region’s premier integrated innovations hub for high tech industry, organized today a green campaign at its premises to mark the World Environment Day on 5 June.Assigned by the United Nations as a worldwide pledge to renew commitments for protecting and developing the environment, the World Environment Day has "Climate Change and Implications" as the central theme for the year 2009. Over 100 countries are anticipated to join this crusade on spreading awareness for combating climate change and preserving the ecosystems.As part of the day’s agenda, employees of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority volunteered to clean and plant trees at the property, demonstrating a strong sense of commitment towards the corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda outlined by the management.Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Senior Chief Officer – Corporate Excellence & Support at DSOA from DSOA said: "Preserving our environment is a global priority nowadays, which needs to be highlighted in order to be understood by all our employees and partners. Our involvement in the world environment will reinforce the message."DSOA has been actively involved in global environment related initiatives, including the Earth Day 2009 that saw a network of more than 17,000 partners and organizations in over 174 countries drawing attention to the importance of resource conservation and environmental protection.

Modhesh The Ambassador of Smiles Embarks on 4th Goodwill Tour Across The GCC

Modhesh, the sunny goodwill icon, has begun his fourth GCC tour –spreading his special brand of cheer to those unable to attend the exciting summer fiesta in Dubai. Modhesh is touring the region bearing gifts and goodie bags to children bringing his enduring cheery disposition, positive outlook and the amusing antics that make him so popular.“Modhesh is loved wherever he goes and children all across the GCC will be immensely excited to have him visit them. It is important to us at the Dubai Shopping Festival Office (DSFO) to contribute to the community and we take immense pleasure in Modhesh helping children as a universal ‘Ambassador of Smiles’ and we are sure he will brighten the lives of all the children he meets and warm their hearts with hope and happiness,” said Khulood Al Thani, Marketing Director of DSF Office.  The tour, now in its fourth year, is evidence of the importance that the Dubai Shopping Festival Office places on investing in the regional community according to their Corporate Social Responsibility strategy.So far, Modhesh’s whirlwind tour has included stops at the NBK Hospital in Kuwait and the Hope Institute for Special Education in Bahrain.  Next up is the Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar as well as the Child Care Home in Oman, after which Modhesh will round off his GCC tour at the Help Center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Al Thani added, “When Modhesh visits these hospitals and orphanages laden with gifts and his sunny persona, it is our hope that his cheery disposition will be reflected in the smiles on the faces of all the children he meets.”Once Modhesh wraps up his GCC tour, he will return to Dubai to spread his special brand of cheer to all Dubai residents and to welcome all visitors converging on the city for this year’s highly anticipated edition of Dubai Summer Surprises, celebrating its 12th edition this year.

An Event SO BIG it Can’t be Missed DHCC announces Breast Cancer CSR Initiative

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), a member of Tatweer, will attempt to break a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD through unveiling the world’s largest motif of Breast Cancer Ribbon made of thousands of carnations flowers at Zabeel Park in Dubai on November 16.

The record is expected to reach out to millions in the world with yet another life-saving message and a dramatic reminder for women to conduct regular self-examination and surface any fear resulting from lack of knowledge on breast cancer. Moreover, this should be a message to encourage the medical community to direct research activities towards identifying trends of breast cancer and specific risk factors or genetic predisposition that are relevant to our region

Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, CEO, Dubai Healthcare City, said: “One of the biggest challenges we face in the region continues to be lack of awareness about the benefits of early detection of breast cancer. According to estimates, 70 per cent of breast cancer cases in the region are not reported until they are in an advanced stage, as compared with 30 per cent or less in countries like the US. Through this initiative, we seek to optimize the awareness level among women and help them realize that their chances of survival are better through early detection.”

The unveiling of the ribbon, the Avon Walkathon and several sponsored activities will be organised for those wishing to participate. The easiest access to the Amphitheatre where the record is being created will be through Gate No. 3 of Zabeel Park.

Dr. Ayesha Al-Mutawa, Chair of CSR Committee & Director of Quality Improvement Department at the Center for Healthcare Planning & Quality, said: “DHCC’s corporate social responsibility campaigns always target the involvement of our community members. This event reaches out to women to join as partners in the fight against breast cancer.”

Maryam Hoballah, MENA Regional Product Manager, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS, a part of AlWaseet International said: “The World Cancer Congress 2006 has mandated that breast cancer should become a healthcare priority in Arab countries. The DHCC initiative’s straightforward yet strong appeal acts as a motivation for everyone to participate and get involved in the event.

The event also involves a chance for participants to set several smaller GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS in different categories. The aim is to encourage participants in the spirit of this event to set their own record.
 

Dubai Knowledge Village To Hold Third Edition Of Training Open Week

Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV), the region’s premier destination for human resources management and a member of TECOM Investments, today announced it will organise the third edition of the DKV Training Open Week to assist local business leaders effectively leverage their employee resource base for overcoming the challenges posed by the global economic slowdown.Open to all business professionals in Dubai and the UAE, the event to be held from 10-13 May at the DKV Conference Centre will include 22 workshops and seminars focusing on concepts that have revolutionized Human Resources Management practices.DKV’s business partners including some of the world’s most established and respected HR organizations will lead individual sessions at the event.Dr. Ayoub Kazim, Executive Director, Dubai Knowledge Village, said: “The third edition of the DKV Training Open Week seeks to build on the success of the previous editions that were commended for the innovative and unique recommendations offered by experts. A team of top notch professionals will tackle relevant issues at the event that will host a total of 22 workshops and seminars.“The Training Open Week also reflects our sincere commitment to enhancing the region’s HR industry while simultaneously allowing the business community to gain from the expertise of our world class business partners.”The four-day workshops will address issues such as innovation, developing high performing teams, leadership, employee engagement, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and managing change. The event will bring together chief executives, HR directors, entrepreneurs, and engineers as well as IT, sales and customer care managers to share knowledge with their peers in an environment that facilitates networking.Hasan Makansi, Head of Partner Development Management, Dubai Knowledge Village, said: “The third edition of DKV Training Open Week reaffirms our commitment to supporting the workforce in the UAE to reorient themselves and augment their professional capabilities while enabling companies to face challenges posed by the current global crisis.“We believe it is crucial to hold such an initiative during the difficult environment that will not only serve to benefit individuals but organisations as well in terms of human capital development, especially when most budgets are slashed. We will continue to focus our efforts towards empowering the employees, the most important asset in any organization.”DKV business partners who will lend their expertise to the event include SUKAD, Potential, Greater Good, Orators, DBM Arabian Gulf Company, ETON Institute, Disruptive Play, SMG, ABAMI Consultancy and Training, Innovative HR Solutions, The Core Group, Demos Group, Dynamic Learning, Results Coaching Systems, The Quint Group, The British University of Dubai, Connected HR, Xpert learning, Executive Skills Training, Disruptive Play and Wilson Learning.
.Further information on the DKV Training Open Week is available online at www.dkvevents.ae
 

Dubal Supports Autism Center

Internal awareness campaign enables employee involvement in aluminium giant’s corporate social responsibility efforts in the Emirate.Dubai, United Arab Emirates: As a caring corporate citizen, Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (“DUBAL”) is committed to investing in the local community, specifically the needy and less-privileged in society. The company, which is widely acknowledged as the world’s largest modern aluminium smelter with a captive power station and Dubai’s industrial flagship, has actively supported community-based initiatives and the broader goals of the Dubai Government – over and above its substantial contributions (direct and indirect) to the economy – since its inception in 1979.This April, the company has given substance to this commitment by supporting the annual awareness campaign hosted by Dubai Autism Center (“DAC”), by way of a multi-faceted internal Autism Awareness Campaign. Targeted at all employees, DUBAL’s campaign comprised the following activities and attracted participation by more than 100 employees:• Placement of DAC fund-raising boxes at the pay-point of the Fort Canteen, as well as in the offices of DUBAL’s various departments – by putting their small change in these boxes, employees are helping DUBAL make a big difference to DAC;• Framing 15 paintings by children who attend DAC and offering the same for sale to DUBAL employees;• Hosting lectures on autism, conducted by DAC, at DUBAL’s Jebel Ali site on 13 and 14 April;• Distributing informational hand-outs; and• Challenging employees to participate in a quiz on autism, whereby a line-up of fantastic prizes is at stake.“DUBAL cares about the community and honours its corporate responsibilities in terms of investing resources in initiatives, projects and non-governmental organizations that strive to improve the quality of life for those unable to help themselves, or who require charitable support,” says Khalid E A Buhumaid (Vice President: Corporate Relations & International Affairs and DUBAL’s Official Spokesperson). “This internal Autism Awareness campaign has added deeper meaning to our ongoing commitment to community involvement by providing channels for our employees to become involved with and support DUBAL’s corporate social responsibility efforts. It has also facilitated the social education of our people while accumulating a sizeable financial donation that will definitely make a difference to the beneficiaries of Dubai Autism Centre.”
 

Earth Day Observed At Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the region’s premier integrated innovations hub for high tech industry, today observed the Earth day by planting trees in its premises. The event was attended by Senior and employees of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority acknowledging the importance of resource conservation, and environmental protection.Inline with its commitment towards the Corporate Social Responsibility, DSOA took part in this initiative among a network of more than 17,000 partners and organizations in over 174 countries to observe this global event, which aims at highlighting the importance of resource conservation and environmental protection.The programs and activities observed on Earth day are guided by the goals of promoting civic engagement, broadening the definition of environment to include health communities and also to mobilize communities towards environment laws and implementing environment education programs.
 

Dubai Customs Takes Great Interest In Social Development Issue

Dubai Customs has reviewed its effort in the area of social work while taking part in the First Arab Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility being held by the Arab Administrative Development Organization in Sharjah from 13 – 15 April 2009.On the first day of the forum, Mr. Ahmed Abdul Salam Kazim, Senior Manager of Strategy and Corporate Excellence department at Dubai Customs highlighted Dubai Customs experience by delivering a working paper titled “ Society development … an ethical responsibility for Dubai Customs”.Mr. Kazim in his working paper affirmed that Dubai Customs takes a great interest in social development being one of its strategic objectives abreast with the economic responsibilities.“The contributions by Dubai Customs in this respect had positive social and economic implications”, he said.The Senior Manager of Strategy and Corporate Excellence pointed out to the assertion by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai that: ‘Charitable work needs supporting organizations and higher level administrative experiences as well as planned efforts to identify charitable work associations and deliverables with the necessity of consolidating efforts to strengthen Arab cooperation in this area whether at corporate or individual level”.Mr. Kazim went on to highlight key social responsibility perspectives at Dubai Customs, which include but not limited to; human resources development, providing conductive work conditions, preserving the environment, organizing awareness workshops and lectures about IPR and risks of counterfeited products to the economy and public health, providing accurate clients information and clearing their transactions through systems that greatly satisfied them, organizing recreational trips for special needs and elderly people, sponsoring sports activities, transparency in disclosing information and adopting corporate governance system including advanced health and safety rules.“Aspects of social responsibility are positively reflected upon Dubai Customs image, ability to attract employees and clients, increasing productivity and nature of its relationship with the relevant public and private organizations,” he said.“The activities being carried out by Dubai Customs in connection with social responsibility come in line with Dubai government strategy where “social development” constitutes a prominent section. Different aspects of social responsibility are considered as well to be significant criteria within DGEP,” he pointed out.Mr. Kazim affirmed that, “Dubai Customs is keen to implement such criteria carefully whether in the area of developing corporate vision and values in a way reflecting the organizational stance towards social responsibility or forms of interacting with all respective social groups having its policy and strategy built on their needs and requirements, plans and develops human resources as to ensure ethics and fairness in selecting competencies and manages property in a manner that preserves environment.”Dubai Customs observes measuring social work results in order to attain best standards. Many aspects of the studies being conducted relate to the society, clients, suppliers, stakeholders and employees` needs, expectations and satisfaction.Dubai Customs conducted a study on society satisfaction with social activities and initiatives launched in 2008. 85% of almost 1000 respondents including citizens and expatriates found to be satisfied.Mr. Kazim stressed that Dubai Customs is keen to continue in its social initiatives and improve customers and society satisfaction level.“The organizational strategic vision is based on two key perspectives i.e. to contribute by playing a major role in Dubai’s economic and social development and ensure clients satisfaction and loyalty. The enhancement of UAE nationals’ role in labor market and social life is observed as well,” he explained.The Senior Manager of Strategy and Corporate Excellence at Dubai Customs highlighted some of the organizational initiatives launched over the past period.The fishing harbors development initiative was launched with the aim of reviving Dubai` heritage, supporting fishing profession and providing a new tourism resort.The establishment of a high profile child care center at Dubai Customs was another initiative aiming at providing social welfare for working mothers and enabling them to strike the balance between their business and family life leading to increase in female employees’ productivity.The 3rd initiative, which had a positive social and economic impact, was the establishment of a dedicated IPR department before 4 years ago. It contributed to control counterfeited products by enhancing customs inspectors’ awareness about such products and improving their proficiency in distinguishing them from genuine products. It played as well a major role in developing the local economy and supporting worldwide manufacturers and brand owners confidence in the organizational appropriate measures.The IPR department organized a number of educational workshops for different social groups dealing with risks of counterfeited products to the public health. It launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Education the IPR Award allowing government and private schools to take part.Dubai Customs launched this year a nationwide campaign for protecting wildlife including endangered fauna and flora. The campaign covered schools, shopping malls, Dubai international airport, global village and other complex areas.Mr. Kazim affirmed that such initiatives come as part of Dubai Customs social responsibility and in line with Dubai government overall strategy, which stipulates the necessity of enhancing social work.
 

To Commemorate Earth Day on 22 April, Go-Green.ae Launches Community Guide

To Commemorate Earth Day on 22 April, Go-Green.ae Launches Community Guide entitled ’10 Practical Ways to Go Green’.

Several countries are celebrating Earth Day to express their commitment to preserving the planet and its limited resources. Under the umbrella of The Green Generation, thousands of events are currently being planned in schools, communities, villages, towns and cities around the world.

Go-Green.ae is promoting awareness through an online campaign to highlight the fact that every individual action should be responsible for sustainable consumption. The community guide entitled ’10 Practical Ways to Go Green’ can be downloaded from http://www.go-green.ae/greenresources/10waystogogreen.pdf. ’Go Green’ web portal was launched in July 2008 to remind people to be mindful of and sensitive to the natural environment in our daily life

Go-Green.ae features ’Green Stories’ that demonstrate the steps taken by corporations as part of their commitment to preserve the planet. Global organisations such as Panasonic, Orange, Toshiba, Cisco, Discover, Dell, HSBC, Google, Emirates Airlines, Marriott, Hotels and Resorts Intercontinental Hotels, Grand Hyatt, Zipcar, Nissan and Mazda share their ’Green Innovations’ online.

The ’Green Heroes Program’ gives credit and encouragement to individuals who have contributed in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability.

Go-Green.ae is updated 24/7 with information relating to news, events, technologies, videos, web resources and success stories in the field of energy conservation, sustainability and environmental protection.

Go-Green.ae is a Cyber Gear initiative and is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility Program. Go-Green.ae recently won the Alternate Energy Award at ADIPEC, in recognition of its contribution to promoting environmental awareness.

For more information, contact:

Sharad Agarwal
Cyber Gear LLC
P.O. Box 53735
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +9714 3312627
Email: gogreen@cyber-gear.com
Website: http://www.go-green.ae