24 May 2016
Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) was awarded the Best CSR Integrated Business Award for its Shams Generation solar education initiative at the Ta'atheer Awards in Dubai. Companies from across the region competed for these prestigious annual awards that honored their contributions to the development of their respective societies. To receive the awards, senior leaders of the shortlisted organizations were invited to a presentation ceremony held during the ceremony during the 13th MENA Social Impact and CSR Forum at the Address Hotel in Dubai Marina, UAE.

"We, at QSTec, recognize the importance of having students learn about sustainability and the benefits and potential applications of solar technologies. We wish to realize a vision in which the world can meet its growing requirement for energy, without its ambitions coming at the cost of the environment," said Dr. Khalid K. Al Hajri, Chairman and CEO, QSTec, upon the receipt of Best CSR Integrated Business Award. "We are extremely proud of QSTec's Shams Generation initiative and I would like to thank all the teachers and students who have worked with us and made this solar learning program such a resounding success."

Seven other companies that competed for the Best CSR Integrated Business award included: AES Jordan, SEDCO Holding Group, Clyde & Co, Al Tamimi & Company, Aster DM Healthcare, Microsoft Gulf and Farabi Petrochemicals Company.

In addition to the Best CSR Integrated Business Award, QSTec's Shams Generation was also nominated in two other Ta'atheer Award categories for: Best CSR Impact Initiative and Best Community Development Initiative.

Shams Generation is an ongoing interactive learning programme that combines science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics and provides students with a hands-on approach to learning using solar energy.  In Arabic, Shams means sun and the program emphasizes the importance of solar energy and sustainability. This year the program will reach over 7,000 students across schools and universities in Qatar. It is currently gearing up to begin its third campaign to educate the young generation on the sustainable technologies of the future.

QSTec is a joint venture with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, SolarWorld AG and the Qatar Development Bank, and as such, education is a key mandate for the organisation.

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© Press Release 2016