Dubai, UAE, April 10, 2013 -- Hundreds of Starbucks partners (employees) and customers across the Middle East will join efforts with local nonprofit organisations this month in the Global Month of Service, an initiative to help address the needs of communities Starbucks operates in.

The annual initiative will be carried out in the region by the global coffee house and one of the world's most recognised brands. The 30-day community service drive encourages efforts that make a positive impact on the lives of people in local communities.

Over the past four years in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and even before the Global Month of Service was initiated, Starbucks partners have delivered over 222 projects amounting to over 11,000 hours spent in community service  across 10 markets.

This month, Starbucks partners and customers from 10 MENA countries have identified local projects in conjunction with NGOs in each market including helping youths and individuals with special needs, and addressing environmental concerns.  Starbucks will empower them to carry out these projects.

Commenting on the Global Month of Service activities, Regional Communications and CSR Manager  for Starbucks MENA Rana Shaheen, said: "At Starbucks we remain committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. This year's Global Month of Service will once again bring city-wide and country-wide Starbucks teams together as change makers to drive this positive change. Starbucks partners from across the region are excited to debut a series of localised projects that best meet the needs of each community."

 Starbucks is putting the word out and giving loyal customers a chance to give back to the community by volunteering too.

For more information about Starbucks Global Month of Service, please see www.mena.starbucks.com/en  or to participate, visit your local Starbucks store to sign up and learn more about upcoming activities.

About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores. To learn more about Starbucks, go to www.starbucks.com.

For further information, please contact
Rana Shaheen
Regional Communications & CSR Manager - Starbucks Coffee
Retail Division - Middle East
Email: rana.shaheen@alshaya.com

© Press Release 2013