du announces highest telecoms GRI rating in the Middle East for the 2012 cycle
du announced today the release of its second Sustainable Development Report 2012 - for which it has garnered a remarkable B+ rating by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The Sustainable Development Report conforms to the GRI G3.1 guidelines of the United Nations Global Compact - which du has been a member of since 2008.
The company is one of only nine corporate entities in the UAE which received their GRI certification during the 2012 reporting cycle. The report was validated by a third party - Arabic CSR Network - prior to being sent to GRI for certification. Thanks to its B+ rating achievement, du has emerged as the highest-rated telecommunications company in the UAE and the Middle East for the 2012 reporting cycle.
As an advocate for sustainable initiatives for a greener future, du is an ardent supporter of the UAE Green Economy Strategy. Through its Sustainable Development Report - and in light of the UAE's bid for Expo 2020 - du aims to establish industry benchmarks in matters of transparency, responsibility and accountability.
Osman Sultan, CEO, du, said: " Applying corporate governace principles as well as sustainable development are incorporated into everything that we do; it has become a corporate way of life that is embraced by everyone within our company. It is our desire to set an example in the UAE, the region and the world - by demonstrating that while sustainable success comes from within, it has a far-reaching ripple effect that touches the lives of everyone around us. We hope that - by working together towards a greener future - we can fulfil the wishes of the UAE's leadership and establish a sustainable ecosystem here in the Emirates."
Hala Badri, Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, du, echoed that statement, adding: "We are proud to have received such a positive GRI rating as it sheds light on our wide-ranging sustainability efforts and revolutionary initiatives. Earlier this year, we obtained our second CSR Label from Dubai Chamber and now, this new recognition further underscores our transparent and holistic approach to creating real value for the various stakeholders in our community."
du's reporting approach is divided into five chapters:
Our Approach focuses on du's governance strategies. As one of the UAE's leading governance practitioners - after being ranked first in the Standard & Poor's Hawkamah Pan Arab Environmental and Social Governance Index in 2011 - du is continuing to improve its environmental, social and corporate governance practices.
Our People This is evident through du's ability to become the employer of choice for the most talented UAE Nationals, its Emiratisation initiatives, and the ways in which it engages with internal its stakeholders.
Our Customers du has set forth pioneering methods to further engage one of its key external stakeholder groups. With initiatives such as the "Customer Satisfaction Report" and "Direct to the CCO" -an escalation channel that enables customers to approach the Chief Commercial Officer directly- du is a true trailblazer in customer engagement and satisfaction.
Our Environment This section is dedicated to the schemes that du has implemented in order to reduce its carbon footprint, such as migrating to smart energy hybrid systems, and launching the UAE's first LEED Platinum certified retail outlet.
Our Community This outlines du's contributions to the people of the UAE, from providing free Iftar meals through its Ramadan Mawaed Al Rahman initiative to nurturing young talent with educational opportunities, to supporting local entrepreneurs and promoting Emirati culture.
In the interest of reducing paper consumption, du's Sustainable Development Report 2012 is available to view online:www.du.ae/en/about/sustainability
Since inception, du has been recognised on numerous occasions for its contributions to sustainability. Please find below a list of the company's awards and accolades received in recent years:
- April 2012: du and MD 24/7 launch Physician Helpline
o Affordable around-the-clock phone service provides indispensable support to du's customers by giving them access to licensed and experienced medical professionals at any time - day or night - October 2012: du Fujairah Shop UAE's first to be LEED Platinum certified
o du is proud to announce that its retail outlet at Fujairah city centre is the nation's first Leader in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certified retail outlet - the highest LEED ranking possible The Fujairah Retail Shop is in line with du's efforts to become more sustainable in its business - October 2012: du supports World Energy Forum
o Affirmation of commitment to promoting sustainability practices in the UAE - December 2012: du as Lead Partner for Global Entrepreneurship Summit - Entrepreneurial Ventures of Arabia (GES-EVA)
o Additionally, du is also a co-sponsor of the 'Grow Your Business - Regional SME Competition and Awards,' along with Dubai Internet City, offering the opportunity for regional SMEs to showcase their competencies, gain international spotlight, and win cash prizes that will support their business growth - April 2013: du receives second Dubai Chamber CSR Label
o Dubai Chamber awards the CSR Label to companies in recognition of their efforts towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and the levels of commitment demonstrated to continuing best CSR practices. - May 2013: du launches The Entrepreneur Forum
o The invitation-only Forum for SMEs and entrepreneurs was addressed by Deirdre Bounds as keynote speaker in addition to several renowned local business leaders - May 2013: du launches scholarship programme in partnership with the American University in Dubai o In return for 300MBs internet bandwidth until 2017, AUD grants du 40 scholarships: 25 for du employees, 15 for Emirati public.
- May 2013: du and American University of Sharjah establish AED5 million du scholarship
o The scholarship will enable meritorious students who are financially challenged to access
the excellent education provided at AUS. - July 2013: du launches 'Every Step Counts' wellness initiative in support of HH Sheikh Mohammed's vision to adopt positive energy
o Hussain Al Jasmi announced as the ambassador of nationwide initiative - July 2013: du wins The Green Award at Asia Communication Awards
o In recognition of its extensive green initiatives - particularly the success of the hybrid solutions installed in 137 of its base transceiver station (BTS) sites - July 2013: du's LEED Platinum Certified Shop receives The International Green Apple Award
o Awarded for du Shop in Fujairah City Centre, the UAE's first LEED Platinum Certified retail outlet - July 2013: du supports HH Sheikh Mohammed's Dress 1 Million Needy Children campaign
o The company to dress 75,000 needy children by donating Dhs3 million to support the initiative. Customers invited to support the campaign by donating through dedicated SMS short codes - August 2013: du announces the Mobile Applications Developers Community initiative to support Mobile Government vision
o du takes proactive steps in support of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
-Ends-
About du
We opened for business in 2006. We offer mobile and fixed telephony, broadband connectivity and IPTV services to individuals, homes and businesses. We also provide carrier services for businesses and satellite up/downlink services for TV broadcasters.
As a rapidly-growing enterprise, we have a team of experts working to enhance and expand our bouquet of service offerings. Our people come from over 60 countries - we mirror the rich cultural diversity of our nation, while being able to serve our customers in a variety of languages.
Over 50% of our senior management team and customer-facing employees are UAE nationals, and we remain committed to providing fulfilling opportunities for quality talent in a cosmopolitan working environment.
By the end of Q1 2013, more than 6.6 million people and over 50,000 businesses have chosen to use our services. In a survey conducted by ARC Chart, we were named the Best Mobile Broadband Network 2012 in the Middle East and Africa region. We also ranked first in MENA's Standard & Poor/Hawkamah Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Index in 2011.
du is 39.5 percent owned by Emirates Investment Authority, 20.081 percent by Mubadala Development Company PJSC, 19.5 percent by Emirates Communications and Technology LLC and the remaining stake by public shareholders. du is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name 'du'.
For further information, please contact:
Maryam Al Balooshi
PR Lead(Corporate)
Brand & Communications
du
Mobile: +971 55 953 0523
Email: maryam.albalooshi@du.ae
Reka Sepsy
LeoComm PR
Tel: +971 4 367 6154
Mobile: +971 55 220 68 20
Fax: +971 4 367 2615
Email: reka.sepsy@leocommpr.com
© Press Release 2013
