Dubai World Environment, Health and Safety regulatory body represents Dubai World, UAE at the meeting

Dubai, November 13, 2007: EHS, the Environment, Health and Safety regulatory arm of Dubai World joined 401 experts and observers representing 78 of the member countries of the "Environment Management System International Quality Certificate" (ISO) in the Austrian capital Vienna to approve the third draft of the document on "Social Responsibility Standards" (ISO 26000) from November 3 - 9, 2007.

Dr. Abdul Monem Al Marzouqi, Manager, Environmental Regulations, and Mohammed Al Fardan, Manager Free Zone Chemical Operations represented EHS and Dubai World at the meeting.

Speaking about EHS role in promoting CSR, Mr. Ahmed Abdul Hussain, CEO EHS said:

"Dubai World has many social responsibility programmes being conducted through EHS including beach and port cleaning campaigns, environmental health and food safety competitions, environment awareness programs, lectures, training courses and workshops, in addition to special trips and events for Dubai World employees."

"The broad spectrum of EHS social responsibility activities includes blood donation campaigns, collection of donations for the needy, supporting the activities of the public benefit societies and celebrating the different environmental events."

Dr. Abdul Monem said:

"The UAE is giving a lot of importance to this issue, as shown by the fact that it was represented in the event by 6 experts and 6 observers belonging to the government sector, consumers, industrial sector, public benefit societies, workers and academics."

The Social Responsibility Document (ISO 26000) includes criteria and mechanisms for applying programs and events aimed at realizing the fulfilling of the social responsibility of companies and government and private parties, in addition to criteria of corporate governance, human rights, employment practices and consumer and employee rights and services.

Dr. Abdul Monem pointed out that the UAE and only four other Arab countries (Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain and Morocco) were involved in the preparation of the Document.

Upon being finalized, this new standard - (ISO 26000) - which is expected to be implemented by the 4th quarter of 2009 will be one of the important standards for dealing between global companies.

Mohammad Al Fardan said: "The meeting is a value one. It has helped establish the principles of responsible dealing with employees and the society based on standards that effectively ensure the fulfillment of social responsibility.

"The relationship between corporations and society is a partnership and solidarity. Serving society is for corporations one of the mandatory and obvious items on their agenda," he added.

The implementation of this standard will result in tangible and intangible benefits for corporations that apply such programs that boost the morals of their employees and therefore improve their performance and productivity. The same applies to consumers who will be keen on purchasing the products of or dealing with companies that support social programs.     

The third draft document was voted and approved, something that opens the door for addressing the fourth draft.

Dubai World has been making many social contributions of which the most remarkable was the donation of AED 260 million for the "Dubai Cares" Campaign.

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:
George Geagea,
Copy Editor,
World View Communications,
Dubai World
George.geagea@wvc.ae
+971 4 881 8808

© Press Release 2007