Nakheel and BSC promote health and safety with launch of a new international award

This is the first time in the award's history that the organiser, the BSC, has welcomed a sponsor.

At the prestigious awards ceremony held in London, Nakheel launched in association with the BSC the inaugural 'BSC-Nakheel International Award in Business Sustainability'.

Nakheel's Managing Director, Design and Development, Abdulrahman Kalantar presented the award to Tata Chemicals, the organisation that achieved the highest rating on a 5-star environmental audit in the last 12 months.

Nakheel has been working closely with the BSC via its office in Dubai and by establishing this international co-operation both organisations aim to raise the profile of health and safety across all industries.

Abdulrahman Kalantar said:

"It was a personal pleasure for me to present the first 'BSC-Nakheel International Award in Business Sustainability' as I believe it is important to recognise the great achievements of other companies from around the world and their efforts in improving health and safety. We are very pleased to be working closely with the BSC as they share with us the same dedication and commitment to improve on a global scale."

Brian Nimick, The British Safety Council CEO, said: "This year is the 50th anniversary of the International Safety Awards and the first time in the award's history that we have welcomed a sponsor. We are delighted to have Nakheel, a world leading visionary developer, as our inaugural sponsor of the awards and honoured to have had Mr Kalantar here in London to present the award."

Nakheel's involvement in the 2008 awards is indicative of the company's dedication to sustainable and responsible development, exemplified by the ground breaking Blue Communities initiative launched in January 2008; a project designed to stimulate research and debate to safeguard the future of costal communities the world over.

Wayne J Harris, Nakheel General Manager, Corporate Health and Safety, said: "As a leading organisation it is Nakheel's vision to raise and promote the highest standards in occupational health and safety, and by participating in this prestigious event with the BSC it has allowed us to contribute to the international community and reflects our ongoing commitment to health and safety in sustainable developments."

Nakheel unveiled its new Health, Safety, Quality & Environment (HSQE) accredited training centre in January this year which is aimed at bringing improvements in HSQE management practices not only in Dubai and the UAE, but internationally.

A range of courses is offered by respected international organisations at the centre, including the BSC.