Dubai Airport Free Zone wins Arabia CSR Award

"We are delighted to have won this prestigious award in recognition of our company's and employees' commitment to the CSR altruism and compassion that has contributed towards making an impact on the local community in which we operate."

said Ibrahim Mohammed Hassan, Director of Human Capital, Dubai Airport Free Zone.

"The CSR initiative forms part of Dubai Airport Free Zone's agenda and we have a sound CSR policy in place that serves as a reference point to guide stakeholders, including all employees, on the elements that drive the conduct of our business and relationships." he said.

He noted that the CSR policy at Dubai Airport Free Zone was not simply a common do-gooders' slogan, but an actual practice that Dubai Airport Free Zone has implemented as part of a positive business model to retain clients and employees through actions that reach out to the community and help nurture a positive work place atmosphere.

"We have made significant contributions to supporting our community through organizing a number of CSR initiatives, for instance the paintings and craft products exhibition and auction for the benefit of children with special needs from the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, participation in Dubai Cares Campaign, Clean The World campaign and donation for earthquake victims in Pakistan in 2007." Mr. Hassan said.

Being considered as one of the most significant searches for CSR best practice in the region, the Awards witnessed tremendous response from all sectors of corporate organizations across the entire Gulf Cooperation Council; representing diverse sectors ranging from construction, retail, food and beverage to consultancy and logistics.

From all the entries, only 40 companies were shortlisted for evaluation by an elite panel of international experts. Dubai Airport Free Zone won the honors and the distinction of being the winners of the first cycle of the Arabia CSR Awards.

The award entries were classified under small, medium and large categories and were judged by an international panel which was headed by Dr. Michael Hopkins, Managing Director of MHC International Ltd, who is an economist specializing in Labour Market issues and CSR in Emerging Markets; and included Dr. Gracia S. Ugut, Associate Dean of the Asian Institute of Management; and Dr. Vijay Rao, EHSQ and CSR specialist of Det Norske Veritas.

Established in 1996, the Dubai Airport Free Zone is home to nearly 1,500 multinational companies from various sectors.

With flexible operations processes that meet client demands, the Free Zone makes up a vibrant community of some of the biggest international companies.

Companies at the Free Zone enjoy 100% tax exemption, 100% ownership rights, and easy access to airport facilities, rapid cargo clearance and availability of competitively priced multinational talent in a cosmopolitan city. Leading companies located at the zone include Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Airbus, Isuzu, HTC, Benq, Victoria's Secret, Boeing and LaCie.