Dubai police chief urges companies to embrace social responsibility initiatives

Speaking ahead of the first Middle East Corporate Social Responsibility Summit taking place in Dubai later this month, Lt. General Khalfan said: "Companies should make an effort to look beyond the bottom line and include a social and humanitarian perspective to their operations. It is heartening to know that Shell and other large like-minded companies are doing this already, but a lot more needs to be done."

He added: "Undertaking CSR initiatives especially amongst the youth will ultimately benefit the companies as well. Youngsters will begin to associate a company or brand with good causes and will be more inclined to buy the products of these companies when they grow up. In the long term, these companies increase their market share, enhance profitability, at the same time earning their rightful status as good corproate citizens by giving back to the community. "

The Corporate Responsibility Summit organised by Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA) and Shell aims to raise awareness of CSR as an increasingly important business practice and to encourage companies across the region to take responsibility for its actions in the interests of both the community and the future of business itself.

The partnership between Shell and DDIA highlights how the private and public sector can come together to create platforms to encourage and initiate social and community initiatives in the Middle East - a region that boasts one of the highest growth rates in the world.

However, Lt. General Tamim does not exclude the responsibility of the individual since he believes that optimum safety and security can happen only if the individual, the community as a whole and the corporate world work together in tandem.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager, Shell Markets Middle East concurred: "Dubai Police work very hard to ensure a safe and secure environment for the community and the corporate world can play an active and supporting role as part of their corporate social responsibility activities.

"In fact, CSR is at the core of Shell's business principles. In addition to maintaining the highest safety standards in its operations, Shell has initiated several initiatives to partner in the region's social and economic development and progress."

Held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, the Summit has attracted a number of international and regional business leaders from the public and private sectors, government officials and NGOs to discuss best CSR practices and establish a business case for CSR. The three day event will take place at the Dusit Hotel from 25th to 27th April.