Finding sustainable, less polluting transport for the UAE was a major theme at the 2006 Shell Better Environment Awards. Children from more than one hundred local schools took part.
A world-first project for enhanced oil recovery in Oman has won Shell's EPM Award for Excellence 2006. The awards are designed to recognise those who have achieved significant business results while working with Shell's Enterprise First Mindset.
Shell is continuing its strategy of developing high-quality, environmentally friendly oil products, with a new deal to supply lubricants to Mercedes-Benz in the UAE. Quentin Freddie D'Silva, GM, Shell Middle East & Africa says that Shell also takes cradle-to-grave responsibility for its products, ensuring that all waste oil is disposed of in an appropriate way.
Shell is strongly committed to social responsibility, with programmes ranging from education and women's development to environmental awareness. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager, Shell Dubai says that CSR helps bridge many cultural and social issues by building better relationships with governments, stakeholders and the local community.
Shell has announced the winners of its Better Environment Awards, aimed at encouraging interest in environmental issues. Categories included field study, awareness, and atmospheric pollution. The standard of entries was extremely high, with one student even getting a patent for her work.
Shell is a key sponsor of the first International Entrpreneurship Forum & Exhibition, being held in Dubai in May. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager, Shell Dubai, explains why the company is committed to supporting leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
Developing a diverse workforce can be a huge competitive advantage for any company. Iman Hill, Chairwoman, Shell Egypt, compares the different ways to achieve this, from imposing quotas to encouraging a deeper and more sustainable cultural change.
The third Emirates Businesswomen Award, run by Dubai Quality Group and Shell, aims to recognise and celebrate the women of the UAE, and inspire the women of tomorrow to realise their full potential. Iman Hill, Chairwoman, Shell Egypt, explains how she shares Shell's values and emphasis on workforce diversity.
Shell Middle East is actively promoting women to senior positions, setting a trend for other regional companies to follow. Heer Masand, Inbound Logistics & Base Oil Manager for Shell Middle East & South Africa, says young women may find they have to work hard to get ahead, but there is no reason they can't succeed and reach an equal footing with men.
An inclusive culture is critical in today's business world, to harness the full value of a diverse workforce. Iman Hill, Chairwoman, Shell Egypt, praises her company for its flexibility and support for women employees. She advises other young businesswomen to have courage and be true to themselves.
Stimulating innovation and creativity among employees is a major part of Shell's leadership strategy. Shell is currently sponsoring the prestigious Leaders in Dubai conference. Floris Ansingh, President & CEO of Shell Saudi Arabia, describes his leadership philosophy and experience of the Middle East.
In his new role as New Business Director for Shell Middle East, Dr Gavin Graham hopes to build long-term relationships with regional oil companies, governments and local communities. Entering new markets such as Libya is a key aim for Shell. Dr Graham believes that gaining a deep understanding of local needs and culture is critical when carrying out business in the region.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan set up The Global Compact in 1999 when he saw that globalisation was widening the rich-poor gap. Today the organisation works with businesses all over the world, helping them reconcile their creativity with the needs of the disadvantaged. Shell was one of the founder companies involved and remains a very strong supporter today.
CSR is not only good in a moral sense - it also makes excellent business sense, strengthening brands and increasing customer loyalty. Salem Bin Dasmal, Deputy Director General for the Dubai Development & Investment Authority (DDIA), outlined the benefits of CSR at the recent summit in Dubai.
"Managing your business in a responsible way, having respect for the environment and for people." That was the definition of Corporate Social Responsibility given by Ron Van Den Burg, CEO & Chairman of Shell Dubai, in his keynote speech at the first Middle East CSR Summit. More than thirty experts from around the world met in the UAE to discuss the growing importance of CSR.