Dubai: Out of hundreds of entries, 29 organisations were honoured for their sustainability practices in the 11th Arabia CSR Awards on Thursday in Ras Al Khaimah.
The event was attended by Shaikh Salem Bin Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman, Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah.
Applications to the awards in 2018 were submitted by organisations from 10 Arab countries, representing 39 sectors. Among the applicants were regional industry leaders, global players, local businesses, SMEs and start-ups. From the 108 of organisations that applied this year, 29 made the final cut.
Winners in the ‘Large’ organisations category were Emirates Transport and GPIC. In the ‘Public Sector’ category, the winners were Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Dubai Customs.
A panel of six judges of the awards deemed the organisations as the most sustainability-oriented entities in the region. The winners, through a comprehensive online application and supporting documents, were required to prove their performance in areas of environmental management, social and governance practices, responsible growth and more. Governmental bodies, public and private sector companies, social enterprises and non-profits of all sizes feature among the finalists.
Twelve size-based and sector-specific awards categories look for a range of organisations to participate in the annual awards. The criteria of the awards is based on global benchmarks such as the UN Global Compact Principles, the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and the European Foundation for Quality Management model.
Arabia CSR Network President and CEO Habiba Al Marashi said: “For the past decade and more, we have put in every effort to make it the most modern and relevant CSR/sustainability awards, fit to attract organisations across the Arab world. The evolving nature of the awards makes it a platform that keeps up with changing trends and emerging issues. We started with three categories in 2008, and we now have 12 categories, with the addition of a new category, Healthcare, in this cycle. We will seek to consistently improve the experience of our applicants throughout the process of applying to the awards.”
Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO, Enoc, said: “The Arabia CSR Awards is the Arab region’s premiere CSR and Sustainability accolade, renowned for its emphasis on recognising stellar practices in driving corporate social responsibility initiatives. As a leading energy player, we have always played an active role in developing a robust CSR strategy and have forged key partnerships with various entities to create awareness on environmental sustainability. It is a true honour for us to participate in an event that recognises Enoc’s commitment towards CSR initiatives to serve our community as well as the environment.”
