Ras Al Khaimah, 16th May 2012: Al Hamra Golf Club held two golf events which raised funds for We Are Macmillan Cancer Support, on April 20th and May 1st respectively. The tournaments attracted more than 100 golf enthusiasts who gathered together to participate and show their support. The total amount raised is AED 53,930 for ‘We Are Macmillan Cancer Support.

The first golf event was the Greg Smith Macmillan Cup held on April 20th and saw the largest shotgun field to date with 108 golfers and 27 teams. The play-offs took place at the picturesque yet challenging 18 hole Al Hamra Golf Course. The top three teams fought a close match while spectators enjoyed the other fundraising initiatives including an urban auction which took place throughout the night.

On May 1st, Al Hamra Golf Club held their first “Dawn To Dusk Challenge” from 7am to 7pm. This was led by Al Hamra Golf Club’s very own “Fantastic Four” comprising of Simon Mees, General Manager of Al Hamra Golf Club, and three of Al Hama Golf Club’s PGA Professionals being; Andrew Pilfold, Ross McArthur and Karl Rowe.

The Fantastic Four played a vigorous 12 hours of golf, even when temperatures were at its soaring heights. Adidas and Taylormade were the main sponsors for this event.

Simon Mees, General Manger of Al Hamra Golf Club said, “We are always delighted to play our part in supporting a worthwhile cause, such as We Are Macmillan Cancer Support. The event turnout this year was excellent and the “Dawn to Dusk Challenge” was one of the best golf games we’ve ever played.”

He added, “Charity events like these are the highlights on Al Hamra Golf Club’s calendar, each year. Our upcoming ‘Open Stabelford’ tournament is the next big event that we are excited about.”

The Al Hamra Golf Course provides a fun and enjoyable test of golf for the seasoned professional or fledgling enthusiast. Golf at Al Hamra is not just limited to corporate groups and experienced adults. There are a variety of programs that cater to individuals, children, groups and learners, in order to engage interest and practice of the sport. Various packages are offered extending over periods of 4 to 12 weeks. Each of these package’s are designed for players who are seeking to learn or take their game to the next level.

The golf course has been home to many tournaments like The Harradine Cup and the RAK Men’s Open Golf Tournament in the past year.

With the support of the Qatar Ministry of Endowment, Islamic Affairs, Aljazeera Children Channel thousands of students are better equipped to go to school.

Distribution of school bags in Gaza marked the start of “Our Children, Our Future”, a campaign launched by Aljazeera Children Channel, Qatar General Administration of Endowment and ROTA to distribute 80,000 fully equipped school bags to students in eight Arab countries: Palestine, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.

Funded by the Qatar General Administration of Endowment, the campaign aims to help children facing difficult circumstances and living amidst harsh environments or within war or conflict zones, in order to provide them with school bags to encourage them to continue their education as it is the major guarantee to change their real life today and in the future.

The campaign promotes Qatar’s philanthropic reputation and embodies the values of cooperation while emphasizing the status of Aljazeera Children’s Channel as the first choice of children in the Arab world and abroad.

“We are proud of this partnership with the Ministry of Endowment and Aljazeera Children’s Channel. The bags we have distributed through our partner Islamic Relief come in response to the needs of children living in harsh circumstances in Gaza,” said Essa Al Mannai, ROTA Director.

“This first distribution is part of 10,000 bags to be distributed to primary school students in Gaza this year, with the support of Qatar,” said Eng. Moneeb Abo Ghazala, Head of is Islamic Relief delegation to Gaza. “The distribution occurred during a ceremony organized by Islamic Relief under the motto “safe childhood, promising future” on the occasion of Palestinian Child Day, and provided fully equipped school bags for around 1800 orphans.”

Al Mannai went on to highlight the important role of education in accomplishing peace and building bridges, assuring everyone that the goal of this and other ROTA campaigns is to assist in the continuation of education in all circumstances.

“I am so happy because I have enjoyed the entertainment day and received a new bag filled with all I need for school including books, pencils and other materials. I would like to thank all those who remembered me and sent me this precious gift,” said one grateful Gaza student.

ROTA has implemented many educational projects to improve the quality of education in Gaza, through rehabilitation of schools and equipping them with necessary materials and tools, and training teachers, in cooperation with Islamic Relief.

Working under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, ROTA is a non-profit organization which aims to enable local communities to receive the necessary tools for children to gain a quality primary and secondary education, especially children and communities affected by crisis in Asia.

ROTA works continuously to achieve five strategic goals: increasing education opportunities for youth and children in times of crisis, raise the quality level of education in affected areas by providing modern and updated education tools, granting the opportunity of information and expertise exchange among schools to help youth face their reality and global community challenges, and giving youth an opportunity to lead through identifying creative solutions.

May 12, 2012

Aligning to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, RAK Ceramics, the world’s largest ceramic tiles & bathware manufacturing company, hosted a seminar in association with RAK Hospital on controlling Diabesity (Diabetes and Obesity) within its premises for its employees. RAK Ceramics to raise the level of awareness about the risks associated with diabesity, which is growing concern that has affected around 1 billion people globally.       

The company invited senior specialist doctors from RAK Hospital to hold a seminar on health issues relating to diabesity and a presentation was made on “Diabesity- A Reversible Epidemic” which drew the links between diabetes and obesity and the chronic diseases arising from diabesity. The presentation received an overwhelming response from around 150 RAK Ceramics employees who are either suffering from diabesity or have any of their family members suffering from similar illness.

Diabesity is a blend of diabetes with obesity and refers to the looming public health crisis worldwide caused by excessive weight gain. It is mainly the result of poor diet, lifestyle and environmental toxins interacting with our unique genetic susceptibilities. It occurs in about 40% of people of normal weight and 80% of overweight people. 

Diabesity if not controlled can cause heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and possible amputation of limbs, this disease is a killer and we need to fight it head on. Diabesity causes severe health complications and is the fifth leading cause of death world-wide. According to the latest World Health Organization research, studies have shown that more than a quarter of UAE nationals suffer from diabetes. 

“RAK Ceramics has always been at the forefront when it comes to the welfare of its employees and their health concerns are the top-most priority. The alarming statistics of diabesity has made us to create maximum awareness about the risks of Diabesity amongst our employees. Such health-related CSR activities are rewarding because they not only educate our employees but also helps the employees’ families. We believe that such periodic health-related awareness campaign allows our employees to undertake a better lifestyle and avoid health-related concerns,” said Mr. Abdulla Mahmood, GM- Marketing and Corporate Communication, RAK Ceramics.

RAK Ceramics maintains its own modern medical centre within the premises of the company’s headquarters in Ras Al Khaimah. Managed by RAK Hospital, a leading provider of international quality healthcare in Ras Al Khaimah, the medical centre provides free medical services to all employees staying in staff accommodation and those who live outside the company premises.

RAK Ceramics is a USD 1 billion global conglomerate that supplies to over 160 countries and has been officially recognised as the world’s largest ceramic tile manufacturer with a global production output of 117 million square meters. RAK Ceramics offers a comprehensive product portfolio comprising over 8,000 designs in ceramic tiles, Gres Porcellanato, and several models in bath ware. RAK Ceramics has earned distinctions such as the Best Brand of 2010 and CSR Company of 2011 at Middle East Business Leader’s Summit and Awards and recently the CMO Asia’s Best Brand 2011. The company was also honoured by the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) for complying with good governance and transparency according to best international practices. RAK Ceramics has also maintained its Superbrand status for the third consecutive year and continues to be a global pioneer in the world of ceramics through innovative eco-friendly products such as RAK SLIM, 45×45 Wood Collection, Stone Art Collection and Orion Collection using the latest Nanopix digital printing technology. RAK Ceramics is also the founding member of Emirates Green Building Council, which supports the development of sustainable buildings in the UAE.

The Hawaiian themed Arabian Ranches Market Day featured an array of activities including face painting, family games, and other entertainment, in addition to a ‘Best Dressed’ Competition for children, and several residents showcasing various products, and food and beverage for visitors.

The Dubai Marina Art Contest, held at the promenade, recorded enthusiastic participation from the children in Dubai Marina community. The evening also featured an array of family entertainment, food, and activities for children of all ages.

Emaar Community Management regularly organises Community Market Days and other community-focused events to foster a sense of camaraderie among the residents.

Arabian Ranches and Dubai Marina underline Emaar’s commitment to delivering luxurious homes set in tranquil settings, offering residents all amenities including community centres, retail outlets, health & fitness centres and a quality lifestyle.

Held at Media Rotana International, the session featured Cas Khoo, President of Articmaster Inc, USA, as guest speaker. The discussion on ‘Energy Efficient Solutions for Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Systems’ highlighted the different technologies that are currently available to address the massive energy consumption accounted for by the two systems.

Adnan Sharafi, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “It is estimated that air-conditioning and refrigeration systems contribute up to 70 per cent of the total energy load of buildings. Additionally, their operations also contribute to greenhouse gases that cause environmental degradation. Adapting energy-efficient solutions for air-conditioning and refrigeration thus have the twin benefits of saving on energy costs and also helping develop environmentally sustainable built environments.”

He added: “EmiratesGBC is committed to introduce topics that are of great importance to the entire construction sector supply chain. Our networking events have now evolved as dynamic discussion forums that encourage our members as well as other industry stakeholders to take an active role in promoting environmental sustainability in line with the green vision of the UAE.”

In a brief on his topic of discussion, Mr. Khoo said that new patented energy efficiency solutions help to address new as well as installed air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment with retrofits that help to reduce energy consumption. Equipment manufacturers are today using improved technology of compressors, microprocessor controls and BMS to address energy efficiency.

One such energy efficient technology is Dynamic Condenser Control, which improves the efficiency of the condenser and optimizes the refrigerant and can be effectively used for all capacities of air-conditioners and chillers. They help reduce energy consumption by up to 20 per cent, and provides short payback period with long life of the equipment. Overall, such savings will contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change.

The EmiratesGBC networking event was sponsored by GERAB Energy and open to both members and non-members of the Council.

EmiratesGBC regularly hosts and participating in multinational events, conferences and forums. The EmiratesGBC has also developed a suite of activities, inclusive of networking events, technical workshops, focus days and facilitated training based around specific issues related to the built-environment that meet the needs of its members, of the UAE community, and the wider Middle East.

Now in its second year, the three-week campaign will launch on 24 April and feature the participation of more than 5,000 students between the ages of four and nine from a total of 10 schools. The annual event helps school kids to learn basic road safety rules as part of a hands-on experience.

The campaign, entitled “My First License - I Know My Road Rules”, is divided into two sessions.

The first session, which takes place in the classroom with a qualified instructor, teaches children basic road rules and signs with the help of a special road safety booklet.

In the second session, children put what they have learnt into practice by driving pedal cars through a mini road network in the school campus, complete with road signs, zebra crossings, a roundabout and traffic signals. The session begins with a qualified instructor taking the students through an easy-to-understand booklet on road safety rules.

Major General Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen, Director General of Dubai Traffic Department, said, “Road safety education needs to begin at a very young age as these children will one day be motorists on our roads. Our combined efforts will help enhance awareness of the importance of following road rules, and are part of our broader efforts to making roads in the UAE safer.”

Every participant will receive a plastic card that states: “My First License - I Know My Road Rules” endorsed by the Dubai Police. The colorful cards carry the child’s name, photograph, and the name of their school.

“This initiative is to ensure children remain vigilant and aware of their responsibilities as pedestrians and vehicle passengers. We are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety both inside and outside the workplace, and it is our responsibility to share these best practices to those who are more vulnerable and the future users of roads in the UAE,” said Philippe Cabus, Managing Director, Total Marketing Middle East.

Under the overall event theme “The Rainforest”, Qatargas will demonstrate its ongoing commitment to meeting the highest standards of its environmental performance, where Qatargas’ presence is important because the company is a major contributor towards a stable and sustainable income for the State of Qatar and towards the Qatar National Development Strategy (NDS) 2011 - 2016.

This year, in keeping with the event’s theme, Qatargas has developed a modern and futuristic look to its stand. The stand has been designed to highlight the value of environmental awareness and the creation of a sustainable balance between the “built environment” and the “natural world. Architectural shaping and lighting colour are combined to produce imagery symbolic of rainforests merging with a modern green engineered industrial complex.

At the Environment Fair visitors will, at first hand, gain an understanding of how Qatargas continues to reduce its environmental footprint, whilst highlighting the significance of the role rainforests play in storing and processing carbon dioxide - the major greenhouse gas (GHG) - in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels which contribute to the effects of climate change.

Qatargas will also be showcasing its extensive emissions reduction initiatives, including its Jetty Boil off Gas (JBOG) project - a special JBOG kiosk at the stand will demonstrate how the company will reduce flaring, by over 90%, whilst loading LNG and in turn significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Other projects profiled are its pioneering Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy, its flare management and mitigation programme and the company’s significant work in conservation and biodiversity initiatives.

The stand also offers visitors a multi-touch screen which discovery of the rainforest through pictures and videos as well as interactive games and activities. In addition there is also a drawing and display area where children can imagine and draw rainforest scenes and its myriad flora and fauna and post their creations on a wishing tree. Finally an interactive and educational game “clean the world” encourages children to “clean” areas of a large screen to reveal the rainforest underneath.

Commenting on Qatargas; participation in the Fair, Toufik Benmosbah, Chief Operating Officer, Safety, Environmental & Quality (SEQ) stated: “We feel strongly that participating in such projects can play a major role in advancing environmental initiatives. Qatargas is committed to improving its operations to minimise the environmental impact and to meet and where possible, exceed the most stringent governmental regulatory standards.”

James Baldwin, Qatargas’ Environmental Manager noted from the Fair that: “This event provides us with an excellent opportunity to highlight our activities to a public audience of all ages and our stand has been built to provide children and adults with a fun and informative experience, focusing on the importance of environmental protection. The rainforest is the ‘lungs’ of the earth and more we attempt to reduce our emissions from our operations the more in harmony wit the natural atmospheric cycle the rainforests can remain.”

Qatargas’ commitment to the highest standards of environmental performance and pioneering initiatives in environmental protection have received global recognition on several occasions.

Qatargas pioneered the Green Award certification of LNG carriers and in 2011, four Qatargas chartered LNG vessels received the Green Award certification in recognition of their compliance with global environment regulations and safety standards. At the offshore Arabia Conference in 2009, Qatargas won two environmental awards - the ‘Excellence in Environmental Projects and Products’ award for its coral protection plan and the ‘Excellence in Environmental Technology’ award for its cooling sea water pulse chlorination project. In 2008, the coral relocation project won the ‘Environmental Vision in the Energy Sector’ award at the ‘Qatar Today Green Awards’.

For Qatargas 2012 is an important year with the State of Qatar hosting COP 18. In the build up to this event Qatargas will be outlining the key elements of its GHG Strategy and energy efficiency drives.

Welcoming the audience, Eng. Redha Salman, Director of Public Health and Safety spotlighted the efforts of Dubai Municipality in proposing standard specifications and criterion, preparation and updating of stipulations, work guides, health procedures and practices for all types of institutions.

He also shed light to the monitoring and inspection system and said that the civic body regularly confirms the compliance of institutions with approved health terms and conditions and takes necessary actions against violators as per the law.

“Total inspections carried out on the health and related institutions in Dubai amounted to 13850 inspections in 2011, while the total warnings sent to such institutions reached 19413, in addition, the municipality updated the database of salons and clubs in its DUGIS system for the easy monitoring and follow up,” Redha said.

He also pointed out to some wrong practices applied by salons and health institutions in terms of using one-time usage tools, using approved tools and materials as well as keeping the place and tools sterilized all the time.

Clarifying the doubts of dealers, Salman reminded the ban on blending Henna with other chemicals due to the huge health risks by using it, and the ban on using facial towel or shaving set for many customers for shaving.

The salons should use disposable towels and shaving sets and comply with precautionary measures. Health clubs should get approval for dietary supplements used in fitness centres and avoid consuming other unauthorized hormones.

Ms. Zuhoor Al Sabag, Director of Public Health Services Department, welcomed the proposals of clients to improve the services of municipality clinic, particularly the issuance of occupational health card, which is important to the safety and health of customers of salons and health clubs and she said in 2011 the civic body issued 50,000 health cards.

Mrs. Zubaida Al Gayashi , Head of Clinic and Medical Services spoke about Warsan branch project of municipality clinic aiming to reduce the current pressure in receiving visitors.

She also highlighted some services such as mobile clinic and issuance of health fitness certificates for the employees in health institutions.

The master plan calls for the adoption of stringent eco-friendly measures to increase water production in Abu Dhabi and urges government implementation of water policies to reduce wastage.

Dr. Mohamed Dawoud, EAD’s Water Resources Manager, said Abu Dhabi has one of the highest per capita water consumptions in the world, with an average consumption of 550 litres of water per person per day.

“This consumption, combined with the predicted population growth in Abu Dhabi to 3.5 million in 2030, means we could face severe water shortages in the future, and need to rethink about water usage efficiency now,” said Dr. Dawoud.

“The Emirate has witnessed rapid development in the last four decades, resulting in immense pressure on water usage,” he added. “This master plan is an initiative that seeks to implement measures for limiting depletion of natural resources, and at the same time increase water usage efficiency in different sectors, including the agricultural sector.”

“Governments are making efforts to improve water usage efficiency in agriculture through four main pillars - policy and strategy, technologies, legislations and regulations, and education and awareness - to increase the economic value of water and efficient use by farm owners,” he said.

Dr. Dawoud was addressing delegates on the Abu Dhabi government’s approach for improving water use in agriculture and the role of the 2030 Master Plan at the Agribusiness Outlook Forum. The forum is a feature of the AGRA and VET Middle East exhibitions at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition centre, which concludes tomorrow (Wednesday).

He said investment in the latest agricultural technologies and automated irrigation methods, such greenhouses using hydroponic systems, can save up to 40 per cent of water in agriculture, and deliver healthier produce.

“The 2030 master plan was developed with the intention of achieving sustainable utilisation of water resources in an eco friendly way, thereby enhancing sustainable development of Abu Dhabi,” said Dr. Dawoud.

Richard Pavitt, Exhibition Director of AGRA Middle East, and VET Middle East, said, “The 2030 master plan provides an interesting insight into the current water scenario in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and addresses important issues of water supply and also underlines efficient water usage techniques.”

Held under the patronage of His Excellency Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, AGRA Middle East is supported by the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water, Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Flower Centre, and the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech). VET Middle East is officially supported by the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, with scientific support coming from CVR Laboratories.

From 8:30AM to 6:00PM, Alexandria City Centre is set to welcome over 100 orphans from Daawa lel Haya, El Akhlaq El Hasana and Abnaa El Houria. Upon arrival, children will be greeted with branded T-shirts before making their way to the mall’s food court where they will be treated to a filling breakfast from Cookie Man and Juice It. Events scheduled include a trip to Magic Planet and Renaissance Cinemas, as well as an abundance of fun-filled activities courtesy of Belle Beach. Lunch will also be provided to children, and a professional photographer will be on hand to capture magical moments throughout the day.

At Maadi City Centre, over 400 children from Ressala, Food Bank, Masr El Khear, Bank El Shefa and 57357 Cancer Hospital will visit the mall from 10AM to 6PM, where they will receive a warm welcome from staff and be treated to special giveaways such as branded merchandise, toys and ‘Happy Meals’. Handcrafts and colouring workshops, as well as face painting, balloon shaping and exciting puppet shows will also be provided, allowing children to interact with their peers and have fun!

“Alexandria City Centre places great emphasis on CSR activities and we take great pride in our dedication to community outreach,” said Akram Zoheir, Mall Manager for Alexandria City Centre. “It is wonderful to have the opportunity to spend some quality with these children and make them feel as if they are a part of one big family.”

“Maadi City Centre is committed to meaningful, local charitable causes that directly support our surrounding community,” said Mostafa Kholief, Mall Manager for Maadi City Centre. “Acknowledging Orphans’ Day has been a regular occurrence since we began operation. It is a very worthwhile initiative, which we hope demonstrates to our wider community how the simplest of things can bring the greatest of happiness to a child’s day - things many of us can often take for granted.”

In addition to hosting over 500 orphans combined, both Alexandria City Centre and Maadi City Centre have organised a number of fundraising initiatives that will take place throughout the course of the day. Additionally, a donation box will be located in front of Alexandria City Centre’s Mall Entrance 4 from April 1st - April 6th, and charity kiosks will also be located within Maadi City Centre’s Central Galleria on April 6th. All funds raised will ultimately be donated to each individual charity equally.