CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
16 MEP Middle East | August 2019 http://www.mepmiddleeast.com
environment. It could be argued that in isola-
tion these programmes have obvious limita-
tions. What can one fi rm realistically do to
turn the tide?
But as Universal Group Holding puts it:
“Tiny drops make the ocean.”
As with all worthy causes, external praise
is in hot pursuit.
For three years the Gulf Sustainability and
CSR Awards have recognised corporate social
responsibilty champions from a vast range
of industries.
And earlier this year some 100 fi nalists
across 25 categories were hailed during a
prizegiving ceremony in Dubai. Oxygen in
the form of subsidies, government recogni-
tion and third-party accolades will all help fuel
the adoption of CSR.
And, in time, bosses will realise that such
an investment can work twice – paying divi-
dends not just on the bottom line, but in the
air we breathe and water we drink.References:- https://www.aurecongroup.com/about/
sustainability-aurecon/corporate-social-
responsibility - https://www.csruae.ae/en
- http://ugc.ae/social-responsibility
Its strategy is moulded around the belief
that by stimulating an interest in STEM sub-
jects – science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics – at a young age, Aurecon can
help incubate the creation of “vibrant and sus-
tainable economies.”
“Aurecon and its people embrace the phi-
losophy of giving back to the community by
encouraging proactive involvement in the
company’s multiple corporate social invest-
ment initiatives,” the fi rm says.
“We understand each community’s needs
are unique, so our programmes encompass
different aims.
“Our profession enables our people to
contribute in the most practical and effec-
tive ways by providing input into community
development and infrastructure in needy
areas around the globe.”
Of course, mankind has a duty not only to
ser ve itself, but Mother Nature, too.
Universal Group Holding LLC, which
provides a gamut of electrical and mechani-
cal engineering services, carries out that
duty with pride.
Green-fi ngered staff are responsible for
the planting of Mangrove seedlings in Abu
Dhabi’s Saadiyat Lagoon District, an initiative
that will grow to support a vital ecosystem,
underpinning the health of the local naturalEmployees are expecting more and more from their employers as the corporate social responsibility movement takes root.TRAINING
Serco Middle East has announced plans
to continue to invest in the employment
and development of UAE national talent
during 2019.
The ethos complements a series of
initiatives and training programmes
Serco has been offering to help create
a generation of highly qualifi ed, future
Emirati leaders.
One such initiative is the Al Masar
Programme, which was launched in 2017
to equip UAE nationals with advanced
leadership skills.
Phil Malem, CEO Serco Middle East
(below), said: “Serco is passionate about
hiring, developing, and retaining UAE
citizens, giving them fair and equal op-
portunity to fulfi l their career ambitions.
“A lot of work has gone into building
a greater presence of nationals in our
organisation, particularly in leadership
roles, with the intention of having the right
leaders to operate and manage Serco’s
Middle East business in the future.”
The Ministr y of Human Resources and
Emiratisation (MOHRE) has recognised
the efforts by awarding Serco Platinum
membership in the Tawteen Programme,
the National Programme for Emiratisation.
Serco plans to roll out the Al Masar
Programme, along with other national
development programmes, in Saudi next
year.
“Our Platinum membership in
MOHRE’s National Program for Emirati-
sation has allowed us to further boost our
presence in the local market and has ena-
bled us to intensify our working relations
with the UAE government,” Malem added.
“Serco’s unwavering support for the
UAE government’s overarching Emira-
tisation policy is in line with the UAE Vi-
sion 2021 national agenda, which has set
a clear roadmap for the UAE’s
transition into a knowledge-
based economy.
“At Serco, we are
constantly reviewing and
enhancing our recruit-
ment methods and
training programs
to ensure seam-
less integration of
Emiratis into our
workforce.”Serco Middle East
makes commitment
to national talent