Dubai Responsible Business Dialogue 2009
The Dubai Responsible Business Dialogue 2009 is a Success!
The first Dubai Responsible Business Dialogue was held on the 27th April 2009 at the Murooj Rotana Hotel. It was a resounding success and was received enthusiastically by the business community. The hall was filled to capacity. The speakers gave informative and passionate presentations about their views on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the necessity of implementing CSR practices for the continued success of Dubai. Speakers included:

  • Hisham Al Sherawi, Vice Chairman, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Hamad Buamim, Director General Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • H.E. Mohammed Al Shihhi, Director General, Ministry of Economy
  • Mohammad Bakar Al Harthy, Chief Executive Officer of Society Benefits, Community Development Authority (CDA)
  • Yayha Bin Saeed Al-Lootah, Vice Chairman of the S.S. Lootah Group and CEO of S.S. Lootah Contracting
  • Peter Lambert, Deputy CEO of Business in the Community (BITC) UK
  • Kerstin Born, Executive Director of CSR Europe

The panel discussions in the CEO Dialogues in the afternoon were informative and constructive with a focus on encouraging feedback from the audiences. The panels for each sector comprised of key CEOs and were moderated by local and international experts. The outcomes of the CEO Dialogues for the finance, real estate/construction, supply chain and health care industries will help CRB better serve the Dubai business community through a more tailored outreach. The Dubai Chamber Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) achieved eight goals with the Dubai Responsible Business Dialogue:

  • Presented a CSR conference that was completely different from past CSR conferences in Dubai because it was Business-led and outcome focused
  • Highlighted CSR as a comprehensive business strategy with vivid UAE expression (a framework for CSR in Dubai, rooted in our unique environment)
  • Stressed the support of the business community and leadership (Ministry of Economy and Community Development Authority) for business CSR initiatives
  • Built upon the CRBs existing partnerships with Business in the Community (BITC) UK and Hawkamah/Mudara Institute of Directors
  • Highlighted the reality of on the ground of CSR in Dubai
  • Emphasized the CRBs role in supporting businesses to implement CSR
  • Brought CRB closer to the business community through direct engagement and feedback from industry Business Groups
  • Launched new business collaborations that expressly serve the needs of strategic sectors

Also, we would like to extend a special thank you to our chairperson, Bill Foster, Executive Director, Mudara Institute of Directors who masterfully led the discussions and imparted his insights throughout the day. We hope that the Dubai Responsible Business Dialogue 2009 inspired all who attended to continue to develop and define CSR in the region to help make Dubai the city of the century.

Next Steps to Launch Business Collaborations

CRB will review the conference outcomes and plan together with the Business Groups to move the most promising and necessary business collaborations forward. We rely on the continued support input of the business community to make these new collaborations successful. CRB will keep the business community updated on our collective progress through the CRBs newsletter and website. Would your company like to participate in the business collaborations for the finance, real estate/construction, supply chain and health care industries? If so, please contact Gillian Foster at +971 04 202 8389 or Gillian.foster@dubaichamber.ae.

Dubai Responsible Business 2009 Speeches and Presentations

All rights reserved. None of the material may be used or copied without written permission. If you would like to use any of the conference material, please contact Gillian Foster on +971 04 202 8389.

Dubai Chamber Responsible Business Dialogue on
Agenda
Morning Session Presentations (by name)
CEO Dialogue Presentations (by industry)