Tag:

social

Landmark Group calls for participation in annual Beat Diabetes walk

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

Retail and hospitality conglomerate Landmark Group has called for participation in the 14th edition of the annual Beat Diabetes walk.

Set to take place at Za’abeel Park, Dubai, on Sunday, February 18, the event is a collaborative effort between the private sector, government entities, and not-for-profit organisations.

The event will feature an optional 2km walk beginning at 8 AM, alongside sports and edutainment activities for participants and their children until 1 PM.

Landmark Group noted that the UAE currently has one of the world’s highest rates of diabetes, with rates expected to increase to 21.4 percent by 2030.

Further, it is projected that one billion people globally may be affected by diabetes by 2050.

As such, the event serves as a platform for proactive health initiatives in response to escalating diabetes rates.

It was noted that over the years, organising 13 Beat Diabetes Walks has seen walks attended by over 150,000 participants and 550,000 free blood glucose tests conducted. Further, it has reached 30,000 children through various programs and established over 100 partnerships with private and public sector organisations.

All proceeds from the charity event will be directed towards the treatment of diabetes through the Al Jalila Foundation, a UAE-based not-for-profit organisation established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, it was shared.

Speaking about the event’s mission, Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director, Landmark Group, said: “By embracing healthy lifestyle choices as families and communities, we not just act to prevent diabetes but also foster overall well-being. ‘Step Into a Healthier Tomorrow’ is the key focus that we would like to promote through the 14th edition of Beat Diabetes to emphasise the vital role of instilling healthy habits in empowering the next generation.”

“We are grateful to all our partners Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Municipality, Al Jalila Foundation, Lions Clubs International, Aster DM Healthcare, Eucerin, Mashreq, PWC, Allied Transport Company and Dubai Insurance for their unwavering support and belief in this initiative.”

Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, commented: “It is an incredible initiative and aligns with our overall vision to encourage a healthy lifestyle and adopt necessary preventative measures against lifestyle diseases like diabetes. With Aster joining as the health and wellness partner, we want to educate people to take measures that are easily accessible today. Diabetes is a silent killer and we want people to not let the disease hamper their life. The power of awareness, the power of knowledge, the power of modification and the power of support is our pledge to you. Individuals attending the event would have an opportunity to undertake a free diabetes test at the Aster zone.”

1 year ago 0 comments

Dulsco Group and Dubai Municipality team up for ‘An hour with the cleaner’ initiative

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

Dubai-based – Dulsco Group teamed up with Dubai Municipality ahead of the UAE’s 27th National Environment Day on 4 February 2024 for Dubai Municipality’s “An Hour with the Cleaner” initiative.

A total of 170 volunteers came together for a clean-up of the Flamingo Lake in Al Qudra in support of Dubai Municipality’s ‘An Hour with the Cleaner’ initiative.

The volunteers represented nine entities, including Coca-Cola, Choithrams, Dow Chemical IMEA GmbH (Dubai Branch), Expo City Dubai, Pullman Hotel Sharjah, Slices Catering Services, and Next Generation School, who worked alongside 70 volunteers from Dulsco Group and Dubai Municipality.

More than 100 bags of waste, containing 20 per cent of general waste and 80 per cent of recyclables, were collected and picked up by Dulsco’s Recycling Bus before being sent to Dulsco Environment’s Material Recovery Facility for further sorting, treatment and processing.

“We are so proud that so many have joined the Dubai Municipality and Dulsco Group teams in our clean-up efforts in the Al Qudra area today. We are seeing an increasing number of people and organisations taking a keen interest in preserving the environment and donating their time to ensure its protection and preservation, so that people can enjoy the emirate’s flora and fauna and diversity of landscape,” said John Grainger, Chief Operating Officer of Dulsco Environment.

“Dulsco Group has been an active partner of the initiative, which continues to highlight the consistent attention and care placed by Dubai’s leadership on the environment, since 1997. Supported by like-minded entities, corporations and individuals who are dedicated to preserving the environment, initiatives like this help everybody to play their part, so the environment is protected today for the generations of tomorrow,” he added.

1 year ago 0 comments

Latest News Social

Zayed Award for Human Fraternity shares 2024 honorees

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has shared its 2024 honorees, including Indonesian organisations Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah; Egyptian world-renowned cardiac surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub; and Chilean grassroots leader Sister Nelly Leon Correa.

These honorees were elected by an independent judging committee and highlighted for their efforts in tackling complex societal challenges and “promoting peaceful coexistence and solidarity among humanity at the international and grassroots levels.”

Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, are Indonesia’s largest Islamic organisations, with more than 190 million members, and have established educational institutions, hospitals, and poverty alleviation projects.

Meanwhile, world-renowned cardiac surgeon, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub, is being honored for his efforts enabling life-saving medical care to those most in need, including vulnerable populations.

Sister Nelly Leon Correa, known as “Mother Nelly,” is the President and Co-Founder of Fundación Mujer Levántate (Woman Standing Up Foundation), an organisation that focuses on supporting incarcerated women, offering comprehensive support during their time in prison, and aiding their reintegration into society.

It was shared that nearly 94 per cent of program participants remain conviction-free within two years of release.

The recipients will be recognised during an award ceremony on February 5, 2024, at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, which will be broadcast across local TV channels and on the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity YouTube channel: Zayed Award for Human Fraternity – YouTube.

Speaking about the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, Secretary-General of Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, said: “In the leadup to International Day of Human Fraternity, we have three honorees who truly exemplify the values of the Document. The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity judging committee is privileged to announce this year’s honorees who have championed values of human fraternity, acting as beacons of hope within their communities. Each of the honorees have upheld the noble vision for a more peaceful world and we will ensure this recognition helps accelerate efforts in their respective fields.”

1 year ago 0 comments

Innovation & Education Latest News Social

Du achieves 81% rating in Glint’s Culture & Employee Engagement Index

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has announced that it has reached an 81 per cent worldwide rating in Glint’s Culture & Employee Engagement Index survey

Glint, is a technology company from LinkedIn that provides employee engagement and people development solutions.

du’s results on the index place the company in the top 25 per cent among global technology sector performers and in the top 10 per cent worldwide.

du shared that some of the strategies that helped it achieve this figure include its headquarters design, delayering its organisational structure, and promoting a progressive people-centric culture.

The company also highlighted the development of its comprehensive feedback mechanisms, revamping spot awards, and promoting frequent recognition and employee involvement.

Engagement Ambassadors have also been appointed who are responsible for driving the engagement agenda.

Other initiatives include the Emirati Majlis and the New Graduate Trainee Program, which provide opportunities for career advancement and personal development, and training programmes for all employees at various career stages to encourage them to strengthen their areas of expertise, build new skills and create their learning and development paths.

Speaking about this, Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at du, said: “At du, we firmly believe that a high-performing organization is built upon an engaged and empowered workforce. Employee engagement is vital to fulfilling our business objectives, and we place great emphasis on measuring and enhancing it. We strive to be the employer of choice for top talent, with our leadership consistently introducing transformative strategies to foster a work environment that nurtures growth, encourages innovation, and values our employees’ contributions. By cultivating inclusivity and empowerment, we enable our talented workforce to provide exceptional services to our valued customers.”

1 year ago 0 comments

Latest News Social

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel earns Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) status

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel has become the first Jumeirah property to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) status, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

CAC designation is awarded to organisations that deliver a welcoming environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and their families.

This effort aligns with Dubai’s city-wide initiative, led by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), to establish the city as the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Granted by IBCCES, this certification is awarded to communities offering a selection of autism-certified accommodations, leisure, and entertainment options to create an inclusive environment for autistic guests and individuals with sensory sensitivities.

The certification process sees hotel staff undergo training on autism and sensory awareness, while an on-site assessment is also conducted to develop sensory guides — a tool designed to enhance the guest experience by providing essential information about specific facilities and locations in the hotel.

These guides include details regarding lighting, noise, and other sensory inputs, empowering guests with the information they need before entering these areas.

Speaking about the certification, Andy Cuthbert, General Manager of Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, said: “The autism certification holds immense importance for Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. It signifies our continuous effort to create an environment where empathy, understanding, and inclusivity are paramount. It’s about fostering an atmosphere where every guest, including those on the autism spectrum, feels supported and valued throughout their experience.”

Meanwhile, Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman, said: “Jumeirah Creekside Hotel’s achievement marks a significant step in Dubai’s journey toward becoming a more accessible and inclusive destination. As the inaugural Jumeirah property to receive the Certified Autism Center™ designation, the hotel not only sets a model for others in the city, but also contributes to redefining hospitality standards. We hope this accomplishment will spark inspiration among fellow Jumeirah properties, urging them to join this movement and make meaningful contributions to Dubai’s mission of creating a more accessible and inclusive environment.”

1 year ago 0 comments

Latest News Social

Kitopi and Careem partner for rent-relief campaign

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

Regional multi-service app Careem and multi-brand restaurant Kitopi have partnered to cover a full year’s rent for one customer.

The campaign, the two outlined, was aimed at helping to tackle the challenge of rising rent prices in Dubai.

Running from December 8th to December 17th, through the campaign, customers ordering from over 50 Kitopi restaurants available on Careem Food had the opportunity to win a year’s rent coverage capped at AED 100,000.

Participating restaurants included Zaroob, Pizzaro, Chin Chin, and Right Bite.

The winning order was a ‘Thai Red Chicken Curry’ from UNDER500.

The winner secured AED 65,000 in rent coverage from Kitopi – the value of her lease agreement. Her rent, it was shared, had risen by AED 15,000 in 2023.

“I was in shock when I got the phone call telling me I’d won. It really is a life-changing opportunity. As with many others in Dubai, I have been feeling the strain of the recent rent hikes. Winning the prize has taken a huge amount of pressure off myself and definitely given me a sense of relief and security going into the new year”, said Sian, the campaign winner.

Speaking about the campaign, Jaskaran Singh, VP of Food at Careem, commented: “Dubai’s rising rent prices have been a frequent topic of conversation in 2023 and into 2024, with many residents forced to consider downsizing or moving to new neighborhoods. When our long-standing partner Kitopi approached us with an incredibly generous campaign to cover a customer’s rent for one year, we jumped on board immediately.”

“We’re grateful to Kitopi for giving us the opportunity to help make such a meaningful impact on the lives of one of our customers. We hope that Sian will be able to channel these savings into something truly meaningful for her and her family or friends.”

George Choufany, MD of Kitopi, UAE, added: “At Kitopi, we believe in the power of community support. Teaming up with Careem for this rent-relief campaign is a testament to our collective commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of our customers. Congratulations to Sian, the campaign winner, and we are thrilled to have played a part in
creating joy for Dubai residents. Kitopi remains dedicated to fostering initiatives that contribute to the well-being of our community, and we look forward to continuing to serve and support in innovative ways.”

1 year ago 0 comments

Innovation & Education Latest News

Twenty per cent of EGA UAE National trainee appointments are women, company shares

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has announced that 20 per cent of its UAE National trainees are now women.

This figure comes in the first full year after the company opened its long-standing technical training programmes to women.

EGA’s National Training Programmes develop high school leavers for technical roles.

While 5,000-plus men have graduated from these programmes since they were first established in 1982, the first women joined the programmes in November 2022.

In total, the company employs 470 women in the UAE, including more than 160 in operations.

It shared that it aims to increase the proportion of supervisory positions in the UAE held by women to 25 per cent by 2025 and is targeting 15 per cent of all roles at EGA being held by women by 2026.

EGA’s National Training Programmes last between six months and three years, providing theoretical and on-the-job training to work in EGA’s smelters, power plants, desalination plants or maintenance.

EGA hired a total of 75 national trainees for its technical programmes in 2023.

Further, it shared that it hired around 120 UAE Nationals in 2023 in total, including 37 women.

Speaking about this, Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “As a UAE industrial champion, we recognise our role in developing strong local talent, with particular focus on women, to achieve our bold aspiration to be the industrial employer of choice by 2030. We will continue to prioritise both Emiratisation and gender diversity as we secure the people we need to grow our business and contribute to our nation’s sustainable economic development for decades to come.”

The company noted that while, by the end of 2023, EGA’s in-focus Emiratisation rate was 42.6 per cent, it now aims to accelerate in-focus Emiratisation, targeting that the number of UAE Nationals rises as a proportion of the in-focus workforce by two per cent every year to reach 48 per cent by 2026.

It shared that this means it expects to hire up to 500 UAE Nationals over the next three years, including replacements for staff turnover and company growth.

EGA also recruited 30 graduate trainees in 2023, including a majority of 17 women in the cohort. Graduate trainees complete 18 or 24 months of training for supervisory positions in corporate functions or in industrial operations.

Over 1,200 UAE Nationals work at EGA, and over 700 of EGA’s Emirati employees are under the age of 35.

EGA cooperates with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Department of Government Enablement and Dubai Government Human Resources Department in recruiting young UAE Nationals for some of the company’s National Training programmes.

1 year ago 0 comments

Environment Food Latest News

PepsiCo Egypt celebrates the fourth harvest season of potatoes through the “She Feeds the World” program

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

PepsiCo Egypt recently celebrated the fourth harvest season of the potato crop, as part of the “She Feeds the World” program.

The program began back in 2020, a collaboration with the Ministry of Social Solidarity and the CARE Egypt Foundation, supported by PepsiCo Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm.

The program aims to empower rural women in the agricultural sector, foster self-sufficiency and economic empowerment, as well as improve the living conditions of citizens and developing the rural community.

PepsiCo Egypt shared that it aims to support 390,000 individuals by empowering 10,000 female farmers in the governates of Beheira, Giza, Minya, and Beni Suef through the program.

The current season saw a development in the program’s framework in terms of the quality of crops, with an expansion of the scope of work to include a larger number of beneficiaries.

“The female farmers participating in the “SFtW” program successfully overcame numerous challenges and obstacles, which empowered them to become entrepreneurs, having demonstrated their competence in the agricultural sector by successfully completing the full work cycle of producing high-quality potatoes. This encompassed acquiring seeds, cultivating the crops, and selling them to various suppliers, including one of the main suppliers of Chipsy Egypt,” the company said.

Mohamed Shelbaya, CEO of PepsiCo Egypt & North Africa, commented: “In Egypt, we are implementing one of the largest agricultural programs in PepsiCo Global, through which we cultivate 40,000 acres. Our plan in Egypt aims to achieve 100% of our direct potato supply with 100% Egyptian hands, in line with the global guidelines for sustainable farming practices (SFP). We are proud that over 90% of the potatoes we produce in Egypt are from sustainable sources. As for the “SFtW”, we have achieved more than 106% of the targeted beneficiaries of the program, reaching over 413,176 beneficiaries compared to the planned target of 390,000 individuals.”

The program also supported the highest number of women managing land themselves this year, reaching a total of 148 female farmers.

Further, through the “SFtW” economic empowerment program, a total of 1,955 women have been trained to access new income-generating opportunities, and 1,029 women have been integrated into value chains of artichokes, okra, grapes, and potatoes.

Additionally, 14,627 women have joined the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) out of the targeted 10,000 women.

The program, it was shared, has also provided training to female farmers on agricultural practices and best irrigation practices through field business development schools established by CARE Egypt Foundation, working on demonstration fields for modern irrigation systems.

As a result, 624.95 million litres of water have been saved in Minya governorate so far.

1 year ago 0 comments

Latest News Social

Successful retinoblastoma eye treatment performed on three-year-old boy from Gaza at Tawam Hospital

by Madaline Dunn 1 year ago

written by Madaline Dunn

The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), a subsidiary of PureHealth – the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, has announced that Tawam Hospital has successfully treated a three-year-old boy from Gaza who was suffering from a retinoblastoma tumour.

SEHA shared that the young boy underwent a special assessment plan with targeted interventions following medical examinations and advanced diagnostic procedures. This included an eye examination under anaesthesia using a brain and orbit MRI.

The paediatric oncology and ophthalmology teams at Tawam Hospital closely collaborated to treat the boy with systemic chemotherapy while awaiting definitive ocular treatments.

As part of a comprehensive follow-up plan, the boy will require regular eye check-ups under general anaesthesia to assess his retina.

The follow-up sessions will serve to monitor his progress and assess the need for potential intraocular and systemic chemotherapy treatments.

Speaking about the treatment, Saeed Jaber Al Kuwaiti, Group Chief Executive Officer of SEHA, said: “The success of the complex retinoblastoma tumour management at Tawam Hospital is a testimony of PureHealth’s and SEHA’s commitment to providing world-class, patient-centered care at its facilities. The condition required urgent attention, more so given the age of the child and the risks of metastases.”

Al Kuwaiti added: “The success of the therapeutic approach reinforces the diagnostic and surgical excellence across the SEHA’s network and the dedication of our paediatric oncology and ophthalmology teams. Under the leadership of PureHealth, we are committed to deliver the highest standards of healthcare as part of our mission to ensure people’s health and longevity.”

1 year ago 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts