The CSR Network was launched in March 2004, with the aim of engaging the corporate sector in promoting sustainable development in the UAE. The CSR network also aims to bring into greater focus the local and regional efforts undertaken at the corporate and civil society levels to further the case of CSR in the Middle East. The CSR Network is the only multi-stakeholder forum in the region dedicated to promoting CSR and sharing best practice. Under the slogan “Building Partnerships for a Sustainable Future” our aim is to facilitate exchange of ideas and to forge lasting partnerships across sectors

After having been hosted by the EEG since its inception in 2004, we are proud to report that the CSR Network has outgrown its position within the EEG and is now ready to stand on its own. Under the name of the Arabia CSR Network, we intend to build on our strengths of the past years and continue to expand and improve our outreach, initiatives and programs. Of course, the Arabia CSR Network will continue to enjoy the support of the expertise that the EEG has acquired over the years and pledges to continue to do what it does best; giving our members a platform to share CSR experiences, offer tangible added value through workshops and seminars and facilitate networking opportunities amongst regional CSR leaders.

To date we have 51 government, semi-government and private organizations that are leaders in CSR regionally and globally as our CSR Founding members. These include: ABB; BP; BASF; Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; Dolphin Energy; Dubai Aluminum; McDonalds; Metito; Emaar; Emirates NBD Bank; and Department of Economic Development (Government of Dubai), among others.

We have also documented Best Practice Case studies in CSR from amongst our CSR Founding members. In this second phase, the Network is engaged in developing various tools and resources for CSR, which will include case studies, on-line resource centre and international expertise. Our aim is to have CSR issues within UAE and best practices within the region get projected at a global level.

In the first half of 2009 two workshops have been offered to our CSR Network members so far. Focusing on “Sustainable Business in the current financial climate” and “Human Capital and Sustainability” the workshops were timely and highly relevant to business leaders across the UAE. We continuously bring in more programs that will offer comprehensive perspectives and rich insights that will enable companies here to fully maximize their potential in embedding CSR within their business strategies.

We are pleased to formally invite your organization to join the Arabia CSR Network. As an Arabia CSR Network Member, you will join an exclusive group of organizations that are a driving force of the CSR movement in the UAE.