Dubai Chamber receives Omani Chamber delegation

As part of its efforts to consolidate cooperation ties with the various GCC chambers of commerce, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry received a high profile delegation from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry to exchange expertise, knowledge and best practices in the areas of human resources and corporate social responsibility. 

The delegation which also included leading Omani business leaders was led by Sahar Al Kaabi, Board Member of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and was received by Mr. Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Director, Commercial Services Sector, and Mr. Essa Ali Al Zaabi, Senior Vice-President, Institutional Support Sector, Dubai Chamber. 

Mr. Nasib apprised the visiting delegation with Dubai Chamber’s efforts in the area of corporate social responsibility, both at the staff level as well as its customer base from the private sector. He pointed out that these practices are in line with the Dubai Government’s directives of creating a better society based on excellence and a sense of responsibility towards the environment as the Chamber makes it a point to share its sustainability initiatives and encourages other organisations to realise the benefits of greener buildings in the country and the region. 

Highlighting the Chamber’s internal initiatives, Mr. Nasib informed that there were a number of water and energy saving projects in practice as besides running highly efficient mechanical and electrical equipment the Chamber strongly implements a solid waste recycling programme, has adopted many simple initiatives like turning off lights and air conditioners after working hours while making use of light and water sensors, reduction of lift loads and raising employee awareness about reduced use of water and energy. 

We also make use of condensate water from air-conditioning for use in the water fountain area, reuse grey water for landscaping and toilet system and provide VIP parking for staff and free valet parking for visitors using fuel efficient vehicles, added Mr. Nasib. 

The Senior Director of Commercial Services Sector further stated that the Chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business since its inception has been working hard to promote responsible business in the UAE. The Centre not only assists Dubai Chamber members to apply responsible business practices that enhance performance and competitiveness but also offers a variety of educational, professional training and consulting services that are designed to build individual companies' capacity to implement broad CSR programs in line with the Chamber’s initiative. 

He also informed the delegates about the number of business councils and business groups numbering 43 and 27 respectively and operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chamber and how the Chamber is playing a pivotal role in serving as a conduit between the private and public sectors while putting across the issues faced by businesses to the concerned government authorities. 

On his part, Mr. Al Zaabi spoke about the various human resources initiatives introduced and implemented by the Chamber in line with the training and development needs of the employees as well as offering them long-term growth and career advancement. 

He further stressed that the Chamber pays a lot of attention to honing the skills of its employees and to provide them with an ideal working environment which in turn enhances their productivity and creativity as the Chamber realizes that its employees are its real assets and are a very effective tool in serving the multinational business community of Dubai. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, the visiting delegation was shown the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) trophy placed at the Chamber headquarter which is the Arab world’s first existing and most environmentally-friendly green building.