RAK Ceramics marks World No Tobacco Day through seminar on dangers of tobacco consumption

In line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plans, RAK Ceramics, the world's largest ceramic tiles & bathware manufacturing company, yesterday (May 31, 2011) marked World No Tobacco Day by hosting a seminar in Ras Al Khaimah wherein senior doctors from RAK Hospital spoke about the ill effects of tobacco consumption. RAK Ceramics – winner of the 2011 MEBLSA ‘CSR Company of the Year’ award - aims to raise the level of awareness about the risks associated with tobacco, especially given that approximately 5.5 million people globally die due to the effects of tobacco use every year.

Further, statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that about a third of the male adult global population smokes. According to WHO, smoking related-diseases kill one in 10 adults globally, or cause four million deaths and WHO warns if current trends continue, smoking will kill one in six people by 2030. 

“These are alarming statistics and as a responsible corporate citizen RAK Ceramics is keen to create maximum awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. We understand that tackling an issue of this magnitude requires sustained efforts, which is why we are committed to undertaking several awareness campaigns on the lines of this seminar organised in Ras Al Khaimah,” said Abdulla Mahmood, Head- Marketing and Corporate Communication, RAK Ceramics. 

“During the seminar, doctors from RAK Hospital highlighted the link between smoking and cancer, pointing out that smoking is responsible for the cancer of the larynx, oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus and bladder,” he added.   

Earlier this year, RAK Ceramics was awarded the ‘CSR Company of the Year’ award in recognition of its long-term commitment to various environmental and social causes at the 2^nd Middle East Business Leaders Summit & Awards (MEBLSA) held in Dubai.  

RAK Ceramics is a USD 1 billion global conglomerate in the ceramic industry, offering a product portfolio comprising over 8,000 designs in ceramic tiles, Gres Porcellanato, and several models in bathware. The company has also been recently conferred the SuperBrand 2010 Award and continues to be a global pioneer in the world of ceramics through innovative products such as the RAKSLIM, a new brand of 4.5-millimetre thick tile that sets new industry benchmarks in thickness, strength, cost and ease of use. RAK Ceramics is also founding member of Emirates Green Building Council, which supports the development of sustainable buildings in UAE.