RAK Ceramics wins ‘CSR Company of the Year’ award at 2nd Middle East Business Leaders Summit & Awards

RAK Ceramics, the world's largest ceramic tiles & bathware manufacturing company, has announced that they have been 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) that was held on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at the Armani Hotel Ballroom, Burj Khalifa, Dubai. In the same event, Dr. Khater Massaad, CEO, RAK Ceramics, was recognised as ‘Masterclass Global CEO’. 

MEBLSA, organized by Federation of GCC Chambers and The Leaders International Magazine, is firmly established as a strategic platform for the region's top corporate leaders and officials which are to discuss and share important and essential breakthroughs in today's business world. The event is further endorsed by Dubai Chamber of Commerce, which is now in its second year, also aims to facilitate the development of business leaders by providing opportunities for its members and guests. One of MEBSLA's main attractions is the Masterclass and Organization Leadership Awards, which honors the region's best business leaders. The awards aim to serve as a catalyst for the growth of new leaders and entrepreneurs to spur industrial growth, apply best practices and to drive the region's economy. 

Commenting on the awards, Dr. Massaad said, “The recognition I received is testament to the dedication and efforts of the entire team at RAK Ceramics, and I believe that it is their ongoing contribution that has enabled us to sustain our status as the world’s largest ceramics tiles manufacturer. On the other hand, for a company which incorporates CSR as an integral part of its business strategy, winning the ‘CSR Company of the Year’ award underlines our strong commitment to enhance the quality of life and be of service to various causes and social groups in Ras Al Khaimah and the rest of the UAE.” 

RAK Ceramics' CSR program encompasses product development and maintenance of its facilities. The company has invested aggressively to introduce products that are friendly to the environment, while it has also implemented energy-efficient technologies and techniques and has adopted recycling, reuse and waste management systems to further enhance the sustainable upkeep of its facilities. In addition, RAK Ceramics has received the Environmental Performance Certificate (EPC) from the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) and the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation from Australia, further confirming the company's commitment to environmental conservation. 

Protecting the welfare of its employees has been another important commitment of RAK Ceramics under its CSR program. The company holds regular workshops as part of a continuing education program, while RAK Ceramics' HSE Department has been awarded the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), recognizing the success of the company in promoting optimum health and safety in the workplace. In addition, RAK Ceramics also provides medical, life and welfare benefits to employees. 

The company’s environment-related activities, among others, includes an ambitious initiative to plant over 5,000 trees around its manufacturing facility throughout the year 2010, in addition to participating in the annual UAE Clean-up Campaign. It also organises various civic-oriented activities such as blood donation campaigns, relief operations for victims of natural disasters, providing financial assistance to NGOs, donations to the Dubai Autism Center and Dubai Rehabilitation Center, and sponsorships of various educational institutions. 

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 bath ware. RAK Ceramics was recently honored by the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) for complying with good governance and transparency according to best international practices. The company has also been 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.