Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; September 01, 2008 :
Emaar, The Economic City (Emaar.E.C), the Tadawul-listed company developing King Abullah Economic City (KAEC), recently, held an orientation workshop for its senior leaders including the CEO Mr. Fahd Al-Rasheed in preparation for setting a comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, which will be unveiled shortly. The CSR strategy aims at complementing socio-economic growth and environmental objectives outlined by KAEC.

Mr. Imad Hashem, Senior Director of Communications and External Relations, Emaar.E.C, said: "Corporate social responsibility initiatives are the cornerstone of best practices by companies, and Emaar.E.C is committed to taking up this societal responsibility seriously. The CSR workshop was specifically aimed at developing a CSR strategy that will drive our development initiatives in the future."

He added: "Emaar.E.C, as a Tadawul-listed company, has a commitment to the community to roll out best practices that touch the lives of the society as a whole. The CSR strategy will be instrumental in furthering the socio-economic prosperity of Saudi Arabia and the overall welfare of its people."

Emaar.E.C will work hand in hand with The Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE), a leading international advisory, coaching and training organisation with offices in Athens, Brussels and Cyprus, carrying our activities in more than 15 countries including MENA region. CSE specialises in CSR Strategy and sustainable development solutions and works with private and public sector clients for the advancement of sustainability, such as Lloyds TSB in UK, European Investment Bank in Luxemburg and Dubai Executive Council . In it its on-going activities, CSE cooperates with key international players, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), the World Council for Corporate Governance (WCFCG), UN Global Compact, the European Business Ethics Network (EBEN), Business in the Community (BITC)

Emaar.E.C has made rapid advancements in developing KAEC, the single largest private sector led development in the region. The 168 million sq m project on the Red Sea coast has six key components: The Sea Port, Central Business District, Industrial Zone, Resort District, Educational Zone and Residential Communities. Emaar.E.C has launched the Industrial Zone, the first integrated residential community Bay La Sun Village and the first townhouse community Esmeralda to overwhelming investor response.