DM carries out 65 social initiatives in 2010

Dubai Municipality implemented 65 community-based initiatives in 2010 and more than 1,500 people have been benefited by them. The initiatives, organized in cooperation and coordination with a group of public bodies and establishments, included initiatives to support charitable projects, voluntary and humanitarian initiatives, joint initiatives in training and education and initiatives to support sports and cultural activities.

 
This was stated by Khalid Mohammed Badri, Director of Corporate Marketing and Relations Department of the Municipality, who emphasized the Municipality's leadership in the field and its assuming social responsibilities towards the community and individuals, pointing out that these initiatives were implemented at the corporate level through the various organizational units of the Municipality and were directed to all segments of the society.

He said that Dubai Municipality has been a pioneer in offering community-based initiatives and they are linked with the strategic plan of the civic body, as it has taken up the responsibility of promoting the principles and practices of corporate social responsibility towards the community in order to develop Municipality to become more innovative, productive and competitive.

"The Municipality studies the views of members of the community about its services and develops plans based on their views and needs. It always evaluates the initiatives aimed at different segments to make sure it is benefited by all. Such initiatives do not often relate to the tasks and key services provided by the Municipality, but will vary with different community services," said Badri.

 
He also explained that the social responsibility of the Municipality comes within its priorities of work as the Municipality is a key organization, which has the potential to qualify for leadership in this area, whether human or technical or financial.

Badri said that the Municipality participates in creating innovative and effective initiatives and services to meet the economic, social and environmental challenges, to help the Municipality in its continued commitment to ethical behaviour, to contribute towards development through initiatives that help raise the standard of living, consolidation of national identity, to provide a suitable working environment and to participate in the development of the society as a whole.

"The decision of the Vice President and Prime  Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum establishing the Dubai Appreciation Award for Social Service will contribute in motivating individuals and public and private establishments to offer more community-based initiatives, and increase the cohesion among the nationals and expatriates, as it would push us towards greater attention to activities, initiatives and programmes that serve the interests of the community and the overall development process in the country," he said.