Latest news with #GaladariBrothers'
Khaleej Times
24-04-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
CSR That Makes Waves: Galadari Brothers Employees Join Hands for Beach Clean-Up
Plastics are everywhere. From remote mountaintops to the depths of the ocean, plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. According to the United Nations, more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year, and over a third of it is designed for single use. Every minute, the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic is dumped into our oceans. And without intervention, by 2050, there could be more plastic in the sea than fish by weight. Turning awareness into action, Galadari Brothers employees took part in a beach clean-up drive on April 12, removing 287 kg of plastic waste from the shoreline. The clean-up was part of the company's ongoing environmental efforts, focussed on reducing plastic pollution and promoting a more responsible approach to waste. This hands-on initiative served as a powerful reminder that small, collective actions can contribute to meaningful environmental change. Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers, said: 'At Galadari Brothers, we believe that sustainability must be reflected in our actions, not just in our policies. Initiatives like the recent beach clean-up demonstrate the kind of responsible leadership and participation we aim to foster across the organisation. We're proud to see our teams actively contributing in ways that reflect both our values and our commitment to the communities we serve.' Among the volunteers was high school student Gesandi Wijesundara, who joined the clean-up alongside her mother, Menaka Perera, a member of the Galadari Brothers corporate team. For Gesandi, the experience was unexpectedly eye-opening. 'I have studied plastic waste in school, but this made it feel very real. Seeing it everywhere, from buried in the sand to floating near the shore, it hit differently,' she said. 'It made me think about how much we use without realising. It was an experience I will carry with me throughout my life.' A local problem with global urgency The UAE, like much of the world, faces increasing challenges from marine pollution. According to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, plastic accounts for 94% of waste found on UAE beaches. Recognising the urgency, the country has taken strong steps: banning single-use plastic bags, promoting the use of reusable products and launching the 'UAE Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy' to conserve marine resources. Initiatives such as 'Dubai Can' encourage people to refill bottles at free water stations, while nationwide policies are pushing businesses to reduce packaging and rethink materials. These efforts are part of the UAE's larger vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Galadari Brothers' ESG commitments The beach clean-up is one of several initiatives that reflect Galadari Brothers' ongoing and expanding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda. With a focus on community, climate and compassion, the company has steadily cultivated a culture of positive impact across its business units. Recent efforts include a Dh10 million contribution to the UAE's Fathers' Endowment Fund to support long-term community welfare projects and the planting of 10,000 mangroves along the country's coastlines to aid reforestation and carbon sequestration. Galadari Brothers has also led clothing donation drives and distributed Iftar meals during Ramadan to communities in need. Looking ahead Galadari Brothers is committed to expanding its ESG footprint with initiatives such as employee-led volunteerism, investing in green infrastructure and transparent reporting. Plans for the coming months include wadi clean-up drives in collaboration with local authorities, making sustainable self-care kits for low-income communities and toy-making workshops aimed at bringing joy to underprivileged children. Through both ongoing and upcoming projects, the organisation is working to meet global sustainability standards and help shape local benchmarks for responsible corporate leadership. From removing plastic waste on the ground to supporting national-level endowments, Galadari Brothers continues to demonstrate that CSR is most effective when purpose is backed by participation.
Khaleej Times
24-04-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Galadari Brothers employees join hands for beach clean-up
Plastics are everywhere. From remote mountaintops to the depths of the ocean, plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. According to the United Nations, more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year, and over a third of it is designed for single use. Every minute, the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic is dumped into our oceans. And without intervention, by 2050, there could be more plastic in the sea than fish by weight. Turning awareness into action, Galadari Brothers employees took part in a beach clean-up drive on April 12, removing 287kg of plastic waste from the shoreline. The clean-up was part of the company's ongoing environmental efforts, focused on reducing plastic pollution and promoting a more responsible approach to waste. This hands-on initiative served as a powerful reminder that small, collective actions can contribute to meaningful environmental change. Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers said: 'At Galadari Brothers, we believe that sustainability must be reflected in our actions, not just in our policies. Initiatives like the recent beach clean-up demonstrate the kind of responsible leadership and participation we aim to foster across the organisation. We're proud to see our teams actively contributing in ways that reflect both our values and our commitment to the communities we serve.' Among the volunteers was high school student Gesandi Wijesundara, who joined the clean-up alongside her mother, Menaka Perera, a member of the Galadari Brothers corporate team. For Gesandi, the experience was unexpectedly eye-opening. 'I have studied plastic waste in school, but this made it feel very real. Seeing it everywhere, from buried in the sand to floating near the shore, it hit differently,' she shared. 'It made me think about how much we use without realising. It was an experience I will carry with me throughout my life.' Local problem with global urgency The UAE, like much of the world, faces increasing challenges from marine pollution. According to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, plastic accounts for 94 per cent of waste found on UAE beaches. Recognising the urgency, the country has taken strong steps: banning single-use plastic bags, promoting the use of reusable products, and launching the "UAE Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy" to conserve marine resources. Initiatives such as "Dubai Can" encourage people to refill bottles at free water stations, while nationwide policies are pushing businesses to reduce packaging and rethink materials. These efforts are part of the UAE's larger vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Galadari Brothers' ESG commitments The beach clean-up is one of several initiatives that reflect Galadari Brothers' ongoing and expanding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda. With a focus on community, climate, and compassion, the company has steadily cultivated a culture of positive impact across its business units. Recent efforts include a Dh10 million contribution to the UAE's Fathers' Endowment Fund to support long-term community welfare projects, and the planting of 10,000 mangroves along the country's coastlines to aid reforestation and carbon sequestration. Galadari Brothers has also led clothing donation drives and distributed iftar meals during Ramadan to communities in need. Looking ahead Galadari Brothers is committed to expanding its ESG footprint with initiatives such as employee-led volunteerism, investing in green infrastructure, and transparent reporting. Plans for the coming months include wadi clean-up drives in collaboration with local authorities, making sustainable self-care kits for low-income communities, and toy-making workshops aimed at bringing joy to underprivileged children. Through both ongoing and upcoming projects, the organisation is working to meet global sustainability standards, and to help shape local benchmarks for responsible corporate leadership. From removing plastic waste on the ground to supporting national-level endowments, Galadari Brothers continues to demonstrate that CSR is most effective when purpose is backed by participation.
Khaleej Times
16-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Galadari Brothers embrace ESG and promote sustainability
As Khaleej Times celebrates more than four decades of chronicling the UAE's journey of transformation, let's spotlight the nation's changemakers, those shaping not just economies but also sustainable futures. For, there was a time when sustainability in the corporate world lived quietly in the corners — as a footnote, a press release, or a once-a-year tree planting event. But in today's climate-conscious era, purpose has moved to the centre of the boardroom and nothing makes that shift clearer than the recent, quietly powerful actions taken by Galadari Brothers. Theirs is not a story about slogans or glossy pledges but of long-term thinking, environmental literacy, and a willingness to get their hands dirty. Literally. Established in 1960, Galadari Brothers has long been recognised as one of the UAE's pioneering conglomerates, with a diversified portfolio spanning media, heavy equipment, food & beverage, motors, engineering, projects, facility management, sports, travel and hospitality, real estate, and other ventures. The release of inaugural sustainability report for 2023 last year marks a shift from reactive CSR efforts to a more structured, measurable approach rooted in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. The 2024 report published early 2025, adopts the Global Reporting Initiative framework and outlines the company's performance across key ESG indicators. It addresses climate-related impacts, waste management, ethical supply chains, energy consumption, and employee wellbeing, presented through the lens of both the UAE Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Among the initiatives highlighted is the company's growing investment in nature-based solutions, specifically, mangrove restoration. Often described as 'climate superheroes', mangroves have become central to the UAE's environmental strategy, with a nationwide target to plant 100 million trees by 2030. On February 2, 2025 - World Wetlands Day, Galadari Brothers organised a mangrove planting and educational activity at the Al Zorah Mangrove Forest in Ajman. Employees took part in kayaking and tree-planting efforts aimed at reconnecting participants with the local environment while underscoring the critical role mangroves play in coastal protection and carbon capture. In addition to the awareness initiative, the company has pledged to sponsor the planting of 10,000 mangrove trees. This is more than symbolic; it is a tangible contribution to the UAE's broader ecological goals and a demonstration of the private sector's potential to drive environmental progress from the ground up. Reimagining Business in a Climate-Conscious Age Galadari Brothers' commitment to mangrove restoration is not an isolated gesture, it is part of a broader shift in how the group sees its role in a rapidly changing world. From engaging employees in hands-on conservation to aligning internal practices with global benchmarks, the company is shaping a culture that values both environmental responsibility and long-term resilience. While the act of planting 10,000 mangrove trees may seem small on a global scale, it represents something larger: the belief that real impact begins at the root - in the choices made, the values upheld, and the legacy left behind. Paired with a detailed sustainability roadmap that outlines the group's efforts across energy, waste, workforce wellbeing and governance, these initiatives signal a business not simply reacting to global pressure but genuinely responding to it. As the UAE accelerates its vision for a greener future, and as Khaleej Times marks 47 years of documenting the region's transformation, examples like these remind us that sustainability is not just about numbers or strategies. It's about action - quiet, deliberate, and grounded - in the forests, in the communities, and in the decisions that shape tomorrow.
Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Galadari Brothers boosts UAE's culture of generosity this Ramadan
Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer and profound generosity, bringing communities together in a spirit of charity and support. It is widely regarded as the peak season for giving, with organisations and individuals coming together to support those in need. Across the UAE, this period sees a remarkable surge in donations and volunteer efforts, as businesses, nonprofits and individuals unite to make a tangible impact. This outpouring of support strengthens social bonds with people from all walks of life coming together with a shared purpose, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of unity. This Ramadan, Galadari Brothers has exemplified these values through a series of impactful charitable initiatives. In line with the ethos of the holy month, the UAE-based conglomerate has leveraged its resources and team to give back to the community, from major financial contributions to hands-on volunteering by employees. These efforts not only provide immediate support to those in need but also set a high bar for corporate social responsibility during the holy month. Supporting the 'Fathers' Endowment' campaign One of Galadari Brothers' most notable contributions this year is a donation of Dh10 million to the Fathers' Endowment campaign. This initiative, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, aims to honour fathers in the UAE by establishing a sustainable endowment fund for providing healthcare and medical treatment to those in need. The generous pledge of Galadari Brothers, heirs of Abdullatif Ibrahim Galadari, will bolster this national campaign's resources to help underprivileged patients, reflecting the group's commitment to improving lives. Serving Iftar to thousands in need At Galadari Brothers, charity is more than just financial support; it's about active participation and hands-on impact. In collaboration with the UAE-based non-profit The Kindness Circle (TKC), Galadari Brothers organised an Iftar meal distribution drive that saw enthusiastic participation from its employees. Founded by Siama Qadar, TKC is a community-driven initiative dedicated to eradicating hunger and poverty through sustainable solutions. What started as a small personal effort in 2014 has grown into a far-reaching movement, providing thousands of meals and essential support to underserved communities. TKC emphasises dignity and compassion, ensuring that every meal served is nutritious and prepared with care. Beyond food distribution, the organisation champions fair trade, supports small businesses and promotes ethical sourcing, reinforcing its commitment to long-term social impact. On March 18, as the sun set and fasting workers prepared to break their fast, 75 Galadari Brothers employees volunteered alongside the TKC team to distribute hot Iftar meals to the needy. In a single evening, this joint effort served over 7,000 meals, ensuring that individuals across the community could end their fast and have access to a wholesome meal at Iftar. 'Ramadan shows us the power of collective kindness. When individuals and companies unite to serve those in need, it creates a ripple of compassion that can transform countless lives. The dedicated volunteers who commit to daily Iftar distributions are the backbone of TKC. Through their efforts, we are able to share compassion, respect and kindness — not only with the workers but also with fellow volunteers and the wider community,' says Siama Qadar, founder of The Kindness Circle, reflecting on the impact of the initiative. Through partnerships like this, TKC continues to uphold its mission of fostering kindness, bridging gaps in society and ensuring that no one is left behind. Empowering communities through clothing donations Beyond food relief, Galadari Brothers has partnered with the Dar Al Ber Society to support underprivileged communities through clothing donations. Dar Al Ber Society, one of the UAE's oldest charitable organisations established in 1979, has a mission of aiding the needy and spreading the spirit of brotherhood and social solidarity derived from Islamic principles and the UAE's national vision. Working under official permit (No. PRHCE-004121337) for this campaign, Dar Al Ber has placed clothes donation boxes at various Galadari Brothers' offices across the UAE, enabling the group's employees to donate their pre-loved clothes for a good cause. By hosting these boxes at their workplaces, Galadari Brothers makes it convenient for staff to participate in giving, turning offices into hubs of charity. Aligning with the UAE's vision of social responsibility Galadari Brothers' Ramadan initiatives are part of a larger movement that reflects the UAE's broader vision of fostering social responsibility and a culture of giving. The UAE's leadership has long emphasised that sustainable development and community welfare go hand in hand with charitable giving. From the federal 'Year of Giving' in 2017, which spurred countless volunteer and philanthropic programmes, to ongoing campaigns like the annual 100 Million Meals drive, the nation has woven generosity into its social fabric. The government has even established formal frameworks such as the CSR UAE Fund, aimed at guiding and rewarding corporate social responsibility efforts and positioning the UAE as a global leader in CSR. In this environment, companies are encouraged to actively engage in developmental and humanitarian initiatives that align with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Galadari Brothers' endorsement of campaigns such as the Fathers' Endowment and organisations like The Kindness Circle and Dar Al Ber directly supports these national goals, be it healthcare for the vulnerable, hunger alleviation or poverty relief. Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers, said: 'As a company rooted in the UAE, we recognise our responsibility to uplift and support our community. Our Ramadan initiatives are a testament to our core values of compassion, service and unity, reinforcing our commitment to making a meaningful impact. We take pride in contributing in ways that not only provide support to those in need but also align with the UAE leadership's vision for charity, social welfare and a culture of giving that brings people together.' By aligning their charitable efforts with the country's humanitarian vision, Galadari Brothers demonstrates how private enterprises can become key partners in nation-building.
