Bahrain zones ranked high
FOREIGN Direct Investment magazine ranked three Bahraini economic zones as top locations for inward investment, economic development and business expansion globally.
The report named Bahrain International Investment Park (15th worldwide), Khalifa Bin Salman Port (16th worldwide) and Bahrain International Airport (19th worldwide) to its global free zones rankings. The magazine examined 150 free and special economic zones around the world before determining its list.
Emgas wins chamber award
EMIRATES Gas (Emgas), a subsidiary of the Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc), won Dubai Chamber’s CSR Label award for the second consecutive year for its distinguished corporate social responsibility practices. Presented by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Centre for Responsible Business, the award recognises companies that have made significant contributions to the consumers, workplace, community and environment.
Events on carbon reporting
IN a bid to highlight carbon management opportunities and risks, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) held two events to raise awareness about its carbon reporting programmes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in collaboration with Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted renewable energy company, and PwC, the world’s largest professional services firm, recently.
CDP is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to drive reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and encourage sustainable water use by businesses and cities.
Ahec highlights green merits
THE American Hardwood Export Council (Ahec), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, has underlined its determination to ensure that sustainably managed hardwoods receive full environmental recognition, amidst a growing green building movement in the Middle East.
The announcement follows the first critical review meeting for the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) research into American hardwoods, which was held at the PE International offices in Stuttgart, Germany.
Emal launches new product
ABU DHABI-based Emal, among the largest aluminium smelters in the world, said it has launched a new value-added product in 2012 – foundry aluminium – which is mainly used in the automotive sector.
Total annual production at the company’s Al Taweelah plant in Abu Dhabi will rise to 1.3 million tonnes once the Phase II expansion is completed in 2014, it added.
Downhole wins Mideast deals
DOWNHOLE Products, a Scotland-based leader in the design, manufacture and supply of casing accessories and completion tools, said it has inked $6 million worth of deals in the Middle East region.
The company set up its headquarters at Portlethen near Aberdeen in 1994 and presently operates its bases in Australia, the Middle East, the wider Asia region and the US.
Key products being manufactured by the company include centralisers, reamer guide shoes and cable clamp protectors.
Sipco is ‘Bottler of the Year’
SAUDI Industrial Projects Company (Sipco), the flagship bottling franchise for PepsiCo International, said it has won the “2011 Bottler of the Year in the MEA’ award in recognition of its outstanding leadership, passion and results.
The award was presented by Sanjeev Chadha, president of PepsiCo Middle East and Africa, to Sipco CEO Sheikh Ahmed Salem Bugshan.
Masafi wins branding prize
MASAFI, one of the leading FMCG brands in the region and a producer of natural mineral water in the Gulf, has won the Superbrands 2012 recognition for excellence in branding.
The Superbrands award was handed over at an event at The InterContinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City recently. Intikhab Alam, head of marketing, and Makram Haidar, category marketing manager at Masafi, received the award.
With the award, Masafi also features in the 2012 edition of the Superbrands UAE book, comprising the best brands – from FMCG brands to local family-owned businesses.
