Media Centre

Al Noor students visit modern poultry farm

Al Ghurair develops innovative initiative to educate & entertain young minds

In line with its commitment towards enhancing lives, Al Ghurair Foods recently hosted children from the Al Noor Centre for Special Needs at its Al Jabal Poultry Farm in Ras Al Khaimah. The initiative was organised to educate the young students more about the operations of a poultry farm.

The tour provided an excellent opportunity for the community to take a peek into the latest techniques in the poultry business, together with a better understanding of the high level of health and safety standards maintained at the farm. Al Ghurair also organized a host of activities alongside the visit to entertain its young guests.

Commented Sameera Fernandes, Group Communications Manager, Al Ghurair, “Initiatives such as these showcase Al Ghurair’s commitment to community well-being and the environment, as a cornerstone of all our business strategies. We were pleased to share our insights with the children who were keen to know about each production process.”

About Al Ghurair

Al Ghurair is a diversified industrial group with operations spanning more than 20 countries globally. With a rich history of pioneering businesses, this heritage of innovative success is built upon values of excellence in the products developed and the processes followed. The core focus is on Foods, Construction, Resources and Properties, with additional sector participation in Energy, Printing, Retail and Education further emphasizing our level of diversity. For more information on Al Ghurair, please visit www.al-ghurair.com

For further information, please contact:

Sameera Fernandes
Group Corporate Communications Manager
Al Ghurair
Tel: + 971 4 3120401
Email: corp.comms@al-ghurair.com
Website: www.al-ghurair.com

Al Ghurair celebrates UAE National Day with largest cake in the UAE.

In one of the largest celebrations marking the 40^th Anniversary of the UAE National Day, local conglomerate Al Ghurair invited its employees across the UAE to join together in cutting one of the biggest cakes created by themselves.

Weighing over 50 kilograms and made with their very own Jenan Cake Mix, the 2*1.2 meters vanilla flavored cake showcased the UAE flag as well as the 40^th Anniversary Logo – the ‘Spirit of the Union’. The cake had to be carried by 10 people only to be placed on the table for the momentous event.

Commented Essa Al Ghurair, Vice-Chairman Al Ghurair, “Today marks an important day in our country and in Al Ghurair where employees over 40  nationalities have come forward to celebrate the spirit that binds us together thereby building a better nation. This spirit is what drives us to a fruitful future and it is this Spirit that should be shared by the citizens and expatriates alike”.

Also commented Sameera Fernandes, Group Communications Manager, Al Ghurair, “ In living with our vision and values of Al Ghurair, it is simply wonderful to see employees come under one roof to celebrate in the true spirit of the National Day. Most of our employees have spent their lifetime here and truly consider the UAE to be their second home. They have grown, their children have grown and today they enjoy a beautiful life in a wonderful country they call home’.

About Al Ghurair

Ghurair is a diversified industrial group with operations spanning more than 20 countries globally. With a rich history of pioneering businesses, this heritage of innovative success is built upon values of excellence in the products developed and the processes followed. The core focus is on Foods, Construction, Resources and Properties, with additional sector participation in Energy, Printing, Retail and Education further emphasizing our level of diversity. For more information on Al Ghurair, please visit www.al-ghurair.com

For further information, please contact:

Sameera Fernandes
Group Corporate Communications Manager
Al Ghurair
Tel: + 971 4 3120401
Email: sameera.fernandes@al-ghurair.com
Website: www.al-ghurair.com

Al Ghurair Foods spreads happiness with Al Noor Centre for Special Needs

In line with our commitment of enhancing lives, children from the Al Noor Centre for Special Needs visited the Al Jabal Poultry Farm of Al Ghurair Foods based in Ras-al-Khimah to learn more about the poultry business as well as have a fun-filled day whilst enjoying plentiful sunshine.

The tour provided an opportunity for our community to have a peek into the latest techniques in the poultry business, together with a better understanding of the high level of health and safety standards maintained at the poultry farm.

Commented Sameera Fernandes, Group Communications Manager, Al Ghurair, “In line with enhancing the lives of people around us, visits such as these showcase Al Ghurair’s commitment to both efficiency of production and our concern for the environment as our way of approaching a very necessary food production facility.”

She further added, “A clean and hygienic production system that protects the birds, the workers and the environment are critical factors in producing high quality and uncontaminated food. Never before has public awareness for disease free food been higher. That's what we aim for; that's what we produce”.

Dr. Suheel Ahmed, Commercial Manager, Al Ghurair Foods led the tour highlighting the mechanics of commercial poultry farm operations, the latest techniques used in providing water and feeding, disease prevention and control, food safety issues and other related areas of the business. The special guests were also shown around the egg grading and packing area where all eggs are automatically scanned, weighed, graded, packed and stored using the latest technology.

All visitors received a pack of Jenan eggs and Goody Bags courtesy Jenan, the flagship brand of Al Ghurair Foods.

About Al Ghurair

Al Ghurair is a diversified industrial group with operations spanning more than 20 countries globally. With a rich history of pioneering businesses, this heritage of innovative success is built upon values of excellence in the products developed and the processes followed. The core focus is on Foods, Construction, Resources and Properties, with additional sector participation in Energy, Printing, Retail and Education further emphasizing our level of diversity. For more information on Al Ghurair, please visit www.al-ghurair.com

For further information, please contact:

Sameera Fernandes
Group Corporate Communications Manager
Al Ghurair
Tel: + 971 4 3120401
Email: corp.comms@al-ghurair.com
Website: www.al-ghurair.com

Al Ghurair supports UNICEF’s Relief Efforts in Somalia

Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 27 October 2011 - Concerns about the plight of children in Somalia  drove employees of UAE-based Al Ghurair, a diversified conglomerate with over 40 years of expertise in foods, resources, retail, construction, education, energy, properties and printing to support UNICEF’s relief efforts in the famine-stricken country. In addition to financial assistance, donations including food will be distributed to the people of Somalia.

A cheque of the donations raised through this campaign was handed over to UNICEF  in a ceremony attended by Dr. Ibrahim El Ziq, UNICEF representative for the Gulf Area Office, and various senior representatives from Al Ghurair including the Group Vice President Human Resource Fahd Malek, Head of Strategic Planning Sohail Gondal and Group Communications Manager Sameera Fernandes.

In addition to financial assistance to UNICEF, the food division of Al Ghurair has also partnered with some of their customers to distribute basic food items such as flour, edible oils and pulses to the famine-affected regions. These customers have volunteered to transport these food items for free. Relief organizations will then distribute them in southern Somalia.

Essa Al Ghurair, Vice-Chairman, Al Ghurair stated: “Al Ghurair in line with its values once again felt the need to act immediately and decisively to play its part as a responsible and humane corporate entity to provide relief towards one of the most tragic events in the recent history of mankind.  Over 7000 employees across Al Ghurair came forward to contribute (most of them a full day’s pay) towards the Somalia Relief Campaign and I am proud to say that we received an overwhelming response."

He also added: "We are very grateful to our employees for their generous contribution towards this cause and I take this opportunity to thank them sincerely. Al Ghurair will always stand ready to make its humble contribution in similar situations, God forbid, should they arise again."

“The crisis in the Horn of Africa is far from over,” said Dr. Ibrahim El Ziq, UNICEF Representative in the Gulf Area Office. “UNICEF urges donors to dig even further in their pockets and help save children’s lives. We are glad that Al Ghurair is stepping up to the plate and joining hands with us for such a noble cause.”

About Al Ghurair

Al Ghurair is a diversified industrial group with operations spanning more than 20 countries globally. With a rich history of pioneering businesses, this heritage of innovative success is built upon values of excellence in the products developed and the processes followed. The core focus is on Foods, Construction, Resources and Properties, with additional sector participation in Energy, Printing, Retail and Education further emphasizing our level of diversity. For more information on Al Ghurair, please visit www.al-ghurair.com

About UNICEF

UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence.  The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS.  UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org 

For further information, please contact:

Sameera Fernandes
Group Corporate Communications Manager
Al Ghurair

Tel: + 971 4 3120401

Email: sameera.fernandes@al-ghurair.com

Website: www.al-ghurair.com

2^nd October 2011 - 

Al Ghurair Energy key sponsor at Middle East Petroleum and Gas Conference 2011.

Held under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Al Ghurair Energy were key sponsors at the Middle East Petroleum and Gas Conference 2011.

Held from the 2^nd to the 4^th of October at the Madinat Jumeirah, the event was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, followed by Ministerial and Keynote Addresses by H.E. Mohamed bin Dhaen Al-Hamli, Minister of Energy.

Rising domestic energy demand and the G.C.C.'s strategy for meeting these needs through new production and technologies will be amongst the issues addressed on the theme "High Oil Prices, Political Crises and the Emergence of a New Market Structure," with the financing trends and liquidity gap addressed by industry experts.

Commented Sultan Al Ghurair, Director – Business Development at Al Ghurair Investments, “Al Ghurair Energy’s participation at the conference was key to its positioning and placement as a significant player in the Energy industry. In addition to a refining and petrochemicals and an active energy trading and marketing arm affiliated to the Dubai Multi Commodity Centre (DMCC), we seek to strengthen our presence in a emerging and progressive industry”.

With an active refining and petrochemicals arm, Al Ghurair Energy owns and operates a 220,000 BPD refinery in Libya in partnership with Libyan National Oil Company. The refinery is currently being revamped and upgraded. In addition to this a 100,000 BPD refinery in Port Qasim, Pakistan is due to be opened shortly.

The energy trading and marketing arm which affiliates closely with its existing and future refineries is a registered trading counterpart with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and consistently seeks to trade closely with regional national oil companies, refiners and major trading houses.

Al Ghurair Energy’s participation at MPGC proved an ideal platform for information exchange and intellectual debate. Held annually in the Gulf since 1993, Dubai holds the record for hosting MPGC eight times, in its nineteen year history.

More about Al Ghurair Energy

Al Ghurair Energy is an active and trusted partner within the oil & gas, refining & petrochemicals and trading sector. With capabilities for developing joint venture initiatives with private and national oil companies, investing in and upgrading the complexity of our refinery and energy trading across multiple regions, we aim to continue strengthening through the team development of committed high performers.

For further information, please contact:

Sameera Fernandes
Group Communications Manager
Al Ghurair

Tel: + 971 4 3120401
Fax: + 971 4 3120287
Email: corp.comms@al-ghurair.com

Al Ghurair concludes Ramadan Charity Drive

Al Ghurair, together with the generous support its dedicated employees across the United Arab Emirates, made a meaningful difference this Ramadan with an active contribution towards its Charity Drive in association with the UAE’s Red Crescent.

Huge cartons from the Red Crescent Society were placed across all Al Ghurair offices thus reaching out to over 7000 employees in the Investments, Foods, Construction, Resources, Energy, Properties and Retail divisions.

Essa Al Ghurair, Vice-Chairman of Al Ghurair said, “The holy month of Ramadan was an ideal time for charity and reflection and our responsibility as an Organisation to contribute towards enhancing the lives of people across the cross- section of society. We constantly urge everyone to donate to such noble causes and pleased to see the active participation and enthusiastic response received. I would like to extend a sincere thanks to all those who helped make a difference”

Wrapping up its third year, the Ramadan Charity Drive held annually is one such community initiative launched by Al Ghurair during Ramadan to reach out to the less fortunate across the UAE.

For further information, please contact:

Sameera Fernandes
Group Corporate Communications Manager
Al Ghurair

Tel: + 971 4 3120401
Fax: + 971 4 3120287
Email: corp.comms@al-ghurair.com

Al Ghurair (Al Ghurair Investment LLC) announces the official launch of the website offering a single online point of reference for  all Al  Ghurair  stakeholders,  globally. The  new  website  www.al-ghurair.com,  is  another  step  forward  for Al  Ghurair  in communicating successful business practices with clarity and simplicity. This website aims to showcase the vast and diversified operations and the intent to connect with our audience. This will also help serve as a platform for developing consistent and integrated  communications. Also  highlighting Al  Ghurair’s  re-branding  initiative,  Mohi  Khan,  the  Group  Brand  Manager  at Al Ghurair comments, “Our website will serve as one amongst many critical connecting platforms and mediums through which we will continue to highlight our capabilities and strengths to target audiences as well as ensure that we have a central platform where all internal and external audiences can gain a deeper understanding of Al Ghurair.” Considerable thought has gone into the design of our web presence, such that clients - both existing and prospective can stay connected and keep themselves updated with greater ease. This website creates a platform to share a comprehensive understanding of the nature of the business need at the outset of every search and this new website simply starts that dialogue. Designed with simplicity and clarity, the layout reflects the effective and fundamental principles with the use of space and careful detailing which reflects the thoughtfulness of the Al Ghurair brand. The messages reflect the values and Al Ghurair’s commitment as well as the long-term view of the business. The  website  showcases  industry  specific  information  and  will  consistently  provide  success  stories  highlighting Al Ghurair’s brand commitment and the trust that its partners have placed throughout their existence.

More about Al Ghurair

Al  Ghurair  is  a  diversified  industrial  group  based  in  Dubai  and  focuses  on  Foods,  Resources,  Construction,  Properties;  and additionally within Energy, Printing & Publishing, Retail and Education. With a rich history of pioneering businesses and a market reach  spanning  more  than  20  countries  globally,  this  heritage  of  success  is  built  upon  values  of  excellence  in  the  products developed and the processes followed.

For further information, contact:

Group Communications,  Al Ghurair
Tel: + 971 4 3120401, Fax: + 971 4 3120287
Email: corp.comms@al-ghurair.com

The Minister of Foreign Trade led by Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi invited Al Ghurair Foods to join them on a visit to Tunisia on the 25th of July 2011. The three day visit aimed at promoting trade relations between the two countries. The  delegation  comprised  of  representatives  of  federal  and  local  entities,  chambers  of  commerce  and  trade  and  heads  of public  and  private  corporations  from  various  sectors  to  discuss  boosting  bilateral  commercial  and  investment  cooperation.

Mohammed Essa Al Ghurair, Head of Oils represented Al Ghurair Foods on this occasion.During the visit, Al-Qasimi and the accompanying delegation held  talks  with  Tunisian  officials  regarding  boosting bilateral trade. They also promoted the UAE’s economic advantages and commercial and investment opportunities as  well  as  exploring  new  investment  opportunities  for UAE companies in the Tunisian market. The  visit,  which  Al-Qasimi  said  will  be  instrumental  in strengthening  bilateral  cooperation  between  the  UAE and Tunisia, included high profile meetings, a UAE-Tunisian partnership  meeting,  in  addition  to  meetings  between the heads of UAE and Tunisian companies that are aimed at  translating  investment  opportunities  between  both countries into actual mutually-beneficial joint projects on the ground.

Al-Qasimi noted that the makeup of the UAE delegation, which includes the heads of major UAE corporations from various sectors  such  as  oil,  energy,  renewable  energy,  ports,  tourism,  aviation  and  pharmaceuticals,  among  others,  affirms  the  UAE’s keenness on strengthening joint investments with Tunisia in various fields.Al-Qasimi stressed the pivotal role played by the Ministry of Foreign Trade in promoting the UAE’s regional and international
standing,  opening  new  markets  for  UAE  products  and  exports,  helping  identify  new  investment  opportunities  for  UAE corporations, and increasing the flow of foreign investments into the national economy.

UAE-Tunisian commercial ties have witnessed noticeable developments over the past few years. In 2010, bilateral non-oil trade registered 67% growth, reaching USD 153 Million in comparison with USD 90 Million in 2009, placing Tunisia at the 86th position in the country’s non-oil foreign trade structure.

About Al Ghurair Foods

Al Ghurair Foods entered the foods industry sector in 1976 through the creation of National Flour Mills. Since that time, a diversified portfolio of food products has been developed through a regionally proactive and forward thinking participation.  Growing  from  a  small  flour  mill  to  a  technologically  advanced,  multi-  product  manufacturing  enterprise, Al  Ghurair  Foods’ market presence has grown to over 50 countries with a customer base in 4 continents. Jenan is the key brand offering products in various categories that include Flour, Pasta, Edible Oils, Noodles, Poultry, Oats, Pulses, Maize and Rice.

For further information, contact:

Group Communications,  Al Ghurair
Tel: + 971 4 3120401, Fax: + 971 4 3120287
Email: corporate.comms@al-ghurair.com

Ministry of Health lauds Al Ghurair on Blood Donation Drive Efforts

The Ministry of Health lauded Al Ghurair for continuous efforts towards Blood Donation in the UAE in a recent award ceremony at the Park Hyatt Hotel here in Dubai. The award was presented by His Excellency Dr. Hanif Hassan Ali Al Qassim, UAE Minister of Health to Mohammed Essa Al Ghurair, from Al Ghurair Foods.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health highly commended the involvement of corporate for their continued support and involvement in various community initiatives. Leading corporate were urged to continue these campaigns backed with full support from the Ministry of Health.

For the past seven years, the Foods division of Al Ghurair has been involved in the blood donation drive where employees across Al Ghurair come forward to voluntarily donate blood for the community. The event concluded with a round of media interviews featuring Al Ghurair’s contribution towards the Blood Donation in the UAE.

More about Al Ghurair

Al Ghurair is a diversified industrial group based in Dubai and focuses on Foods, Resources, Construction, and Properties; and additionally within Energy, Printing & Publishing, Retail and Education. With a rich history of pioneering businesses and a market reach spanning more than 50 countries globally, this heritage of success is built upon values of excellence in the products developed and the processes followed.

For further information, please contact:

Sameera Fernandes
Group Corporate Communications Manager
Al Ghurair

Tel: + 971 4 3120401
Fax: + 971 4 3120287
Email: corp.comms@al-ghurair.com

To mark Give & Gain Day 2011, Al Ghurair actively engaged themselves in promoting employability here in the UAE through a series of seminars, presentations and round table discussions on the recent trends and stressing the importance of integral skills required at the workplace in preparation of a smooth entry into the business world. On the 15th of June, Al Ghurair played host to the students from the Al Noor Centre for Special Needs thereby promoting workplace inclusion around the UAE, by creating an open forum for discussion and knowledge sharing, as part of ENGAGE Dubai initiative, in association with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Centre for Responsible Business. Employability is about supporting those furthest from the labor market and those who want to build successful working lives but face barriers because they are disadvantaged staff, out of school youth, graduates who possess no notable qualifications and few skills, orphans or those who are physically or mentally challenged and need external intervention and support.  Senior representatives from Al Ghurair will share knowledge on core areas such as Information Technology, Human Resources, Communication skills and recent trends with industry specific insights on sectors such as Foods, Energy etc.

Dr Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber,  says: “The  Give  and  Gain  Day  2011  in  Dubai,  which  is  organised  by  the  Dubai  Chamber  initiative  of  ENGAGE Dubai, mobilises employees to volunteer their expertise and time during work hours to support communities in greatest need. Companies which encourage their staff to take part in volunteering programs will reap the rewards of a more energised, more focused and more positive workforce.  “We are glad to have Al Ghurair reach out to those with special needs to work, to gain skills and prepare themselves to sustain employment in the corporate world. This initiative by Al Ghurair also supports the Centre for Responsible Business’s efforts of promoting responsible business in the country,” adds Dr Rettab.

Sameera  Fernandes,  Group  Communications  Manager  at Al  Ghurair  comments, “By  working  together,  we  can improve the quality of life for the individuals we engage through our participating in programmes as well as enhance the vibrancy and competitiveness of our businesses as a whole.” She further adds, “Al Ghurair’s participation in Give & Gain Day 2011, is part of the company’s commitment to promote knowledge sharing and employability with those less privileged and who are in need of support and avenues for growth.” Companies such as Al Ghurair, who are actively involved in the ENGAGE Dubai initiative, have learnt how to support the community by increasing the volunteering hours provided by its employees for noble causes such as the recent Walk the World 2011.

For further information, contact:

Group Communications,  Al Ghurair
Tel: + 971 4 3120401, Fax: + 971 4 3120287
Email: corp.comms@al-ghurair.com

Continuing their series of Best Practices Seminar 2011  of  the  Mohammed  Bin  Rashid Al  Maktoum  Business  Performance Program in Dubai, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry highly commended Al Ghurair Foods for their key contribution and as winners of the MRM award in the Manufacturing Sector.

The Fourth seminar was conducted by Dr. Belaid Rettab, Senior Director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Mr. Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Director, Commercial Services Sector, Dubai Chamber, and the key speaker, Mr. Mohammed Essa Al Ghurair, Head of Oils Business, Al Ghurair Resources, one of the Award winners of 2010.

As one of the key note speakers, Mr.Mohammed Essa Al Ghurair said, “With the MRM award as a bench mark for the industry, we seek to exceed and always  raise  the  bar  towards  best  practices  and  innovative  techniques  in everything we do and all across Al Ghurair. This conviction is ingrained in our  belief  as  we  continue  to  seek  the  highest  standards  of  professional excellence and integrity.  The MRM award encourages companies such as ours  to  continuously  work  towards elevating  our  level  of  excellence  and recognizes our efforts as we constantly peruse newer avenues to integrate and ensure that our core values are translated in our daily operations, how  clients experience working with us and how we deliver on our promises”.He  further  added, “There  is  always  room  for  improvement,  however,  and we  feel  the  Award  process  has  enhanced  our  organisation’s  ability  to
continuously align and improve our practices by providing new ways of looking at the various aspects of doing business. We at Al Ghurair Foods are honored to have won this award and to be considered among the leaders of industry in the UAE”.

About Al Ghurair Foods

Al Ghurair Foods entered the foods industry sector in 1976 through the creation of National Flour Mills. Since that time, a diversified portfolio of food products has been developed through a regionally proactive and forward thinking participation.  Growing  from  a  small  flour  mill  to  a  technologically  advanced,  multi-  product  manufacturing  enterprise, Al  Ghurair  Foods’ market presence has grown to over 50 countries with a customer base in 4 continents. Jenan is the key brand offering products in various categories that include Flour, Pasta, Edible Oils, Noodles, Poultry, Oats, Pulses, Maize and Rice.

For further information, contact:

Group Communications,  Al Ghurair
Tel: + 971 4 3120401, Fax: + 971 4 3120287
Email: corporate.comms@al-ghurair.com

With the sole objective to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, Jenan the flagship brand of Al Ghurair Foods  will  be  supporting  a  team  of  adventure  enthusiasts  to participate in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge this year.

With  months  of  preparation,  the  team  of  five  French  men  – Chef  Alexandre  Treffle,  Philippe  Morbelli,  Pierrick  Cizeron, Lionel Boutry, and Marc Douton are all set to face the upcoming five day challenge braving their way through the desert sands -  a 2500 km long stretch with the aim to finish in one piece whilst enjoying with their team, a sport they all thoroughly enjoy.

With close support, the team who call themselves the ‘Desert Frogs’  are  taking  their  participation  quite  seriously  this  time. The Desert Frogs are keen on completing the race whilst they compete  against  world  champions.”With  the  backing  of  Jenan, we are now encouraged to brave the desert and have some fun with our team too. We would like many such sports enthusiasts to  come  forward  and  participate  in  this  thrilling  experience. Nowadays, it is so important to lead an active lifestyle and what better  way  to  do  it  than  being  involved  in  a  fun  and  friendly environment”,  comments  Chef  Alexandre  Treffle  of  French Bakery.

Apart  from  its  offering  of  healthy  and  nutritious  food,  Jenan is  keen  to  set  a  tone  in  encouraging  healthy  living  through  an active  lifestyle. With  a  strong  belief  that  these  initiatives  are  a fundamental tenet of good corporate governance, Jenan serves as  a  contributor  to  the  development  of  health  awareness  by emphasizing  the  role  of  sports  in  improving  lifestyles  and promoting well-being and longevity towards to the community and nation building.

Very recently, Al Ghurair Foods’ emerged winners of the ‘Best Health  Education  Initiative’  at  Gulfood  2011  for  their  support towards the Dubai Cares ‘School Feeding Campaign’. Also known for their active involvement in corporate social initiatives, Jenan has been a fore-runner in the sports arena with their signature Jenan Swimming Gala and a dedicated Squash Team. The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahayan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, and is organised by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) under the title sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

About Al Ghurair Foods

Al Ghurair Foods entered the foods industry sector in 1976 through the creation of National Flour Mills. Since that time, a diversified portfolio of food products has been developed through a regionally proactive and forward thinking participation.  Growing  from  a  small  flour  mill  to  a  technologically  advanced,  multi-  product  manufacturing  enterprise, Al  Ghurair  Foods’ market presence has grown to over 50 countries with a customer base in 4 continents. Jenan is the key brand offering products in various categories that include Flour, Pasta, Edible Oils, Noodles, Poultry, Oats, Pulses, Maize and Rice.

For further information, contact:

Group Communications,  Al Ghurair
Tel: + 971 4 3120401, Fax: + 971 4 3120287
Email: corporate.comms@al-ghurair.com

Al Ghurair Foods, the leading foods businesses in the UAE, has earned the ‘Best Health Education’accolade at Gulfood Awards in a spectacular gala dinner held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre last night (Sunday) to announce the winners of the Gulfood awards.

“We are elated to win this recognition, which is due to the steadfast conviction of the Al Ghurair Foods’ company’s consistent commitment to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for all to follow”, said Abdullah Essa Al Ghurair from the Marketing team at Al Ghurair Foods. Entries were judged by a panel of highly distinguished and highly discerning international judges as participating companies vied for category titles.

Early October 2010, Al Ghurair Foods in partnership with Dubai Cares joined hands together to promote the School Feeding Campaign. This campaign aimed to provide children in developing countries with access to quality primary education whilst providing a healthy nutritious meal.

Also added Mohammed Essa Al Ghurair, Head of Oils Business at Al Ghurair Foods, “We hope this initiative will serve to help the UAE community understand the need to support the School Feeding Campaign which will help us give children access to primary education globally”.

Prioritized by the United Nations as an urgent issue for school-age child, the school feeding campaign is a more impactful way in which Al Ghurair Foods could support the Dubai Cares initiative to provide a daily nutritious meal at schools thereby offering parents a strong incentive to send their children to school and keep them there. The results have been truly outstanding. In schools where the school feeding program has been implemented, enrollments increased by 28% for girls and 22% for boys. Overall, the school feeding program contributes to a child’s learning and enhances cognitive abilities.

About Al Ghurair Foods

Al Ghurair Foods entered the foods industry sector in 1976 through the creation of National Flour Mills. Since that time, a diversified portfolio of food products has been developed through a regionally proactive and forward thinking participation.  Growing  from  a  small  flour  mill  to  a  technologically  advanced,  multi-  product  manufacturing  enterprise, Al  Ghurair  Foods’ market presence has grown to over 50 countries with a customer base in 4 continents. Jenan is the key brand offering products in various categories that include Flour, Pasta, Edible Oils, Noodles, Poultry, Oats, Pulses, Maize and Rice.

For further information, contact:

Group Communications,  Al Ghurair
Tel: + 971 4 3120401, Fax: + 971 4 3120287
Email: corporate.comms@al-ghurair.com

With an aim to provide a healthy array of new products the new product extension of Al Ghurair Foods, namely Oats is set to excite consumers on its versatile uses. The introduction of Oats to the product portfolio is in line with Al Ghurair Foods’ objective to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle within the region. The new Oats factory inaugural taking place tomorrow at Jebel Ali will be a huge milestone and a contribution to the UAE economy.

Addressing the issue of rising food prices, in an interview Mr.Essa Al Ghurair, Chairman, Al Ghurair Foods said, “This year is extremely critical for the foods area as we have rising issues of food security and availability. As crude oil prices increases, it will hae an effect on the grain prices as well, similar to what we have seen in the year 2008. Unless, we have a good crop in the world and no drought like in Russia last year and the heavy rains like in Australia, we can look forward to a better crop harvest season. However, if calamities such as these continue, the prices may even go up further”.

In line with its best practices, Al Ghurair Foods we are trying as much as possible to utilize our existing capacities and facilities to its optimum. We would like to enhance the best practice of sharing our knowledge and capabilities and experience with our neighbors, here based in the Jebel Ali Free Zone. We are currently running at 3000 tonnes capacity and with this joint venture, we have add an existing capacity to 1300-1500 tonnes per day of canola crushing in addition to a soya crushing capacity of 2000 tonnes.

We are now also going to be operating our new crushing plant currently in a joint venture. We also have a new project in the pipeline coming up in the region and North Africa. We have new projects in the pipeline - One new product in the region and another upcoming project in North Africa and Saudi Arabia. The new wheat silo in Algeria has silo storage capacity of 140,000 tonnes. The project has already been commissioned and the loading and unloading of ships will begin very shortly. In KSA, we will be crushing 4000 tonnes of soya bean and 3000 tonnes of canola.

About Al Ghurair Foods

Al Ghurair Foods entered the foods industry sector in 1976 through the creation of National Flour Mills. Since that time, a diversified portfolio of food products has been developed through a regionally proactive and forward thinking participation.  Growing  from  a  small  flour  mill  to  a  technologically  advanced,  multi-  product  manufacturing  enterprise, Al  Ghurair  Foods’ market presence has grown to over 50 countries with a customer base in 4 continents. Jenan is the key brand offering products in various categories that include Flour, Pasta, Edible Oils, Noodles, Poultry, Oats, Pulses, Maize and Rice.

For further information, contact:

Group Communications,  Al Ghurair
Tel: + 971 4 3120401, Fax: + 971 4 3120287
Email: corporate.comms@al-ghurair.com

Al Ghurair Foods, a leading Middle East foods manufacturer, officially inaugurated today its stateof- the-art oats plant, which is set to be the only provider of freshly-milled oats in the GCC, and with an annual manufacturing
capacity of 33,000 tons. The new oats facility fits extremely well within Al Ghurair Foods’ offering, and falls in line with the company’s commitment to provide high quality healthy products.

The 6000 square meters plant comes to serve the rising regional demand from different industries on locallymanufactured oats. It is a valuable addition to Al Ghurair Foods’ series of milestones, standing as the region’s first of its kind, next to a huge flour plant with a daily 5,000 tons capacity and the Middle East’s largest oil refinery. Commenting on the launch of the new oats plant, Essa Al Ghurair, Chairman of Al Ghurair Foods, said: “This new facility not only serves the UAE, as a key international trading hub and the world’s third largest re-exporter of agricultural products, but also the wider GCC region, which has long been one of the biggest food import regions in the world, bringing almost 90% of food products in from other markets. We are proud to be a major contributor to the local and regional economies and to develop local production facilities that can serve the region’s growing demand for multiple-use products such as oats.

“Our freshly-milled oats factory will provide a healthy product that can be used in several other industries. This facility will generate a significant ripple effect, adding value to the operations of numerous wholesalers, manufacturers, retailers and other entities in the food services industry at both local and regional levels,” he added. Till date, oats were being imported, requiring a lead time of at least 5 to 6 weeks. The new freshly-milled oats plant, will ensure shorter lead times and flexibility of production according to customers’ needs. Oats produced in the UAE will be distributed to region to service the high demand across numerous industries including healthcare, cosmetics and food services. According to Ibrahim Al Ghurair, Head of Business Unit – Oats, at Al Ghurair Foods, the facility is far beyond a great economic contribution that spreads out from the UAE to the region, it is also a provider of a very healthy product with proven health benefits that help address several of the health issues in the UAE and the region, including obesity and abnormal cholesterol levels which are generating worrying rates of diabetes and heart diseases.

“Freshly milled in the UAE, oats provide nourishment, satiate hunger, boost energy levels, and facilitate digestion. Oat meals are significant sources of dietary fiber, which has proven effective in lowering blood cholesterol. In addition, oat meals can spread the rise in blood sugars over a longer time period, thus slowing the rise in blood glucose levels following a meal and delaying its decline to pre-meal levels. That’s among several more benefits provided by oat meals including reducing hypertension, weight and more importantly reducing the risk of cancer,” he said. “Apart from supplying oats in bulk, our packaged oat products come as an extension to our wide variety of premium goods marketed under our flagship Jenan brand, including Flour, Pasta, Edible Oils, Noodles, Poultry, Pulses, Maize and Rice, and they fully adhere to our stringent quality measures. We continue to witness steady demand growth on our products in the Middle Eastern and African markets,” Ibrahim concluded. The high-tech facility has been developed up to the latest principals of sustainable architecture, using environment friendly building products, ecological construction methods, and recycling and water conservation practices.

About Al Ghurair Foods

Al Ghurair Foods entered the foods industry sector in 1976 through the creation of National Flour Mills. Since that time, a diversified portfolio of food products has been developed through a regionally proactive and forward thinking participation.  Growing  from  a  small  flour  mill  to  a  technologically  advanced,  multi-  product  manufacturing  enterprise, Al  Ghurair  Foods’ market presence has grown to over 50 countries with a customer base in 4 continents. Jenan is the key brand offering products in various categories that include Flour, Pasta, Edible Oils, Noodles, Poultry, Oats, Pulses, Maize and Rice.

For further information, contact:

Group Communications,  Al Ghurair
Tel: + 971 4 3120401, Fax: + 971 4 3120287
Email: corporate.comms@al-ghurair.com

Al Ghurair Foods (AGF), a leading Middle East foods manufacturer, concluded a successful two-month ‘School Feeding Campaign’ in partnership with Dubai Cares that aimed at promoting nutritious food and encouraging proper education and healthy lifestyles among children in developing countries. Commenting on the campaign, Mohammed Essa Al Ghurair, Head of Edible Oils, Al Ghurair Foods said: “As our business grows, we strive to develop our philanthropic initiatives
and better translate our commitment to support unprivileged communities around the world. We are fortunate to be able to touch the lives of children world over. Through our partnership with Dubai Cares, the School Feeding Campaign was able to promote education, proper nutrition and healthy lifestyles among thousands of additional children in developing countries.”

From 28th October to mid December 2010, all products of Jenan, the flagship brand of Al Ghurair Foods, carried the Dubai Cares sticker in support of this campaign. Instead of children working to fulfill their nutrition needs, the campaign encouraged them to engage in proper education through providing healthy meals at the school facilities – a factor which has proven to be essential in parents deciding to send their children to school. Mohammed Essa Al Ghurair, Al Ghurair Foods, underlined the importance of corporate partnerships in pursuing socially responsible endeavors, and added: “The School Feeding Campaign takes us back to our roots and reminds us of the value of basic education and the integral role it plays in carving out a holistic future for the impoverished children around the world. This initiative also reinforces our commitment of feeding our future generations not just with healthy and nutritious food, but also with a sound education thereby equipping them to face the future. We are committed to supporting communities currently faced with harsh economic realities and firmly believe that responsible corporates indeed have an imperative role to play in the building up of future generations. We are proud to be associated with Dubai Cares in making that difference.” To further support this cause, Al Ghurair Foods contributed 5% of their total retail sales in the UAE market during a Dubai Cares team visit to the Al Ghurair Foods Jebel Ali facility. Contributions were handed over by Mohammed Essa Al Ghurair to the CEO of Dubai Cares, Tariq Al Gurg who commented: “The UAE’s corporate sector has always supported our efforts in providing children with access to quality primary education in developing countries.

Leading corporates, like Al Ghurair Foods, have raised the platform of being socially responsible and helping the community at large. This is a good example of corporate organizations sincerely considering social responsibility as an integral part of their business. Together, we can strive to reach out to more children around the globe, serve their educational needs and help achieve the UN Millennium Development Goal 2 of universal primary education for all.” Today, Dubai Cares is reaching over 5 million beneficiaries in 24 countries with the support of corporate and individuals. Dubai Cares is also building and renovating hundreds of schools, training more than 20,000 teachers, establishing over 3000 Parent-Teacher Associations and distributing over 1.3 million books written in local languages.

About Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares, a UAE-based philanthropic establishment, was launched in September 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to improve children’s access to primary education in developing countries. Dubai Cares works in accordance with globally recognized best practices for international NGOs, and has partnerships with organizations such as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Care International, GAIN, Global Network, Oxfam GB, Plan International, Room to Read, Save the Children, Scholastic and UNICEF. It implements comprehensive primary education programs in 24 countries including Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cambodia, Chad, Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Mali, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Yemen, and with Palestinian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon, to help attain the United Nations Millennium Development Goal 2 of achieving universal primary education. To learn more, please visit www.dubaicares.ae

About Al Ghurair Foods

Al Ghurair Foods entered the foods industry sector in 1976 through the creation of National Flour Mills. Since that time, a diversified portfolio of food products has been developed through a regionally proactive and forward thinking participation.  Growing  from  a  small  flour  mill  to  a  technologically  advanced,  multi-  product  manufacturing  enterprise, Al  Ghurair  Foods’ market presence has grown to over 50 countries with a customer base in 4 continents. Jenan is the key brand offering products in various categories that include Flour, Pasta, Edible Oils, Noodles, Poultry, Oats, Pulses, Maize and Rice.

For further information, contact:

Group Communications,  Al Ghurair
Tel: + 971 4 3120401, Fax: + 971 4 3120287
Email: corporate.comms@al-ghurair.com