Sharjah Islamic Bank opens unit to enhance CSR

Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) has announced the creation of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) unit as a new sub-section of its Public Relations and Media Division, which has been renamed Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility Division.

The establishment of the new unit is in line with SIB’s commitment to the ideals of CSR and its belief in the importance of adopting community service approaches in an organised and practical manner.

CSR is one of the most important modern concepts adopted by large businesses, and SIB’s CSR unit will be concerned with everything related to social services, sponsorships and other activities and services that aim to develop the community.

Hassan Al Balghouni, Head of SIB’s Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility Division, said: “The move will help further expand SIB’s social and humanitarian activities, which are as important to us as the banking services we provide to clients. This new unit aims to strengthen ties and communication between the bank and its employees, on one hand, and the community in which we operate, on the other. No business activity will succeed without the community and the human element.

“Through the new unit we will introduce a number of innovative activities and sponsor events that are in line with our aspirations of offering high-quality banking services and serving the community.”

Al Balghouni said that Islamic banking supports the concept of community service through its compliance with Shariah teachings, which urge the business sector to contribute to the community as a partner.

SIB’s commitment to this concept is apparent from its support of charitable causes and charity-related activities through proper channels such as the Abu Dhabi Zakat Fund and the Red Crescent, in addition to supporting Sharjah Charity Association through its sponsorship of orphans and the Dirham Al Khair project.

SIB has a good record of CSR efforts, the most prominent of which is the prestigious Sharjah Islamic Bank Ramadan Tent that has gained popularity over the past four years. The bank’s annual UAE National Day celebration has also grown into a national festival entitled The Sharjah Islamic National Festival over the past few years.

Other SIB initiatives include Sharjah Islamic Bank Ramadan Iftar Tent, which offers Iftar to over 1,200 Muslims per day during the holy month of Ramadan, blood donation drive organised for needy patients, regular visits to patients in cooperation with the bank’s employees, sponsoring the Red Crescent Charity Clinic in Sharjah, and supporting Abu Dhabi’s Zakat Funds.

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