Kanoo supports Thalassaemia initiatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) April 9, 2006 -- Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 9, 2006: The Kanoo Group�s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme gained momentum this month with the business conglomerate sponsoring the fund-raising activity for the 'UAE Free of Thalassaemia' project in addition to organising an internal blood donation drive for its staff and guests. The �UAE Free of Thalassaemia� project initiated by the Future Leaders Group (a part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development) seeks to eradicate thalassaemia from the UAE by 2012.

Tariq Al Gurg, the project leader of the 'Future Leaders' group said, �Thalassaemia has become a critical problem in the UAE today with so many children suffering from this genetic disorder. The 'UAE Free of Thalassaemia' programme aims to eradicate thalassaemia from the UAE by 2012. With corporates such as The Kanoo Group supporting us in this endeavour, we hope to raise enough funds that will help us create awareness of this genetic disorder, support medical research and help prevent it from occuring in the future.�
Kanoo Travel and Kanoo Holidays have pledged to the 'UAE Free of Thalassaemia' project raffle prizes such as prestigious holiday trips to Euro Disney, Maldives, Malaysia, Cairo & Sharm El Shaikh and Cyprus. The funds raised from the �UAE Free of Thalassaemia' project will be dedicated to Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Award for Medical Research, Thalassaemia research, Thalassaemia education, and provision of necessary medical equipment for patients suffering from Thalassaemia.

The Kanoo Group also held an internal blood donation campaign at its corporate office in Bur Dubai to support patients suffering from thalassaemia and other life-threatening ailments. The sixth blood donation drive had employees and guests voluntarily coming forward to donate in large numbers. Al Wasl Hospital officials provided full medical equipment, information and medical tests, which ensured the success of the blood donation campaign.
�Patients suffering from thalassaemia, accidents, cancer and other ailments need blood to save their lives. Voluntary blood donations help to meet the ever-increasing demand of blood for patients. We are happy that our employees have, time and again, come forward to volunteer their services towards social and environmental causes,� says Mishal Kanoo, Deputy Chairman of The Kanoo Group.

The Kanoo Group�s corporate principles are rooted in Corporate and Social Responsibility and this is evident from their active contribution to Education & Training, Emiratisation, Environmental Protection and Social Causes.

About The Kanoo Group:

The Kanoo Group is a diversified business conglomerate in the United Arab Emirates with business activities across the world's most dynamic industries from Shipping, Travel, Holidays, Machinery, Oil & Gas, Power & Industrial Projects to Exhibition services, Courier Services, Logistics, Specialty Chemicals and Business Centers. In addition, The Kanoo Group has a remarkable history in forming joint ventures with world-class companies which cater to the industrial and service sectors such as AXA Insurance (Gulf), Mearsk, BASF, Johnson Arabia, Freightworks and others. For further information on The Kanoo Group, please visit www.kanoo.com