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Thursday June 15th, 2023

Hawkamah Institute for Governance Welcomes the Publication of the DFM Guide to Support ESG Reporting

Hawkamah, the Institute for Governance, today announced its support for the 2023 Dubai Financial Market (DFM) ESG reporting guide, a comprehensive guide designed to enhance organisations’ ESG practices and transparency.The institute has unveiled a range of practical support workshops to assist companies in defining, implementing, and measuring the outcomes of their ESG activities.The report provides valuable insights, practical frameworks, and best practices to help companies align their business strategies with sustainability objectives, foster transparency, and drive long-term value.Notably, the report references DFM’s initiative to launch S&P/Hawkamah’s ESG Index for the MENA region, encouraging listed companies to embrace ESG best practices.Dr Ahmad Bin Hassan Al Shaikh, Chairman of Hawkamah, emphasized the strategic importance of incorporating ESG considerations into corporate governance practices.He stated, “The DFM 2023 ESG reporting guide is essential for equipping companies with a transformative roadmap that enables them to navigate the evolving sustainability landscape.This guide is a powerful tool for benchmarking progress, implementing best practices, and effectively meeting stakeholder expectations.Together, we are shaping a future where ESG integration becomes the norm, unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth and positioning our region as a leader in responsible business practices.”To support the adoption of ESG practices, Hawkamah has also announced upcoming ESG events, including a webinar in collaboration with Nasdaq titled, “Getting to Net Zero will require carbon offset strategies and efforts to reduce emissions.”Hawkamah’s support for the DFM’s mission to drive sustainable business practices in the region demonstrates its commitment to encouraging all companies to embrace sustainability as a core business principle.For more information or to access the full 2023 DFM ESG Reporting Guide, please visit hawkamah.org.

Monday May 15th, 2023

Hawkamah celebrates a new milestone in corporate governance in the Middle East and North Africa

Good governance-focused companies in the MENA region are more likely to attract investment.Corporate Governance gains traction regionally with 190 Board Secretaries and 170 Directors certified by HawkamahHawkamah, the Institute for Governance, has announced that it has achieved a new milestone in corporate governance in the Middle East as companies in the region embrace good corporate governance to attract more investment The institute has now certified 190 Board Secretaries and 170 Certified Directors, demonstrating its commitment to improving regional corporate governance practices.  Corporate governance is globally recognised as critical to business success and sustainability. Studies show that companies with strong corporate governance practices are 29% more efficient at generating profits and are more attractive to investors due to better stock market performance and returns. Hawkamah's certification programs, including the Director Development Programme and the Company Board Secretary Workshop, are vital in advancing regional corporate governance practices and promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible business practices. Dr Ashraf Gamal El Din, Chief Executive Officer of Hawkamah Institute for Governance, said: "We are proud of the progress we have made in certifying Board Secretaries and Directors in the region. This achievement reflects the growing recognition of the importance of corporate governance and the demand for high-quality training and certification programs for board members and professionals."Hawkamah also recognises the importance of board diversity for business longevity, believing that a diverse board leads to better decision-making and outcomes. In addition, the organisation encourages companies to adopt diverse board structures and offers training to enhance the board's skills in this regard. "Board diversity is key to sustainability, as it brings value and fresh perspective to organisations across the MENA region, helping them to prosper and contribute to the economic growth of the region," said Dr Ashraf Gamal El Din.Since 2006, Hawkamah has been at the forefront of shaping good governance in the region, advising regional governments, companies and boardrooms and providing training and certification programs for board members and senior executives. In 2017, Dubai Financial Market (DFM) mandated the Hawkamah Certified Board Secretary Workshop for all DFM listed companies.  The institute's certifications are recognised and respected throughout the Middle East and beyond, representing a rigorous standard of knowledge and expertise in corporate governance.

Friday May 19th, 2023

New milestone in corporate governance

Hawkamah, the Institute for Governance, has announced that it has achieved a new milestone in corporate governance in the Middle East as companies in the region embrace good corporate governance to attract more investment. The institute has now certified 190 Board Secretaries and 170 Certified Directors, demonstrating its commitment to improving regional corporate governance practices.   Corporate governance is globally recognised as critical to business success and sustainability. Studies show that companies with strong corporate governance practices are 29% more efficient at generating profits and are more attractive to investors due to better stock market performance and returns. Hawkamah’s certification programmes, including the Director Development Programme and the Company Board Secretary Workshop, are vital in advancing regional corporate governance practices and promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible business practices.Dr Ashraf Gamal El Din, Chief Executive Officer of Hawkamah Institute for Governance, said: “We are proud of the progress we have made in certifying Board Secretaries and Directors in the region. This achievement reflects the growing recognition of the importance of corporate governance and the demand for high-quality training and certification programs for board members and professionals.”Hawkamah also recognises the importance of board diversity for business longevity, believing that a diverse board leads to better decision-making and outcomes. In addition, the organisation encourages companies to adopt diverse board structures and offers training to enhance the board’s skills in this regard.“Board diversity is key to sustainability, as it brings value and fresh perspective to organisations across the MENA region, helping them to prosper and contribute to the economic growth of the region,” said Dr Ashraf Gamal El Din.

Thursday May 18th, 2023

Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance celebrates 17 years of excellence

Hawkamah, the leading institute for governance, celebrates another year of outstanding achievements in shaping corporate governance throughout the MENA. With over 100 years of advisory board members' experience and over 30 international strategic partnerships and associations, Hawkamah has been a pivotal force in driving better governance for companies and the region for almost two decades.Founded on the principle that good governance is key to sustainable and successful businesses, Hawkamah has gathered leaders and experts worldwide to promote corporate governance frameworks and practices in the region through working with regulators and international institutions. Dr Ahmad Bin Hassan Al Sheikh, chairman of Hawkamah Institute for Governance, said: "We are proud of our journey and the impact we have had over the past 17 years in shaping a culture of good governance in the Middle East and North Africa. We remain dedicated to promoting sustainable economic growth through strong corporate governance practices, and we look forward to continuing this journey with our partners and stakeholders."Hawkamah, being the leading corporate governance knowledge hub of the region, is offering its expertise through training programs, advisory services and bringing international experts to grow the governance landscape. It was founded in the region for the region and works to support the agenda of Dubai and the UAE, which is essential for attracting investment to ensure the financial and economic development of the region. The organisation has helped raise awareness of the importance of corporate governance, increasing businesses adopting best practices. The institute has been at the forefront of growing a culture of governance in the UAE, from generating early awareness and interest to paving the way for risk management and governance of future advanced technologies.Hawkamah has trained corporate directors, board members and employees from over 15 countries, helping them improve their governance practices and has published extensive, reliable reports highlighting the importance of corporate governance. The institute has now certified 190 board secretaries and 170 certified directors, demonstrating its commitment to improving regional corporate governance practices.

Wednesday May 17th, 2023

Hawkamah celebrates a new milestone in corporate governance in MENA

Since 2006, Hawkamah has been at the forefront of shaping good governance in the region, advising regional governments, companies and boardrooms and providing training and certification programs for board members and senior executives. Hawkamah, the Institute for Governance, has announced that it has achieved a new milestone in corporate governance in the Middle East as companies in the region embrace good corporate governance to attract more investment. The institute has now certified 190 board secretaries and 170 certified directors, demonstrating its commitment to improving regional corporate governance practices.Dr Ashraf Gamal El Din, Chief Executive Officer of Hawkamah Institute for Governance, said: "We are proud of the progress we have made in certifying Board Secretaries and Directors in the region. This achievement reflects the growing recognition of the importance of corporate governance and the demand for high-quality training and certification programs for board members and professionals."Corporate governance is globally recognised as critical to business success and sustainability. Studies show that companies with strong governance practices are 29% more efficient at generating profits and are more attractive to investors due to better stock market performance and returns. Hawkamah's certification programs, including the Director Development Programme and the Company Board Secretary Workshop, are vital in advancing regional corporate governance practices and promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible business practices.Dr Ashraf Gamal El Din also highlighted the importance of diversity, he said: "Board diversity is key to sustainability, as it brings value and fresh perspective to organisations across the MENA region, helping them to prosper and contribute to the economic growth of the region.” In 2017, Dubai Financial Market (DFM) mandated the Hawkamah Certified Board Secretary Workshop for all DFM listed companies. The institute's certifications are recognised and respected throughout the Middle East and beyond, representing a rigorous standard of knowledge and expertise in corporate governance.