Leading hotel group organised a series of charitable initiatives for Al Noor, including a donation earmarked for educational and vocational training of students
In partnership with DGrade, IHG is giving single-use plastic bottles from across 18 properties in the UAE a second life, turning them into t-shirts to be sold by Al Noor at annual fundraising event
Dubai, UAE-– IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is proud to demonstrate its commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility by supporting the Al Noor Training Centre for People of Determination. Through a series of charitable initiatives, the group extended support to the Dubai-based facility for their efforts in creating an inclusive environment that supports individuals of determination.
The Al Noor Training Centre is a non-profit organisation that provides educational and vocational training to individuals with disabilities. With more than 40 years of experience, the centre has helped thousands of people work towards achieving their full potential and integrate into society.
In addition to a financial support, IHG hosted a special event for Al Noor faculty and students at its corporate office in Dubai. IHG employees spent time interacting with students, sharing words of encouragement, and establishing connections. The team from Al Noor also set up the Smiles n’ Stuff booth featuring handcrafted and freshly baked products by the students. With 80-plus employees visiting throughout the morning, the items sold quickly and helped raise further funds.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, toured Al Noor Training Centre and engaged with students who asked about sustainable tourism, career advice, and IHG’s role in fostering inclusivity.
“Our commitment to community engagement is at the heart of our Journey to Tomorrow ambitions, he said. “It’s inspiring to see our colleagues come together to support the incredible work being done at Al Noor. By empowering individuals with determination, we not only enrich their lives, but also strengthen our communities. The commitment shown by our colleagues has been invaluable and plays a huge role towards our global target of improving the lives of 30 million people by 2030. We view this as just the beginning of our commitment to Al Noor, and are dedicated to actively supporting their mission and will seek opportunities to engage in meaningful ways moving forward.”
In addition, IHG recently partnered with DGrade, a UAE-based company dedicated to converting single-use plastic bottles into clothing. The partnership aligns with IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow goal to pioneer the transformation to a minimal waste hospitality industry.
Plastic bottles collected from 18 hotels in the UAE were typically destined for either recycling or general waste disposal. However, through a partnership with DGrade, these bottles were diverted from traditional waste and recycling facilities and transformed into t-shirts made from Greenspun™ yarn. The t-shirts were then supplied to the Al Noor Training Centre to be sold at their annual fundraising event.
The process for making Greenspun™ yarn produces 55 per cent less carbon emissions, uses 50 per cent less energy, and 20 per cent less water, in comparison to conventional polyester yarn.
Ranjini Ramnath, Director of the Al Noor Training Centre, added: “We are immensely grateful for IHG’s support. Their dedication to promoting social responsibility and inclusivity in the UAE is invaluable. This partnership not only helps us provide essential resources for our students, but also inspires other organisations to contribute to a more inclusive and accessible society for all.”
On the other hand, Al Noor’s operations are heavily reliant on goodwill support from corporate sponsors and benefactors. The centre currently provides education and development services to more than 210 young students, nurturing their potential and independence.
