At Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, we define corporate social responsibility (CSR) as the way in which we operate to create a positive social impact within the community. Our approach is founded on the shared belief that our business has a responsibility not only to deliver the commercial and other performance goals set out in the business plan but also to play a role in enhancing the life of the community in which we work and from which we derive our customers, employees, volunteers and event participants.
OUR CSR STRATEGY
Yas Marina Circuit occupies a unique position in Abu Dhabi and is endowed with a wide range of assets that in combination sets it well apart from other entities. Our CSR strategy is to create a tangible social impact by using those assets for the benefit of our community. The assets themselves cannot address all the needs of the community and so we will also provide practical support for one selected charitable cause each year within the UAE.
CSR IN ACTION: ENHANCING ROAD SAFETY
We already use our assets to support the community in many ways, notably by making the track available for Training Nights Under Lights every Tuesday. This focus is highlighted by activities such as the annual Diabetes Walkathon, the Ministry of Labour’s mini-marathon and a range of educational activities including the successful
F1 in Schools programme. Schools involved in the F1 in Schools Challenge are encouraged to make use of the exceptional Centre of Excellence facilities.
The most significant single benefit we can offer the community is to link the circuit with a government-funded initiative to improve road safety. The rate of death and serious injury on the UAE’s roads is one of the highest in the world. We are working with leading road safety authorities to make Yas Marina Circuit available for specific activities in support of their efforts.
CSR IN ACTION: CHARITY SUPPORT
We will provide practical support to one UAE charity each year. Below is a summary of our recent CSR activities.
Walkathon UAE - with Imperial College London Diabetes Centre Abu Dhabi
Since 2009, Yas Marina Circuit has been the home of “Walkathon UAE”, the diabetes awareness event organized by the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC). The first event attracted almost 12,000 visitors and participants along the 5.55km Yas Marina Circuit track. In 2010, the event saw an even better response, with 15,000 attendees. Through 2011 and 2012 our support for this important community initiative continues.
Summer 2010 - The Summer Career Academy – Automotive Sports & Road Safety
Yas Marina Circuit and the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) developed a summer education program that would give students an idea of career opportunities on the track. The programme, which was funded by the Abu Dhabi Educational Council (ADEC), ran for four weeks and consisted of 20 to 30 students per class learning about race control, venue operations, mechanical matters, and running a garage.
June 2010 - SALAMA Road Safety Awareness
In 2010, Yas Marina Circuit teamed up with SALAMA and ADEC to help make young people aware of the need for safer UAE roads. Led by star FIA rally driver Mohammed ben Sulayem, the campaign visited 20 Abu Dhabi schools and raised awareness with 9,000 students about road safety.
March 2010 - V8 2010
Yas Marina Circuit launched an “Adopt-A-Mechanic” program at the 2010 V8 Series. Young people from IAT joined professional racing teams in their garages as they worked on their cars and prepared them for the track.
November 2011 - ADNIC Yas Run
A community running event sponsored by ADNIC is now part of the YMC annual calendar, encouraging participation from all sectors of the community and focussed on enabling families and young people to take part. We are grateful for the on-going support ADNIC lends to this event and look forward to repeating success of previous years in 2012.
ONGOING CSR ACTIVITIES
Working with the Abu Dhabi Police
Yas Marina Circuit regularly hosts events and internal vehicle tests for the Abu Dhabi police. June 2010 saw an informative police exhibition held to discuss issues surrounding road safety. The police also frequently host talks and events for schools at Yas Marina Circuit.
To discuss CSR opportunities with Yas Marina Circuit, please contact the Communications team by email
nick.mcelwee@ymc.ae.