While the Middle East has been a fast-growing market for the full spectrum of Rolls-Royce businesses, the company has also been increasing its local community activities. This commitment to providing support for business and educational programmes as well as major sporting and social events, within the countries in which it operates is demonstrated in various ways.

Education

In the field of education Rolls-Royce has a strong tradition of improving the quality of education at all levels. It is a founder of the British University in Dubai (BUID), the Middle East region’s first post-graduate research-based university, which saw the first students graduate in the Summer of 2006. A feasibility study into an Abu Dhabi-based faculty is also underway. Also in the UAE, Sir John Rose, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce plc, has the distinction of sitting on the board of the Emirates Foundation, which is committed to improving the quality of life in the UAE by advancing the nation into a new era of achievement through the enrichment of intellectual, social, and community development. In Qatar the company has announced its intention to set up a new testing and Maintenance facility at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). The facility will support the development of new applications for the Rolls-Royce Trent gas turbine engine and provide a boost to Qatar’s ambitions to develop a knowledge based sector to its economy. More recently, in April 2006, Rolls-Royce announced its intention to join some of the world’s largest energy companies and elite academic institutions, as an ‘anchor partner’ to an ambitious alternative energy initiative, known as the ‘Masdar initiative’. This is Abu Dhabi’s multifaceted response to the need for a global focus on resource conservation and the alternative energy sector. It is designed to ensure in the long-term that Abu Dhabi retains, and even grows, its share of the global energy market.

Care

Rolls-Royce is an active supporter and campaigner of the Mission of Seafarers, one of a number of regional charitable organizations to benefit from the company's generosity. To mark the Seafarers' 150th anniversary funds are being raised to build a Support Boat, which will offer seafarers a home away from home.

Sport

As a founding sponsor of the world renowned Dubai Rugby Sevens Tournament, Rolls-Royce has helped this event become one of the best-known spectacles on the sporting calendar. It is also a sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Golf Classic.