Rolls-Royce in the community

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.

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.

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.

Video of the Big Science Challenge Winners trip to Derby in March 2012 – Teams from 8 Middle Eastern countries and the UK were required to identify a problem related to water supply in their country or region and offer an original and innovative solution.

Winners from all countries took part in a week of cultural and educational activites in the UK including presenting their solution at the Royal Society in London and spending a day at Rolls-Royce’ Learning and Development Centre in Derby.

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.