Marc Cirera
Founder
Marc is a business ethics and CSR specialist with a clear vision: a world where companies operate in a more sustainable and responsible way.
He founded Companies for Good because he knows that good business practices help companies perform better. He knows businesses have the potential to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. And he wants to help make these things happen.
Emily Jeffrey-Barrett
Creative Partner
Emily is an award-winning Creative Strategist based in London. She uses creativity and brand expertise to help businesses grow.
She joined Companies for Good because she believes in Marc’s vision and knows creativity is critical to solving the enormous social and environmental issues we’re facing.
Monique Matthysen
Client Relations Director
Monique is smart, fun, super organised and professional, and passionate about doing good. She is always positive and a real joy to work with.
On top of managing client relationships and logistics, Monique is also an engaging speaker and features in radio and TV shows across the UAE.
Amal Safadi
Team Activities Manager
Amal is our superstar team activities supervisor. Working hand-by-hand with Monique, she ensures that all events are carefully planned and attends the activities to deliver a fun and unforgettable experience for all participants.
Since Amal joined we’re only getting 5* on Google reviews.
We're proud to offer a huge range of impactful team activities

Making Sustainable Care Products for Female Workers
A Unique Activity to Learn About Sustainability and Create Gifts for Women Workers This sustainability activity kicks off with a fun and insightful ice-breaker: the Green Actions bingo game; and we’ll then briefly talk about the lives of migrant workers to better understand how receiving this care products will benefit them. We will use natural...
Pack School Stationary for Refugee Children
A Fun and Engaging Indoor Team Activity Designed to Foster Education for Refugee Children Every child has the right to learn. Access to quality education is a basic human right. And yet according to the United Nations (UN), 78 million children around the world “don’t go to school at all because of conflict, climate disasters...
Turning waste into art – A new activity to raise awareness about sustainability and waste
Turning Waste into Art Waste has a very negative effect on our planet and the wildlife that lives on it. This is why topics like circular economy and waste reduction on top of the COP28 agenda and a priority for any business leading the sustainability movement. This team activity for UAE-based companies and their employees is...
Cook your sustainable lunch – then plant native trees
A fantastic outdoor team activity to have fun with your colleagues while doing real good for the UAE environment. Welcome to the Halophytic Kitchen Lab! Halophytes are a type of plants that grow in salty water the perfect crops for the Middle East. In this interactive, sustainable activity we’ll learn all about them then get...
Behind the mask – Raising awareness about mental health
A creative and meaningful activity that contributes to the happiness & wellbeing of our community – and ourselves! Most of us, at some point in our lives, wear a “mask” that covers our feelings and hold us back from sharing our true self. Have you ever thought about what is behind that mask? This team...
Beach cleanup activity
Protect marine life and keep UAE’s coastline safe and pristine with this amazing beach cleaning activity. A fantastic way to have fun with your colleagues while doing good Our coastline is under threat. By 2050, there will be as much plastic as fish in our oceans, and some of this plastic trash gets washed onto...
Upgrade a special needs school
A fun and impactful CSR activity that will make a positive difference in the lives of children of determination. A beautiful, nurturing environment is more conducive to engagement and learning, and that is exactly what you and your team will be providing to children of determination. Gardening, painting walls, fixing things… In this activity you...
Alternative urban farming
A unique sustainability activity to encourage your employees to set up their own small farm at home. Food security is a big issue globally. In this fun and innovative activity people will learn about the food cycle and explore modern urban farming solutions that can be easily implemented at home. Participants will start with an...
Mangrove tree planting & kayaking
Outdoor Team Activity in UAE: Protect nature with this fantastic outdoor team activity in UAE (Abu Dhabi and Ajman mangrove forests) – an incredible way to do good for the environment by planting mangrove trees. This is an interactive outdoor adventure for anyone who loves nature. You’ll get the chance to connect with the environment...
Support Special Needs Children
Help special needs children to gain confidence for life Take part in a truly meaningful experience and provide training and care that helps special needs children realize their potential in the community. Many special needs children with dream about getting a job and becoming more independent. In this activity, you’ll help give them the confidence...
Online activity: The Climate Change Challenge
Our new virtual activities help employees do good, have fun and bond as a team – whether they’re all in one office, remote working, or located in different countries. The Climate Change Challenge is a live-action digital team game that helps co-workers get to know each other, have fun and collaborate to achieve a common goal....
Empower children with determination
Empower differently-abled children through interactive play Help children with determination learn and express themselves through a fun, engaging team activity to remember. When you’re a child with special needs, it can feel like a confident, independent life is impossible. But, through this amazing initiative, you can help enhance children’s social, behavioral & life skills so...
Underwater Cleanup
Ocean cleaning activity to help the environment Help save our oceans with this amazing underwater clean-up activity – clearing the sea of plastic! Every minute, a garbage truck-worth of plastic is dumped into the ocean, killing wildlife and destroying marine habitat. In this incredible underwater clean-up activity, you and your team can get hands on...
Social entrepreneurship activity
Create the social entrepreneurs of tomorrow Volunteer at a local school to help students develop their entrepreneurial spirit and become our future leaders and social innovators. Take part in a fantastic activity that will help you foster talent and build confidence in young people. Run in partnership with a Silicon Valley-based program, this activity is...
Wadi Adventure and Desert Cleanup
Experience the UAE nature and help protect it with this Wadi team activity and desert clean-up Bond with your team as you hike, learn survival skills, and clean up one of the most beautiful natural parks in the UAE: Wadi Shawka. Wadi Shawka is one of the Emirates’ most incredible natural places and an important...
Ghaf Tree Planting Activity
Plant a Ghaf tree and protect the planet. Now, Take part in this amazing outdoor Ghaf tree planting activity. So you can boost team bonding while helping the environment. Climate change, water scarcity, deforestation make our environment is under threat. With this tree planting activity you can make a real difference to nature while having...
Kayaking through the mangroves & cleaning the forest
Do good for nature with this unmissable team activity: kayaking through the mangroves and cleaning as you paddle. This outdoor team building activity is the most fun you can have while doing good. You’ll learn about climate change and protect the environment. But you’ll also have an adventure and bond as a team! After arriving...
Scavenger hunt to support blue collar workers
Show your support for Dubai workers with this fun scavenger hunt In this fun, interactive activity, you'll go on a scavenger hunt with a twist – the items you find are gifts for workers in Dubai’s labour camps. You and your colleagues will learn more about the lives of blue collar workers, then work as...
Ghaf Seed Planting Activity
Seed Planting Activity Take part in Seed Planting a fantastic team building activity and enjoy planting Ghaf tree seeds, in a state of the art nursery at the heart of Dubai. The Ghaf seed planting initiative starts with a short awareness session about the local environment, water scarcity, indigenous plants and trees. Why the Ghaf...
Ramadan packing activity to support for blue collar workers
Show your support for blue collar workers with this fun and meaningful activity A fantastic way to do good and give back to society during the “holy month” of Ramadan by packing Hygiene items in your office and the distributing them to the workers who build our city. We’ll start the session with a meaningful...
Take children with autism for a great day out
Support children and their families with an amazing trip to a theme park Provide much-needed support for children with autism and give your employees an unforgettable experience with this fantastic activity. When you’re a child with autism, the world can feel overwhelming. Everyday things – like walking down the street or even watching a movie...
Ramadan Food Distribution Event
Capture the spirit of Ramadan by helping blue collar workers celebrate Iftar Iftar meals for blue collar workers Migrant workers who live in the UAE labour facilities work really hard to make a living and support their families back home. Your company can make a positive difference and say 'thank you' to this community by...
Make Toys for Refugee Children
A fun and impactful CSR activity to support underprivileged children Around the world, thousands of children are in crisis. At this heart-warming ‘ Toys for Refugee Children ’ event, you and your team will work together to create gifts to bring a smile to their faces. How to Help Refugee Children After a quick lesson...We are experts in Sustainability & Social impact

Employee Engagement Activities: Corporate values, ethics and culture
Companies for Good can help you bring your people together through a shared set of values Having a bold vision and relevant values is very important - for your people, for your customers, for your investors, and for your business.Companies For Good will help you to create your values We will help you define a...
Diversity & Inclusion programme
Wherever you are on your D&I journey, we can help your organisation bring Diversity & Inclusion to life. We believe in the power of difference. Great businesses, great results, great ideas all require diversity of thinking and experience. And that’s only possible in organisations that take an inclusive approach. To achieve this, you need to...
Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – and how to make them work for you – at our inspiring, interactive workshop, delivered by leading CSR experts. The Sustainable Development Goals are the business opportunity of the century. Also, they’re a major focus for governments all over the world. They give your organisation...
Sustainability and CSR strategy
Build a strong strategy to become a sustainability Leader Create an effective sustainability strategy and become a more confident CSR professional; with our empowering strategy workshop delivered by our expert training partners. Sustainability and CSR is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s essential. So Customers want to buy from businesses that make a positive impact. Also,...We love what we do. Check The Good Blog for some of our insights.

How Beach Cleanups Can Help Your Company Contribute to Dubai’s Green Vision 2030
A Rising Concern: The State of Dubai’s Beaches Imagine taking a walk along Dubai’s beautiful coastline—pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and the soothing sound of waves. Now, picture the same beach littered with plastic waste, discarded fishing nets, and cigarette butts. Unfortunately, this is a growing problem in less-visited areas, where waste accumulates without regular cleaning…

ESG vs. CSR: Understanding the Difference and Why It Matters for Businesses
What if Doing Good Could Also Mean Doing Well? Imagine this: A company launches a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, donating a percentage of its revenue to charity. A great move, right? But months later, reports reveal that the same company has been polluting local water sources. Despite its good intentions, its impact tells a…

Why Environmental Responsibility is a Competitive Advantage for Businesses in UAE
The Business Case for Environmental Action Imagine this: Two companies offer the same product at a similar price. One has a strong commitment to sustainability—using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and actively supporting green initiatives. The other operates without a clear environmental strategy. Which company would you choose to support? For businesses in the UAE, environmental…

A Guide to Organizing a Mangrove Planting Event for Your Team in the UAE
Why Mangrove Planting Matters Imagine this: Your team is standing in the warm sun, feet sinking slightly into the wet sand, as they plant tiny mangrove saplings along the UAE’s coastline. In that moment, they’re not just employees—they’re changemakers, playing a direct role in protecting the environment. Mangrove forests are vital for the UAE’s ecosystem….

Achieving Sustainability through Corporate Social Responsibility
Sustainability Activities in the UAE: A Corporate Imperative Imagine this: It’s a warm morning in Dubai, and a group of corporate professionals swap their office attire for comfortable work gear. Instead of sitting in boardrooms, they’re knee-deep in mangroves, planting trees that will not only absorb carbon dioxide but also protect the UAE’s coastline. This…

The Power of Tree-Planting Activities for Team Building & the Planet
For years, businesses have searched for the perfect way to strengthen teams—ropes courses, escape rooms, high-pressure challenges. But while these can be fun, do they truly leave a lasting impact? Imagine instead an activity that not only brings your team closer but also helps combat climate change, improves air quality, and supports biodiversity. That’s exactly…

The Environmental Impact of Ghaf Trees in Dubai: What Corporates Need to Know
Why Is the Ghaf Tree So Important? Imagine a tree so resilient that it thrives in the harsh desert, providing life where most plants wither. The Ghaf tree is exactly that—a silent warrior of the UAE’s ecosystem. But did you know that beyond its environmental benefits, planting Ghaf trees can play a vital role in…

Ways UAE Businesses Can Support Local Environmental Causes
The UAE’s Green Vision: Why Businesses Must Step Up Imagine a UAE where pristine beaches remain untouched by plastic waste, where mangroves thrive along the coastlines, and where urban spaces are adorned with lush green trees. This vision isn’t a far-fetched dream—it’s an achievable reality if businesses actively contribute to local sustainability efforts. The UAE…

How Dubai-Based Companies Can Align with Global ESG Standards
Unexpected meeting that changed everything It started with a regular trade trip. A Dubai -based CEO of a multinational firm was attending a global summit on stability when a conversation completely changed his perspective. Sitting next to him was an executive from an European firm, who shared how the ESG (environment, social and governance) was…

The Impact of Zero-Waste Initiatives on UAE’s Environment & Business Growth
For decades, waste has been an inevitable byproduct of business. Packaging, single-use plastics, excess inventory—every step of the supply chain seemed to generate more and more waste. But times are changing. More businesses are recognising that waste isn’t just an environmental problem—it’s an economic one. In the UAE, zero-waste initiatives are not just reducing environmental…

How to Choose the Right Company for Your Team-Building Needs
Finding the right team-building partner isn’t just another box to check—it’s the difference between an event that sparks real connection and one that’s forgotten by Monday. Dubai’s corporate world is more dynamic than ever, and companies are realising that team building is more than just a fun day out. It’s a way to build trust,…

5 Reasons Why Team-Building Activities Matter for Sustainable Business Practices
Sustainability teambuilding is more than just a trendy phrase, it’s a powerful tool for companies that want to create lasting impact. In today’s world, businesses aren’t just measured by their profits; they’re judged by how they treat people and the planet. More and more companies are recognising that sustainable practices aren’t just good for the…

Comparing Different Team-Building Approaches: Which Works Best for CSR?
For years, businesses have been searching for the perfect formula for team building. Should they go for adventure-based activities? Classic trust exercises? Social impact projects? The truth is, team building is not just about boosting morale for a day—it’s about creating meaningful connections, fostering collaboration, and, most importantly, making a lasting impact. A recent global…

Top 5 Corporate Volunteering Ideas to Inspire Employees
For many employees, work is more than just a paycheck—it’s about purpose, impact, and belonging. More and more companies are realising that corporate volunteering isn’t just a feel-good initiative; it’s a powerful tool to boost engagement, strengthen teamwork, and create a lasting impact on communities. In the UAE, where businesses are increasingly aligning with ESG…

CSR Team Building Activities That Support UAE’s Environmental Goals
Dubai’s skyline tells a story of ambition, innovation, and progress. But beneath the dazzling skyscrapers, another story is unfolding, one of environmental responsibility. With the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiative and the growing push for sustainability, businesses have an important role to play in shaping a greener future. And it’s not just about corporate policies—it’s…

The Role of Team Activities in Employee Retention and Engagement
For years, companies have been searching for ways to boost employee engagement and retain top talent. They’ve held town halls, revamped benefits packages, and invested in leadership training. And while they’ve been doing all that, they’ve been missing a powerful tool that’s been right in front of them: team activities. More and more businesses in…

How to Organize a Team-Building Event Focused on Environmental Impact
A few years ago, a company in Dubai decided to swap its usual corporate retreat for something different. Instead of the typical trust falls and conference room exercises, they took their team to plant mangroves along the coast. At first, employees weren’t sure what to expect—some had never even thought about conservation before. But as…

Why Corporate Beach Cleanups in Dubai Are Essential for Achieving Your Company’s ESG Goals
The Plastic Problem We Can No Longer Ignore Dubai’s stunning coastline is one of its biggest assets, but beneath the beauty lies a growing problem: plastic pollution. Every year, thousands of tons of plastic waste enter our oceans, damaging marine ecosystems, harming wildlife, and even making its way back to us through the food chain….

Mental Health Awareness: CSR Activities That Support Workplace Well-Being
For years, companies have talked about productivity, efficiency, and performance. They’ve discussed strategies, KPIs, and bottom lines. But more and more businesses are realizing that there’s one key factor they can’t ignore: mental health. Because what happens when employees feel overwhelmed, stressed, or burned out? Productivity drops. Performance suffers. And worse- people leave. Workplace well-being…

Team building vs. Traditional Volunteering: Which Is More Effective?
For years, companies have recognized the importance of giving back. They’ve organized volunteering days, sent teams to paint schools, planted trees, and packed food parcels. It’s all been valuable, meaningful work. But in today’s fast-paced corporate world, businesses are looking for ways to maximize both their impact and their investment in people. That’s where the…

325 CSR activities with 10,000 volunteers to celebrate the ‘Year of Sustainability’
At Companies for Good it’s always the ‘Year of Sustainability’. But in 2023 that became real for the whole of the UAE as we all celebrated our planet and hosted COP28 - the most important climate event in the world. This was a huge opportunity for leading companies to support the UAE vision and involve...
HELPING UAE COMPANIES BE PART OF COP28
Join Companies for Good in Shaping COP28 and Leading the Way to Sustainability Excitement is building in the United Arab Emirates as COP28 - the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties - approaches. At Companies for Good, we are honored to be part of the sustainability initiatives actively contributing to the...
RAMADAN 2024: Team activities for the community
Companies for Good offers UAE businesses fantastic ways to do good this Ramadan 2024 Ramadan is expected to fall between Sunday 10 March and 8 April 2024. When you think of Ramadan, you think of giving, kindness, helping people who aren’t as lucky as you… It’s important for all of us – including businesses. So,...
Tackling climate change by planting Mangrove trees
Vision 2030: The UAE’s commitment to plant 100 million mangroves The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding father of the UAE, understood the importance and great value of the mangrove trees, and initiated a massive forestation program. And recently, at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), HE Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister...
Build your brand while doing good
How the right campaign can help businesses do good while building a powerful brand For decades, businesses have been talking about sustainability. They’ve been speaking on panels, writing reports that show their positive impact, taking to the stage with charities. And while they’ve been talking about that, they’ve been shouting another louder, brighter, more insistent...
Our world is not an ashtray
4 years ago, I set up Companies for Good. I did it because I wanted to make this world a better place. So far, we’ve done 300+ team activities with 200+ businesses. We’ve helped companies support people of determination, donate food, and hygiene packs, and toys to children who have nothing, and protect the environment...Why capitalism is failing
Capitalism: Capitalism is the best-known system for economic growth. No doubt about it. But when it comes to making us happier, healthier and more sustainable, capitalism isn’t delivering on its promises. Some argue that inequalities have reduced over the past few years. That individuals have never enjoyed such freedom and access to opportunity. That poverty,…
Welcome to the Age of Good
First off, what is CSR? Corporate Social Responsibility CSR gained traction in the 70s and the 80s, during a period were businesses were allowed to do pretty much whatever they wanted to make money. Throwing barrels of chemicals into the ocean, dumping filthy water into the rivers, these things came as standard. Discriminating against women,…