Union Coop, the consumer co-operative of Dubai and manager of hypermarkets, has launched a new initiative to install 1,000 fire protection systems as part of its ‘Your Safety .. Is Our Safety’ initiative, said a report.

The Union Coop move comes following the directives of the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to urgently install fire protection systems directly connected with Civil Defence at all houses, reported state news agency Wam.

The initiative aims to install fire protection systems at 1,000 houses for those who cannot afford to and in co-ordination with the competent authorities, it stated.

Union Coop CEO Khalid Humaid bin Diban Al Falasi said: "The safety and security of individuals and organisations in both the public and private sectors is a matter of social responsibility."

"They must be integrated within corporate responsibility goals and strategies. Today, we announced our initiative in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed. This wise decision carries a message of compassion and care for all the UAE people," stated Al Falasi.

The initiative aims to shoulder a marginal part of the government’s efforts and to translate Union Coop’s vision of corporate social responsibility, he added.