THE One voted CSR Leader of the Year at MEBAA 2008

November 2008: THE One was named Corporate Social Responsibility Leader of the Year at the Middle East Business Achievement Awards 2008 ceremony held at Dubai's InterContinental hotel on Sunday, November 16. CEEO (Chief Emotional Executive Officer) Thomas Lundgren humbly accepted the accolade, commenting "At THE One, CSR is not a values issue. It's a priorities issue and being named Middle East CSR Leader of the Year is an incredible honour. It's all thanks to the support, love and hard work of our people. They're the real secret of our success. Well done guys". THE One outshone UAE super giant Etisalat and Kuwait's Burgan Bank by demonstrating that our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goes beyond financial and legal obligations. The judges assessed evidence of a CSR strategy that integrates social concerns into everyday business operations, including policies, actions or projects that positively impact the community in terms of environment, employment, education or charitable work.

THE One Abu Dhabi Restaurant named The Best Café In Town (Again)!

October 2008: Our jubilant Khalidiya Restaurant team picked up the Best Café of the Year accolade at the Time Out Abu Dhabi awards ceremony, held on 22 October at Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Thomas' business partner, Rashid Mohammed Al Mazrouei, joined THE One's managers and fellow Tribe members in accepting the award and celebrating the special moment. This is the second time that THE One Abu Dhabi Restaurant has scooped this prestigious award, the first being back in 2006. Since then, the Restaurant has changed considerably. It is now able to seat over 130 guests and has designated smoking and non-smoking sections. However, one thing is still the same; whether you're in the mood for a quick coffee or a gourmet meal, you're in for an award-winning experience!

THE One wins Retail City CSR Award for the third year running!

June 2008: An ecstatic THE One team celebrated winning the Best Corporate Social Responsibility of the Year award for the third consecutive year, at the 2008 Retail City Awards ceremony held on June 2 at the glamorous Raffles Hotel Dubai. Judged by an international panel of industry experts, THE One was singled out for our CSR initiatives, including employing challenged individuals, local community support and regeneration, ethical sourcing and environmental values. Upon receiving the award Thomas said: "It's fantastic to be recognised for our efforts to make the world a better place, be that through hiring challenged young adults, through local volunteering, or through our Sustainable Village Community project funded by us. I find it so much more interesting than selling stuff no one really needs. We're on a mission to Change the World Together and this One goes to my tribe, without whom none of this would have been possible!"

Voted What's On Auh Favourite Independent Restaurant/Café 2008

April 2008: At the inaugural What's On Abu Dhabi gala awards dinner held at The Hilton Abu Dhabi hotel on April 21, THE One's Abu Dhabi Restaurant team whisked the prestigious Favourite Independent Restaurant/Café award away from the competition, adding yet another feather to their chef caps. Long regarded as the 'people's choice' awards, patrons have the opportunity to vote for their favourite restaurant, while dining at participating eateries throughout Abu Dhabi. The top three restaurants in each category are then evaluated by industry experts from across the UAE, before the final winner is selected.

Hat-Trick For THE One At RetailME Awards 2007!

March 2008: For the third year running, THE One stumped the competition in two categories at the third annual RetailME Awards ceremony held in Dubai, walking off with both the Lifestyle Retailer of the Year and Store Manager of the Year accolades. It is the third year in a row that we have topped the Lifestyle Retailer category, thanks to continually providing 'quality and speciality products, reasonable prices and effective customer service'. Gabriel Salome, Qatar Country Operations Manager and 2007 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Ambassador for THE One claimed the title of Store Manager of the Year, impressing the judging committee with his excellent retail skills, inspirational leadership qualities, commitment to customer service and CSR initiatives.

THE One Named One of Kuwait's Strongest Brands

February 2008: Following a strict selection process, THE One was awarded Superbrand Status by the Kuwait chapter of Superbrands, a part of the UK Brand Council.