The Arab Region's most coveted business award on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability officially opened to participants. Hosted by the Arabia CSR Network (ACSRN), a UAE based think tank on CSR and Sustainability, the award has emerged as one of the most sought after distinction by government-led and private businesses in the (MENA) Region. Developed in 2008 by ACSRN, the award integrates the principles and structures of some of the world's leading CSR/sustainability related initiatives, frameworks and standards including the UN Global Compact, Global Reporting Initiative and the EFQM Excellence Model. It was the first CSR award worldwide to be supported by the United Nations Global Compact. The award has attracted wide spread interest from large to small enterprises, local and multinational businesses, with 580 registrations being processed by the award secretariat in a span of six years. More than 26 sectors and 13 countries have been represented by the participating companies. The award is available for application in six categories to make room for diversity and to ensure fair competition - Public Sector Category, Large, Medium, Small enterprises, New Business category and Partnership Projects category. Applications are innovatively designed with a self-assessment provision, elaborate statements, a pitch, and support by detailed guidance and terms of reference. The registration and application system is completely on-line and highly efficient in terms of time and effort.