Dubai, United Arab Emirates - October 29, 2008

Dow Chemical in the Middle East has won a prestigious honor at the Middle East HR Summit Excellence Awards ceremony held last night at Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Dow topped the 'HR Initiative of the Year' category having met the strenuous criteria set by an independent committee of adjudicators appointed by the Institute for International Research (IIR) Middle East, the event's organizer. Dow was also named the runner-up for the 'Employer of the Year' category.

Dow's employee communications campaign titled, 'I am the Human Element', was recognized as the 'HR Initiative of the Year' at the highly anticipated event, which was attended by representatives from some of the Middle East's largest and most established employers. The Human Element campaign inspires and motivates Dow employees to dedicate time, effort and intellectual capital to improve some of the most pressing economic, social and environmental concerns facing the world today.

The 'Employer of the Year' acknowledgment was presented to Dow in recognition of the unique human resources strategies and innovative practices that the Company has implemented for the comprehensive growth and overall development of its employees.

"These highly coveted accolades reflect Dow's uncompromising commitment to its people at all levels and across all geographies. Dow's culture is an exciting blend of tradition and transformation, and we are proud of sustaining an environment that embraces diversity, promotes inclusion and rewards respect," said John Dearborn, president, Dow Chemical India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA). "Dow recognizes employees who, through their passion, courage, innovation, and attitude of fearless accountability, embody the spirit of the Human Element."

The Middle East HR Summit Excellence Awards are designed to showcase human resources talent in the Middle East. The awards also recognize the achievements of human resources professionals in creating a high performing workforce for the future. The awards honor outstanding achievements towards the management and development of human capital across various categories.

The Middle East HR Summit Excellence Awards follow a long list of global accolades that Dow has received in recognition of its best practices in human resources and development. Other recent Dow workplace distinctions include awards in Spain, Germany, Argentina, Brazil and the United States. 'Best Place to Work' and 'Top Employer of Choice' are some of the categories for which Dow has received distinctions in these countries. More recently, Dow Chemical in the Middle East won the Best Workplaces Practices Award at the 5th CSR Summit organized in Dubai.

About Dow

For Editorial Information:

Mira Meghdessian
Dow Chemical India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA)
t +971.4.312.3635 (office)

Gaya Subramaniam
GolinHarris
t +971.4.332.3308
gsubramaniam@golinharris.com

Gaurav Bhatnagar
GolinHarris
t +971.4.332.3308
gbhatnagar@golinharris.com