Local talent benefit from Emirates' support

Bain, who has been living in Dubai since 1983, returned to his home country of Scotland last summer to play in his first major, the 136th Open Championship at Carnoustie. The 32-year-old will be in action at the Emirates Golf Club from the 31st January when he tees off against the best in the world in the Dubai Desert Classic.

Bain, who will warm up for the Dubai Desert Classic with a Challenge Match on Tuesday in which he will play in a four ball with Tiger Woods, Mark O'Meara and Darren Clarke, said: "Emirates has always shown confidence in me and I thank them for the support. The Dubai Desert Classic is a great way to start off the year and I am looking forward to a successful tournament."

Ali, 26, has enjoyed a successful relationship with Emirates, one that began in 2004 when the Dubai-based award winning airline sponsored Ali's PGA European debut when he took part in the Dubai Desert Classic. The following year Ali returned to the Dubai Desert Classic and managed to hole his tee-shot at the Emirates-sponsored hole; and in doing so picked up the AED100,000 hole-in-one prize from Emirates.

Ali said, "It is impossible to compete at the highest level without sponsorship, I would like to thank Emirates for all of the support which will help me stay at the top of my game."

Mike Simon, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, said: "Emirates is excited to be able to continue its support of these two local talents, both Yasin and Ross have been very professional sporting ambassadors for Dubai and for the airline. On behalf of Emirates, I wish them the best of luck in all of their upcoming tournaments."

Emirates has a great affinity with golf and the Dubai Desert Classic tees of a busy year of golf sponsorship for Emirates with a portfolio that includes the BMW International Open, BMW Asian Open, Malaysian Open , The Hong Kong Open , The Austrian Open, Volvo Asian Masters, Hero Honda Open, Australian PGA Championship and the Dubai Ladies Masters.