DUBAL sponsors Desert Classic Tournament for 18th time

Not only does it mark the 20th anniversary of the inaugural tournament in 1989, but also the 18th consecutive year that Dubai Aluminium Company Limited ("DUBAL") is the main sponsor of the PGA European Tour-sanctioned event.

Acknowledged as the world's largest modern primary aluminium smelter with a captive power station and Dubai's industrial flagship, DUBAL is passionate about the socio-economic growth of the Emirate and its people. The company expresses this sentiment through an unwavering commitment to good corporate citizenship, demonstrated by actively supporting community-based initiatives and the broader goals of the Dubai Government - over and above its substantial contributions (direct and indirect) to the economy.

"We consider it our duty, and privilege, to invest in the growth and development of the Dubai, We do so by immersing DUBAL in the community through corporate sponsorship of events, such as the Dubai Desert Classic, that showcase Dubai's superb tourism and business infrastructure to international audiences while demonstrating our city's innovative and cosmopolitan flair."

says Abdulla J M Kalban (President and CEO).

We also give generously of our company's time, financial resources and expertise to support a broad range of community-orientated events and activities, especially in the sporting and educational arenas."

Kalban advises that DUBAL has invested more than Dhs250 m directly in the Dubai Desert Classic to date.

"We believe that our financial support has not only contributed substantially to the evolution of the tournament into an internationally recognized, well-organized and extremely successful event that attracts the participation of the world's golfing champions, but has also helped promote Dubai to the rest of the world. It has also served to promote DUBAL as a world-class industrial enterprise, locally and internationally, by providing a platform for demonstrating our company's genuine interest in our customers from across the globe. Scheduled business meetings coincident with the tournament allow us to build on our existing long-term relationships and consolidate our business plans."

Promoted and organised by 'golf in Dubai' since 2005, the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic offers a total purse of $2.5m and has once again attracted a star-studded line-up of world-class players - including three-time champion Ernie Els of South Africa. This year, for the first time, DUBAL will also sponsor the Hole-in-One challenge, held traditionally on Hole 7; and will use the tournament as a platform for a corporate social responsibility-related project.

In addition, DUBAL will participate actively in the Pro-Am Tournament immediately preceding the Dubai Desert Classic. Some 30 DUBAL guests will play in the Pro-Am with the world's leading players.

"A comprehensive social programme has been arranged for DUBAL's guests during their stay in Dubai, providing ample opportunity to experience our traditional Arabian hospitality," concludes Kalban. "Accordingly, the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic promises to be a highlight of the year for everyone involved in or associated with the event."