Dubal supports community through Desert Classic

The company, which is widely acknowledged as Dubai's industrial flagship, has actively supported community-based initiatives and the broader goals of the Dubai Government - over and above its substantial contributions (direct and indirect) to the economy - since its inception in 1979.

A case in point is the annual Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, of which DUBAL has been the main sponsor since 1992 (i.e. 18 consecutive years). The event, which this year celebrated the 20th anniversary of the inaugural tournament in 1989, has successfully promoted Dubai as a leisure and business destination; and is a recognised generator of income and employment in the Emirate.

This year, DUBAL leveraged its sponsorship of the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic to implement an innovative fund-raising initiative, the proceeds of which will go to Dubai Autism Centre. Here's how it worked:
- A professional artist was commissioned to draw a picture depicting Dubai, with special emphasis on the Dubai Desert Classic and DUBAL.
- 30 children of DUBAL's employees were invited to help the artist complete the painting of the picture.
- Fifteen of the previous winners of the Dubai Desert Classic autographed the painting prior to the Exhibition Challenge Match on Tuesday 27 January 2009.
- The finished, signed artwork was auctioned during the prize-giving ceremony following the DUBAL Golf Day, held at Emirates Golf Club on Monday 2 February 2009 (i.e. the day following the final of the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic). The painting fetched Dhs30,000, which DUBAL has matched - raising the total amount to Dhs60,000.

"DUBAL cares about the community and honours its corporate responsibilities in terms of investing resources in projects that improve the quality of life for those unable to help themselves, or who require charitable support,"

says Khalid E A Buhumaid (Vice President: Corporate Relations & International Affairs and DUBAL's Official Spokesperson).

"We are delighted at the success of this project, as it has added deeper meaning to our ongoing commitment to and sponsorship of the Dubai Desert Classic. Not only has it engaged our employees through their children, but it also provided a platform to engage our customers and suppliers in DUBAL's corporate social responsibility efforts. Most importantly, it facilitated sizeable financial donation that will definitely make a difference to the beneficiaries of Dubai Autism Centre."