HH Sheikh Hamdan officially inaugurates DUBAL's unprecedented twenty-five year celebrations

The formal inauguration brought into effect a prestigious litany of celebratory events, held at the aluminium giant's Dubai-based headquarters.

The day's events began with the arrival of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, during which the National anthem was played by the Dubai Police Band. Shortly after, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other high-profile dignitaries entered the event area, which officially launched the commencement of the festivities. After the recitation of several verses from the Holy Koran, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum made a speech in which he praised the excellent track record of DUBAL, as an enduring and undiminished symbol of the UAE, and the remarkable progress it has made since its inception.

'Although much has changed since the decree of the late HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum announced the beginning of DUBAL's operations, the company's driving vision remains much the same. Under these guiding principles, DUBAL has blazed its fast-track industrial triumph and has become one of the UAE's great business success stories. DUBAL will always be committed to investing in UAE national resources and local human development, as a sure and necessary means to enable and effect the positive advancement of the UAE as a whole, as well as continuing to ensure DUBAL's enviable position as a leading, world-wide aluminium manufacturer,' said HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Similarly, in his speech to the assembled dignitaries, HE Ahmed Ahmed Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman, DUBAL, also praised the success of the company in the last twenty-five years, attributing it to the founding vision of HH the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the wise leadership of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He also projected that in the near future, DUBAL's unassailable leadership in the aluminium trade is set to increase significantly.

'Building on its escalating success, DUBAL is ever keener to maintain the high standards of its operations. The twenty five years since its inception have made DUBAL into a business whose successful achievements have elevated it to the uppermost heights of the aluminium trade. Further growth in the future seems almost certain and DUBAL's goals are no less than to be the number one industrial reference for the entire, world-wide aluminium trade,' said HE Ahmad Al Tayer.

After the speeches were successfully completed, the VIP gathering moved on to a special screening of a recently produced six minute documentary film, tracing the successful historical evolution of DUBAL and outlining its pioneering business spirit. The film was followed by the unveiling of a specially commissioned, ornate memorial sculpture, symbolizing DUBAL's twenty-five years of success.

Weighing at a substantial 665 kilograms and standing at a massive 3.5 meters in height, the creative icon was the invention of world renowned American artist Heath Satow, who is a specialist in aluminium materials and has produced numerous one-off sculptures for prestigious clients all around the world. The highly polished aluminium sphere represents the world, and symbolically emphasizes the amazing growth and expansion of both DUBAL and Dubai. Positioned at the centre of the sphere is an exquisite colored, blue aluminium piece, in the shape of the UAE, with an ultra-bright LED locating Dubai.

Also, three special edition commemorative stamps were released to mark the extraordinary event of DUBAL's 25th anniversary celebrations. The stamps, bearing the images of HH the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum and HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice-President and the Ruler of Dubai, were recently put on sale throughout the UAE.

The stamps appear in three denominations, at 50Fils, 275Fils and 375Fils and can be obtained at all Emirates Post branches throughout the UAE. The lithographic stamps measure at 40 X 40 millimeters, and are offered in sheets of 50 stamps. The three stamps come in two differentiating colors, in royal blue and sunshine yellow. The elegant art work was specially commissioned by Ms. Fahima Badri, a UAE national and senior corporate officer at DUBAL.

In addition, as part of its unprecedented 25 year anniversary, DUBAL will also host two concurrent sumptuous events, bringing together long-established DUBAL employees, VIP's and other notable guests, including influential business leaders.

On the same night as the grand celebrations, the first event will be held at the Majlis Ballroom, Mina A'Salam Hotel, in honor of 77 dedicated employees who have fulfilled an extraordinary 25 years of permanent service at DUBAL. During the event, certificates of appreciation and other valuable gifts will be presented to them. This is in gratitude of the dedicated work and unerring commitment they have provided DUBAL, in over 25 years of exceptional service that has made the company such a complete modern day business success story.

The following day, on the 10th January, a second gala event will be held at the Godolphin Ballroom, Emirates Towers Hotel and will convene no less than 250 of DUBAL's most prominent and long standing business associates, including leading financers, suppliers and business partners. The event will be held in recognition of the outstanding commitment these business associates have shown DUBAL, from the time of its inception up to the present day.

DUBAL's festive month of celebrations will culminate with a marvelous family day celebrations, to be held of the 14th January at the aluminium giant's vast plant. Many various fun activities have been organized for the 5,000 invited employees and their families, including entertainment, music, food, games, competitions and prizes. There will be an illusion show, a demonstration of martial arts feats, a grand raffle, speeches and prize giving, amongst many other forms of live entertainment. For the young, DUBAL will furnish camel and pony rides, a rodeo bull ring, amusement park game stalls, mime artists and clowns, as well as a plethora of other colorful engagements.

'Every event marking DUBAL's 25th Anniversary celebrations was prepared in advance and in great detail. Our single intention is to make the events an outright and illustrious success. We have left no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure the celebrations will be a comprehensive sensation. We, at DUBAL, during this period of festive celebrations, would like to take the opportunity to share the congratulations with our customers, clients and the general public, who have indeed shown us their continuing support and commitment, over this historic one quarter of a century,' said HE Ahmed Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman, DUBAL.