Shell backs internationally renowned Dubai golfing events

The Pro-Am Challenge is an initiative by the Dubai Desert Classic & UAE Golf Association (DDC/UGA) aimed at raising funds for the junior players in the UAE Junior Development Programme. The event also gives three locally based amateurs a chance to pit their skills against one of the world's top golfers.

"For younger members of the community, sport is an essential element in their social development. It is one of the basic tenets of Shell's philosophy that the Company should help encourage the region's young people to participate in sporting activities in order to develop their physical and social skills and to this end we feel it is vital for us to contribute to events such as the Dubai Desert Pro-Am Classic," said Ron van den Berg, Regional Chief Executive Officer for Shell's Exploration & Production business for the Middle East, Russia and CIS, and Shell Country Chairman for Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

The Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament is one of the highlights of the US$2.2 PGA European Tour calendar, attracting leading players and invitees from among the world's top golfers.

The 2005 event will be staged at the Emirates Golf Club's Majlis Course from March 3 to 6, under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister.

This will be the 16th staging of the DDC and the fifth successive year that Shell has supported the event.

"The Dubai Desert Classic, which is one of the most successful international golf tournaments and a major draw card for the region, attracting some of the top names in the golfing fraternity who always grasp the opportunity to play here, on one of the finest courses in the world," said Shell's External Affairs Manager, Hussain Al Mahmoudi.

"Not only does the Classic serve to promote golf as a sport in the region, it also provides inspiration for local golfers who aspire to become world class players. Shell is proud to be closely associated with both the Dubai Desert Classic and the Pro-Am Challenge as they present an opportunity for the Company to actively demonstrate its commitment to the development of sport in the region," he said.

As part of its sponsorship, Shell will have a Corporate Chalet that will accommodate 60 visitors.