This year, the Dubai Ladies Masters Golf Tournament turns five, the inaugural event having been held in 2006. The 2010 event is also the fifth to enjoy the financial support of Dubai Aluminium Company Limited ("DUBAL") — the entirely state-owned company whose Jebel Ali operations rank among the largest single-site smelters in the world. Indeed, the company has been a major sponsor of both the annual Dubai Desert Classic and the Dubai Ladies Masters Golf Tournaments since 1992 and 2006, respectively.
"We consider it an honour and a privilege to have been involved in the Dubai Ladies Masters since its inception," comments Mohammed Yahya (Manager: Corporate Relations & International Affairs). "DUBAL is passionate about the socio-economic growth of Dubai and its people; and proudly invests the company's time, financial resources and expertise in community-based initiatives that support the broader goals of the Dubai government. By sponsoring high profile sports tournaments — such as the Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai Ladies Masters — we not only align our world-class brand with world-class events, but we also help showcase Dubai's superb tourism and business infrastructure to international audiences while promoting our innovative and cosmopolitan city.
"What's more, through our involvement in these two tournaments, both have evolved from relatively unknown into internationally renowned sporting events that attract the world's top golfers. This has raised international awareness of and interest in our country and our company even higher," says Yahya.
Widely acknowledged as the industrial flagship of the UAE, DUBAL was established in 1979. Today, the DUBAL smelter complex in Jebel Ali has the capacity to produce approximately one million metric tonnes of molten metal per year. The company employs more than 4,000 people and contributes significantly to the non-oil sector of Dubai's economy. An unwavering commitment to good corporate citizenship, together with a philosophy of building the business on excellence-based partnerships with all stakeholders, has resulted in DUBAL becoming a role model of success both in the gulf region and across the world.
Yahya adds that the two golf tournaments provide an excellent forum for relationship- building. "As in prior years, we have invited our local suppliers, bankers and other local business associates to our hospitality chalet for the 2010 Dubai Ladies Masters, as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions to DUBAL's business," he says. "From past experience, it's a great way to build on our existing long-term, loyal relationships, many of which have endured for the 31 years since DUBAL's inception."
The 2010 Omega Dubai Ladies Masters Golf Tournament, a four-day PGA European Tour-sanctioned tournament, will take place at the Emirates Golf Club, from 8 to 11 December.
