Emirates Global Aluminium continues support for Desert Classic

We are pleased to continue our sponsorship of a high-quality golf event that attracts some of the world's finest golfers every year, which is good for the promotion of the sport and tourism," said Abdulla Kalban, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EGA.

By Staff Report

Published: Thu 21 Jan 2016, 1:26 PM

Last updated: Thu 21 Jan 2016, 3:28 PM

Proponents of a culture that stimulates creativity and innovation, Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC (EGA) has reaffirmed its strong and continuing support for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, to be held at Emirates Golf Club from February 4 to 7.

Jointly owned in equal shares by Mubadala Development Company of Abu Dhabi and Investment Corporation of Dubai, EGA was formed mid-2013 by combining the two shareholders' respective aluminium industry interests. The new entity almost instantly became one of the world's five largest primary aluminium producers.

"We are pleased to continue our sponsorship of a high-quality golf event that attracts some of the world's finest golfers every year, which is good for the promotion of the sport and tourism," said Abdulla Kalban, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EGA.

"At EGA, we consider corporate investment in the growth and development of the UAE to be both a duty and a privilege. Moreover, premier events like the Omega Dubai Desert Classic are a perfect fit for our premier and highly international customer base. We wish all players flying into Dubai the very best and hope the 27th edition of the tournament will provide a thoroughly enjoyable experience."

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Vice-Chairman and CEO of 'golf in DUBAi', lauded the support of EGA in raising the global profile of the tournament through its continued support.

"We feel privileged to have the industry powerhouse as our sponsor. Their devotion to the development of sport is certainly a source of confidence for all event organisers," he said.

"With EGA's support and the presence of high ranked golfers boosting the field, we can expect a huge number of people turning up to be part of the tournament, which is the longest-running European Tour event in the region," he added.

The Omega Dubai Desert Classic was born in 1989 when the European Tour visited the Middle East for the first time. The roll of honour includes seven different Major Champions.

They are: Seve Ballesteros (1992), Ernie Els (1994, 2002, 2005), Fred Couples (1995), José Maria Olazábal (1998), Mark O'Meara (2004), Tiger Woods (2006, 2008) and Rory McIlroy (2009, 2015). Between them they have won 32 Major Championships.

It can lay claim to being the catalyst that has made the Middle East a golfing paradise, not only for professional golfers, but for the thousands of golfing tourists who visit the region to enjoy truly world-class standards on every level: from golf courses to hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities.

The Omega Dubai Ladies Masters and the Omega Dubai Desert Classic are backed by OMEGA as the title sponsor and Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC as sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Drydocks World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, JA Resorts and Hotels, Mercedes-Benz and wasl, while Dubai Duty Free, Neocasa Interiors and Motivate Publishing are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi's drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.