Emirates NBD extends support to Omega Dubai

Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, announced today that it will once again serve as the co-sponsor, Official Bank and Caddy Bid Sponsor for the forthcoming Omega Dubai Desert Classic, which is being organised by ‘golf in DUBAi’ at the Emirates Golf Club from February 9 - 12, 2012. This is the 23rd consecutive year that the bank is partnering with “golf in DUBAi” to support the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. “Emirates NBD isstrongly committed to raising the standard of sport in the UAE, and this is reflected in its keen support of several world-class sporting events here on home-ground,” said Rick Pudner, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates NBD. “Traditionally, the game of golf is associated with decision makers and senior level executives, making it an important networking platform for many of our premium clients. As the oldest-running European Tour event in the region, this tournament has also built up a strong reputation, and hence offers spectators a chance to witness golf of a very high standard.” This year, the star-studded event is expected to feature three of the world’s top four ranked golfing champions, including Lee Westwood, Rory McIlory and Martin Kaymer. At the upcoming event, Emirates NBD will also sponsor local golfer David Howell, who attracted significant attention in 2011 finishing in fifth place in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and in 8th place in the Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland. Howell is best known for his 2006 BMW championship and for out-scoring playing partner Tiger Woods on the final day to win the HSBC Champions Tournament 2005 in Shanghai. At this year’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic, Howell will play in one of Emirate NBD’s Pro Am teams on February 8, in addition to attending the Corporate Golf Day on March 29. Emirates NBD’s clients and customers will also have a chance to meet and network with Howell, when he visits the Emirates NBD VIP box on Friday (February 10) and Sunday (February 12). Ahead of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, which is one of the most important events in Dubai’s golfing calendar, Emirates NBD is also expected to launch its own golf microsite. The microsite is being launched with the objective of creating a digital community for the bank’s golfing base, and to offer clients a top-class golfing experience.Emirates NBD customers, who are golfing enthusiasts, can log on to http://emiratesnbdgolf.ae to access extensive information about the tournament and the game of golf. To add further to the excitement surrounding the famous annual championships, the bank is also offering many additional benefits for customers, including chances to win prizes and VIP passes to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Omega Dubai Ladies Masters. Mohamed JumaBuamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, said: "Sharing Emirates NBD’s common goal of further cementing UAE’s position as a key player in the world’s golfing community, we are delighted to have them once again on board for what we believe will be a splendid event. We are delighted to have such a wonderful family of sponsors for golf in DUBAi," he said. 'golf in DUBAi' is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: Emirates NBD, CNN, Gulf News, Mercedes-Benz, JumeirahGroup and Wasl Properties, while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi’s drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.