Cheque for AED 100,000 presented during Omega DDC prize-giving ceremony

United Arab Emirates, 03 February 2015: Rashid Centre for Disabled benefited immensely from a charitable initiative launched by Emirates Global Aluminium (“EGA”) during the 26^th edition of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic (“DDC”), with Haroun Al Olama (Board member of Rashid Centre) ultimately receiving a cheque in the amount of AED100,000 during the tournament prize-giving ceremony on 1 February 2015. EGA’s Walid Al Attar (Chief Marketing Officer) and Khalifa Al Mazrouei (Associate Manager, Corporate & Government Relations) officiated on behalf of the company

In essence, EGA – which has been an official sponsor of the European Tour event since 1992 –contributed AED 50 for every birdie and AED 100 for every eagle scored during the four-day tournament, which took place at Emirates Golf Club from 29 January to 1 February. By close of play on the final day, the tournament had produced 1,598 birdies and 28 eagles, giving a total value of AED 82,700 – which EGA rounded up to the sum presented. This year’s statistics reflected the participation of world number one Rory McIlroy – who won the tournament with a comfortable three-stroke lead, along with other past champions such as two-time winner Stephen Gallagher, three-time winner Ernie Els, Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Henrik Stenson and Alvaro Quiros.

Additionally, EGA invited a group of children from Rashid Centre for Disabled to attend the tournament, which once again featured a ‘family theme’. The children had the opportunity to meet some of the top players competing in the event and enjoyed the carnival-like atmosphere at the tournament village.

This is the second year that EGA has used the players’ achievements for a charity drive. The 2014 tournament produced 1,549 birdies and 34 eagles, giving a value of AED 80,850 – which was also rounded up to AED 100,000 and donated to Dubai Centre for Special Needs.

“EGA’s involvement in the Omega DDC is motivated by our corporate commitment to support the broader goals of the UAE government, specifically by showcasing our country to international audiences which, in turn, contributes to the socio-economic growth the nation,” commented Mohammed Yahya (Manager, PMO: Communication & Government Relations). “Each year, we leverage our sponsorship of the event to benefit a selected charitable organization, with preference being given to the disadvantaged and disabled in our society. Rashid Centre for Disabled does excellent work in providing education and therapy services to children with special needs and we are confident that these funds will be put to good use.”