As part of its CSRs, Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) consciously seeks opportunities to invest meaningfully in socially deserving causes, especially projects and programmes that benefit the disadvantaged within UAE society.

Over the past 5 years, this has included leveraging the company’s annual sponsorship of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament (“the Omega DDC”) as a platform to enrich the lives of children with special needs.

The practice continued at the 2013 Omega DDC, which took place at the Emirates Golf Club from 31 January to 3 February, with this year’s activity comprising a multi-faceted CSR programme:
• On 31 January (the first day of the tournament), DUBAL hosted a group of students from Dubai Centre for Special Needs at the Emirates Golf Club, during which the youngsters had the opportunity to meet several of the world’s top golfers. The students were also taken on a tour of the golf course and given golf lessons.
• Within the “village” built at the course, which provided sponsors with exhibition opportunities as well as being home to diverse retail and refreshment outlets, a DUBAL-branded golf-putting centre offered those attending the tournament the chance to try their hand at the game – along with the invitation to donate cash to the Dubai Centre for Special Needs.
• DUBAL presented a cheque to the value of Dhs 100,000 to Dr Mahshid Salehi (Director: Dubai Centre for Special Needs) during the tournament prize-giving ceremony.

Commenting on the success of the programme, Mohammed Yahya (Manager: Corporate Relations & International Affairs) said, “DUBAL has been a major sponsor of the Omega DDC since 1992, our involvement being motivated by our commitment to by supporting the broader goals of the Dubai government – specifically by showcasing Dubai’s superb tourism and business infrastructure to international audiences, which contributes to the socio-economic growth of the city and Emirate of Dubai. Our 2013 CSR programme took this to a new level by giving members of the public the opportunity not only to interact with our brand in a positive way, but also to add their financial support to ours.”

For Dubai Centre for Special Needs, the funds raised will be put to good use in enhancing its facilities and covering some of the centre’s operating costs. Moreover, the outing for the centre’s students provided priceless value.

“Sports play an integral role in establishing a whole-centered approach to maintaining motivation, inclusion and integration for our students,” explains Roula Farah (Public Relations Coordinator).

“Within the centre, they play basketball, table tennis, soccer and badminton in our multi-purpose hall; and use gymnasium equipment to help build and strengthen their muscles. Extra-curricular sports activities – such as the golf lessons offered through this DUBAL-sponsored activity – are highly appreciated for the tremendous value they add. Not only are such activities beneficial for our students’ physical health, but they also help with their mental well-being, socialization and community participation, all of which are vital for their independence.”