Dubai Holding joins Al Shabab to launch 'Legacy Initiative' as green partner

DUBAI, 17 December 2008: Dubai Holding, one of the fastest growing companies in the Middle East with diverse business interests across life improving sectors, the official sponsor of the UAE national football team has announced it has joined hands with the Al Shabab Al Arabi Football Club as a green partner to launch a tree planting initiative - the 'Legacy Initiative'.

Organized on 16 December, the Initiative comes as part of Dubai Holding's sponsorship of Al Shabab Club's celebrations on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Dubai Holding's partnership with Al Shabab also underpins its aggressive corporate social responsibility agenda that mandates a dynamic involvement in community-related activities.

The Legacy Initiative included the planting of a 'Ghaf' sapling, the UAE's national tree, at the Al Shabab stadium in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Saeed Bin Hazeem, Chairman of Al Shabab, and Khalid Al Shafar, Marketing Director of Dubai Holding.

The event, which was accompanied by 50 children sporting green jerseys symbolizing the Al Shabab emblem, validates the commitment of Dubai Holding and the Al Shabab Club towards sustainable development in education and the environment. The tree planting event reflects the club's motto 'The Way Is Green', as well as Dubai Holding's mission 'For the Good of Tomorrow'.

Khalid Al Shafar said:
"As official sponsors of the UAE national football team, we realize the game's enormous appeal among the youth. We are delighted to extend our support to the Al Shabab Al Arabi Club during its 50th anniversary celebrations. Our association will additionally help us strengthen our synergy with the sporting strata of our community."

"Dubai Holding is proud to be part of the club's celebrations, and regard this initiative as an excellent opportunity to lay down the club's legacy and pave the way for a green future. The rich green tone of the Ghaf tree is symbolic of Dubai Holding's sustainable future and also reflects the Al Shabab Club's official colours, connoting hope, youth, and the growth of sports in the UAE," he added.

Founded in 1958, Al Shabab Al Arabi has lined up a year-long calendar of activities on the occasion of its 50th anniversary celebrations, built around the concept of 'The Way is Green'.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Seed Bin Hazeem, President of Al Shabab Club, said: "Throughout 2008, Al Shabab Al Arabi 50th anniversary celebrations have been masterminded to highlight our motto 'The Way Is Green' that are dear to the club since its creation. Planting a Ghaf and creating a landmark place in our stadium is a way to pay tribute to our predecessors and to share - physically and for the next 50 years - these values with all generations of supporters."

Seeking to action its corporate ethos 'For the good of tomorrow', Dubai Holding relentlessly identifies opportunities to align itself with activities that mobilises the community's participation in large numbers. The organisation particularly seeks to raise the level of football, the national sport, through its support of initiatives led by the UAE Football Association (UAE FA).