Dubai Holding supports Auction of Hope

DUBAI, 10 September 2008: Dubai Holding, one of the fastest growing companies in the Middle East with diverse business interests across life improving sectors, firmly reiterated its strong support to the aims and motives behind the Auction of Hope initiative through donating Dhs760,000, making the conglomerate the biggest contributor to the event.

The Auction of Hope, which took place on 7 September, was held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It was organized by Her Royal Highness' Office and Dubai Sports Council.

The proceeds raised through Auction of Hope were donated to the Right to Play organization, which launched its physical education programmes across Dubai schools last year. Right to Play has been founded with the holistic objective of creating a healthier and safer world for school children through the power of sport and play.

Khalid Al Shafar, Marketing Director of Dubai Holding, represented the company at the event,

Explaining the group's strong presence in the bidding for the evening, he said: "Dubai Holding pioneers initiatives that encourage fitness as a way of life in our society. Among other activities, we have organized a football camp in Fujairah for the UAE national children, and launched an internal wellness programme among our employees.

"Apart from the physical benefits, exercise and sport develop social and emotional skills and make us stronger individually and as a society. This is primarily what Dubai Holding aspires to achieve through its mission of 'For the Good of Tomorrow.'"

Dubai Holding bought five auctioned lots during the night including a trip to the 2010 FIFA cup in South Africa (Dhs190, 000); a package to the 2009 British Golf Open (Dhs100, 000); a trip to the NASCAR races at Daytona (Dhs90, 000); the Tiger Woods Grand Slam package (Dhs80, 000); and the Masters' Golf Package in the US (Dhs300, 000).

Dr. Ahmad Al Sharif, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, said:
"The auction is key to the success of Right To Play's programmes in Dubai schools. Our mandate to improve the sporting environment in the UAE starts with a life-long love of sport and movement nurtured during childhood. We strongly believe that sport is an essential component of any healthy society, and reaps a legacy of wellness for generations to come."

Dubai Holding endorses a firm commitment to corporate social responsibility, and takes the initiative to participate in every endeavour that reflects its holistic strategy. With resources and capabilities to implement projects that initiate social change, the Dubai Holding charter ensures the corporate guiding principles of integrity, innovation, excellence, loyalty and retaining talent are applied to its social responsibility agenda as well.