A key supporter of golf around the globe, MasterCard International will again maintain its support of golf in the region as a sponsor of the 2005 Dubai Desert Classic, being staged at Emirates Golf Club from March 3 to 6.
Under the company's agreement with the $2.2 million (Dh8.1 million) event, MasterCard maintains its position as a Classic sponsor and the Preferred Card of the tournament.
"We are delighted to maintain our association with one of the world's leading brands," said Mohammad Bu Amim, vice chairman of the Dubai Desert Classic.
"In itself, the Dubai Desert Classic is one of the country's top brands so we see some excellent synergy between ourselves and MasterCard."
As well as playing a key sponsorship role, MasterCard's involvement with the Desert Classic also provides benefits for golfing cardholders.
"MasterCard is honoured to be the preferred card of the Dubai Desert Classic which brings great excitement to golfing fans across the Gulf," said Denzil Lawson, senior vice president and general manager, MasterCard International, Middle East and North Africa.
"Our customers are passionate about golf so we are delighted our association with this prestigious tournament allows our cardholders to take advantage of preferential ticket rates."
To take advantage of the 24 per cent discount, MasterCard cardholders can book online at www.dubaidesertclassic.com.
Besides Dubai Aluminium (Dubal) as the main sponsor of the Desert Classic, CNN International, Arabian Ranches by Emaar, Nakheel, and Samsung as co-sponsors, other sponsors include: Emirates as official airline and hole in one as sponsor. The official caterer, hotel and challenge match sponsor is Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, official bank is the National Bank of Dubai, official courtesy car is BMW and event newspaper is Gulf News.
Gulf News
