Abu Dhabi, 18 June 2007: The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the UAE's number one bank, has announced its financial support of the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre (DUCTAC) at Mall of the Emirates.

NBAD became a Special Gold Star Patron to DUCTAC when Abdullah Ghobash, NBAD's Regional Manager of the Northern Emirates presented a cheque for Dhs 250,000 to Brian Wilkie, Deputy Chairman of DUCTAC.

"In keeping with NBAD's commitment towards art and the community, we are proud to support this commendable project that promotes art and culture in the UAE." said Mr Ghobash.

"As DUCTAC is the first modern, non- profit, cross-community creative centre in the Gulf which has been built to international standards, we are delighted to support this exciting initiative which dovetails extremely well with NBAD's ethos of corporate and social responsibility in the community. DUCTAC has already proven that it is a multi-cultural facility - offering both professional and amateur art and theatre - with something different and enlightening happening there every week." he added.

Since its opening, DUCTAC has received an overwhelming response from residents in various communities coming in to enjoy multi-cultural theatre shows, art exhibitions and join the various teaching courses.

This flagship project was the brainchild of local theatre-lovers and business people who recognised the need for an entertainment and arts educational centre.

"NBAD's generous support of DUCTAC further highlights our strategy to deliver state-of-the-art theatre shows and arts facilities available to all communities and cultures in the Gulf." said Brian Wilkie, DUCTAC's Deputy Chairman.

"We believe that the implementation of corporate and social responsibility by NBAD in this public way will encourage other corporate groups to become patrons of DUCTAC and ensure that we remain available to all for many years to come." he concluded.

DUCTAC was officially opened in November 2006, by the Honorary Patron, HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.  

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About National Bank of Abu Dhabi: 
National Bank of Abu Dhabi is the number one bank in the UAE, claiming the largest asset and deposit base as well as the largest branch network. Since its establishment by the government in 1968, NBAD has grown into an award winning one-stop bank. Currently, it aims to meet the needs of its customers in personal, corporate, international, and investment banking.

About Ductac
The Centre is located at the Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road. Spanning some 80,000 sq feet, the DUCTAC site includes: A state of the art 550 seat theatre, fully equipped studio theatre, an art gallery, dance studios, rehearsal rooms, 15 Artists' Studios & Classrooms, a Pottery Workshop.

DUCTAC is operated and managed by multi-national theatre and arts specialists and governed by a Board. The Centre was built thanks to the commitment and support of many leading companies and individuals who participate in the Centre's Patronage Scheme.

For more information:
Arafaat Ali Khan / Sandy Barqawi
Perspective Public Relations
Tel.: +971 4 364 2414
Fax: +971 4 369 7635
Al Thuraya Tower II, Level 20
Dubai Media City
P. O. Box 502037
Dubai, UAE

© Press Release 2007