Press Release

Mr Alistair Davidson Crowned Oil Baron 2011

24 November 2011, Dubai, UAE

The Oil Barons Charity Ball, which took place last week under the stars at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, has raised a staggering AED 997,000 for its sole beneficiary the Friends of Cancer Patients society (FOCP). The fundraising result, more than double the amount raised last year, is the single highest contribution from the Ball to the charity since it began supporting FOCP in 2008.

Event organiser dmg :: events says it is overwhelmed by the generosity shown by event patrons and sponsors in support of this year’s Charity Ball, an effort which reflects the community spirit of the region’s oil & gas industry. While the 2011 fundraiser result fell less than AED 3,000 short of its ambitious AED 1 million target, dmg :: events is hopeful additional donations will allow it to present its first cheque for a seven figure amount to FOCP.

Recognised as one of Dubai’s most important society events with a purpose, more than 1,650 guests, including VIPs and dignitaries, turned out to show their support for the annual fundraiser. Among the guests of honour was honorary patron of Friends of Cancer Patients, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, and Honorary President of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association.

dmg :: events started  the charity ball rolling when President of the Middle East and India Mr. Geoff Dickinson presented a cheque for AED 250,000, raised from part proceeds of Oil Barons Charity Ball ticket sales. This was followed by a moving address by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan, in which he thanked guests and the people of the UAE for their generosity in assisting those less fortunate than themselves, particularly those affected by cancer. In a remarkable gesture of generosity H.E. then pledged to match dmg :: events’ contribution personally.

One of the highlights of the evening was the crowning of the Oil Baron 2011 with the top honour going to Mr. Alistair Davidson, Co-Founder and Managing Director of well engineering management consultancy, SPD. Davidson was recognised as much for his business achievements as for his contributions to the wider community. In a heartfelt acceptance speech he promised to continue supporting the work of FOCP during his 12-month tenure as Oil Baron, a role which he is “both proud and humbled to undertake.”

Commenting on the outstanding result, Senior Vice President dmg :: energy, Mr. Simon Mellor said: “The ninth year of the Oil Barons Charity Ball has been a huge success. We are overwhelmed by the 997,640 dirhams that we have achieved so far.  We will continue to raise awareness of the wonderful work that Friends of Cancer Patients provides to communities across the UAE and hope that we can raise a few thousand more to realise our 2011 fundraiser target of one million dirhams. Donations to the charity do not start and stop with the Ball; we want to encourage ongoing support throughout the year.”

For anyone wishing to help FOCP, donations can be made via the event website – www.oilbaronscharityball.com – or by contacting the organiser on 04 391 0830.

Mr Mellor continued: “This is the highest contribution we have made to FOCP since we started supporting the charity in 2008, bringing our cumulative total to almost 2.5 million dirhams. We are thrilled with this phenomenal result and couldn’t have achieved it without the generosity of our sponsors and ongoing support of patrons of the Ball. On behalf of dmg :: events, thank you to all.”

H.E. Ameera bin Karam, President of Friends of Cancer Patients, said: “We are deeply moved by the overwhelming generosity of dmg :: events, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan and all those who attended this year’s Oil Barons Charity Ball. It is extremely gratifying to see that our efforts for those who are disadvantaged by cancer are recognised and so warmly supported by the people of the UAE every year. We are extremely grateful to those who have really embraced our charity mission and helped us to help cancer patients in need of medical and emotional assistance.”

The Oil Barons Charity Ball 2011 once again attracted the glamour set of the UAE with ladies - and gentlemen - brushing off their finest attire for a chance to win the Best Dressed competitions. The competition was judged by two of the UAE’s top fashion editors with the title of Best Dressed Woman going to,Andrea Gull while Julie Zollikofer and Mark Baker  were voted the Best Dressed Couple of the evening.

Live entertainment from the spectacular Blues Brothers Tribute Show, flown in from Germany especially for the event, brought the crowd to their feet and ended the ninth edition of the Oil Barons Charity Ball on an unforgettable note.

For more information visit www.theoilbaronscharityball.com

Follow the Oil Barons Charity Ball on twitter (@OBCharityBall) and Facebook                             (http://www.facebook.com/OilBaronsCharityBall).

-ENDS-