Abu Dhabi: The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) has broken a record by becoming the longest-running sponsor in the history of golf in the UAE.

For the past 28 years, NBAD has been involved with ladies golf in the capital and has now confirmed its support of the 2012 NBAD Abu Dhabi Ladies Open Golf Championship at Al Ghazal Golf Club (AGGC). The event will be held will be held on Friday and Saturday (November 16 and 17).

NBAD Group Chief Executive Michael Tomalin said: “Once again the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) is pleased to be the prime sponsor of the 29th Abu Dhabi Ladies Open Golf Championship.

“We are proud to be part of the history of the Abu Dhabi Ladies Open Championship. Since its inception in 1968, NBAD has been supporting the needs of the community. In our Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (CSR) policy, we pledged to act as a role model in the social and environmental development of the UAE and the countries in which we operate. We are engaged in many vital activities in this regard.”

Al Ghazal women’s captain Kate Davies added: “The AGGC ladies section is very proud and honoured to have the National Bank of Abu Dhabi support this special event and in particular their support of the traditions of ‘sand golf’. We are all looking forward to greeting our guests and visitors, renewing old friendships and making new ones, which is all part and parcel of the traditions of Abu Dhabi’s Al Ghazal Golf Club.”

Many of the top amateurs in the UAE have signed up to play, as last year’s Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit winner Sana Tufail will be looking to retain the coveted NBAD Dhow Trophy.

Davies said: “We all expect Sana to be at the top once again as she is such a consistent and steady player, but you never know as there are others who will want to take her on.

“We also have a large contingent of ladies coming from Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club — they always manage to walk away with many of the prizes, but they will have strong opposition this year. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone.”

Spectators are welcome to visit the AGGC and view the proceedings as they unfold.