Dubai: After the huge success of their first-ever involvement as title sponsor with last fortnight's Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, the bank is keeping a close watch to back possible similar events in the future.
"This has been a remarkable tournament for us," reflected Ahmad Khizer Khan, Chief Executive, Emerging Markets Global Retail & Commercial Banking at Barclays.
"When we were debating on a sponsorship deal, we wanted it to be a big event like the tennis here. And I am glad we made this decision," Khan said.
Barclays announced its takeover from Dubai Duty Free - organisers and owners of the competition since its inception in 1993 - as the title sponsor for the annual Dubai Tennis Championships over a three-year period starting this year.
The new sponsor has a $9 million deal spread over three years till 2010. "I think this is the best move we could have made in this part of the world as we measure payback in terms of contributing to events that make the UAE known all over the world," Khan offered.
Barclays is best known for a much bigger sponsorship with the English Premiership League.
"We are always looking for fresh avenues where we can be helpful in further developing our commitment to the community we serve," Khan affirmed.
