National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) today signed a three-year agreement to sponsor Yas Marina Circuit, which will host the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, one of the most anticipated events in the international sporting calendar, from October 30 to November 1st, 2009.

The Bank will be the Official Bank of the 2009 Formula 1 Etiahd Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Official Partner of Yas Marina Circuit.

"Sponsoring Yas Marina Circuit activities for three years and securing the title of Official Bank of the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a tremendous honor for NBAD. We believe this will further strengthen NBAD’s association with world class events and enable the bank to increase its reach to global audience," said Mr. Abdulla Mohammed Saleh Abdul Raheem, NBAD’s Group Chief Operating Officer.

"NBAD is part of the DNA of Abu Dhabi; this move confirms our commitment to serving and building Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE nation by supporting milestones events and financing projects in different economic sectors to achieve Abu Dhabi Vision 2030" he explained.

"Since its inception in 1968, NBAD has been committed to the service of UAE society. This pledge emanates from our belief that social responsibility is one of the pillars which underpin our success as a responsible financial institution" he added.

"We pledge to act as a role model in the economic, social and environmental development of the UAE and the countries in which we operate. We are engaged in many vital activities in this regard such as donations, sponsorships, corporate philanthropy, and CSR projects. Our community support focuses on the areas of education, community development, environment, art, music, and sports" said NBAD’s Group Chief Operating Officer.

Ranked as one of the top 50 safest banks in the world, NBAD currently operates across 12 countries on four continents. The bank has one of the largest branches and ATM networks in the UAE and the largest overseas network of all the UAE local banks.

Over the past four decades, the Bank has managed to contribute to the economic and social developments enabling the United Arab Emirates to be considered one of the top emerging economies within a very short period of time. NBAD has been playing significant and leading roles in the economic and social development of the UAE as well as fulfilling our customers’ requirements.

"We are delighted to announce the National Bank of Abu Dhabi as an Official Partner of Yas Marina Circuit for the next three years and look forward to a mutually beneficial collaboration. This partnership is another example of the commitment by key organizations in Abu Dhabi to support major initiatives like Yas Marina Circuit in the capital," said Richard Cregan, CEO, Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management.

"Formula 1 race weekends are watched by more than 600 million viewers globally, which enables our partners to broaden their reach and visibility both locally and internationally. We are confident that this sponsorship platform can provide the National Bank of Abu Dhabi with an opportunity to leverage significant marketing and business opportunities." "We are delighted to welcome the National Bank of Abu Dhabi as the Official Bank of the 2009 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, said Allsport’s spokesperson . "By supporting the Grand Prix the National Bank of Abu Dhabi has secured a year-round association with the Yas Marina Circuit," Allsport added.

"NBAD is a forward-looking, safe, ethical responsible, , and innovative bank. We are very keen on working in partnership with the best in class and we are delighted to be working with Yas Marina Circuit on one of Abu Dhabi’s most important events" said Mr. Abdulla M.S. AbdulRaheem, NBAD’s Group Chief Operating Officer.

"We believe Yas Marina Circuit will play an integral part in the development of Abu Dhabi as a leading international city with world class sporting and recreational facilities. As we are committed towards serving the community of the UAE, we are pleased to partner with Yas Marina Circuit as we share the same values and ambitions." he concluded.

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