The Oil Barons Charity Ball, a star-studded event organised by the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec), will once again lend its backing to a cancer support group by raising funds and driving awareness.

The ball, a highlight of the UAE’s social calendar brings together prominent figures from the oil and gas industry for an evening of five-star entertainment. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth, and Social Development, it will take place on March 6 at the Meydan Racecourse.

The prestigious event supports and raises funds for Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), a UAE charity that provides moral, financial, emotional, and medical support to cancer patients while generating awareness about cancer, early detection, and prevention across the UAE. FOCP has delivered support to more than 1,010 patients and their families since its inception.

Ameera Binkaram, president of the Board of Trustees and a Founding Member of FOCP, said: “The Oil Barons Charity Ball has become a prominent event on the region’s charitable events calendar. Over the past eight years, the Oil Barons Charity Ball has significantly extended and sustained great support to Friends of Cancer Patients charity.”

“The Oil Barons Charity Ball offers the optimal fund and awareness raising platform that significantly contributes to extending the scope of patient support.  Therefore, it gives us great honour to commemorate FOCP’s 15th anniversary in the presence of the faithful friends of cancer patients.”

The glamorous event has witnessed remarkable success in its previous editions, with dmg events, Adipec’s organizers, raising more than $2 million over past editions. This year, the Oil Barons Charity Ball aims to break its previous records, welcoming up to 2,000 guests comprised of top-level oil and gas industry professionals and high-net-worth individuals. All proceeds from the event go directly to FOCP.

Christopher Hudson, senior vice president, Energy at dmg events, said: “The Oil Barons Charity Ball offers the perfect opportunity for industry leaders to give back to the community while networking with others in the sector, and enjoying world-class entertainment. Our continuous success in giving professionals in the energy sector the ideal platform to make a contribution towards such an honourable cause has played a significant role in boosting the spirit of philanthropy in the industry, inspiring others to follow.”

The black-tie event recognises the Oil Baron who has been an inspirational leader and an innovator of the industry, demonstrating a genuine commitment to corporate social responsibility, and making a real difference in the region.

The Oil Baron is judged by an independent panel consisting of six senior peers in the industry, and accepting the crown is a lifetime achievement for professionals.

“Selecting the Oil Baron is a meticulous process that involves a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s accomplishments, both in their career and towards the benefit of the community,” Hudson said.

“This is why receiving the highly coveted ‘Oil Baron’ status is considered a hallmark achievement for industry professionals.”

Standing as the largest gala dinner for the oil and gas industry in the Middle East, the Oil Barons Charity Ball will feature an exciting red carpet welcome reception, with captivating performances by soul singer Jae Franklin, the award-winning lead female singer from M People, Heather Small, together with her talented band, as well as The Maplejacks, who have earned a reputation as the Middle East’s premier party band.

Guests will enjoy a sumptuous three-course, silver service dinner, and will have a chance to participate in live and silent charity auctions moderated by Dubai One presenter, Tom Urquhart. Guests will have an opportunity to bid for an exciting line-up of items, including celebrity signed pieces and getaway packages.

More than 1,500 guests, including prominent public figures, dignitaries, and business leaders, participated in the 11th edition of the Oil Barons Charity Ball held last year. – TradeArabia News Service