Dubai Duty Free (DDF) was honoured this month at the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards 2011 – held at an exclusive gathering at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel, Palm Jumeirah.

Organised by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the award was in recognition of DDF’s contribution towards cultural and arts initiatives in Dubai and this second edition of the ‘Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards’, saw 40 individuals and organizations honoured for active participation and ongoing support of the Dubai arts scene.

FOUR CATEGORIES OF AWARDS
The guest of honour, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and the Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, presented the awards in four categories: Distinguished Patrons of the Arts, Patrons of the Arts; Supporters of the Arts and Friends of the Arts.

Accepting the ‘Patron of the Arts’ award Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director, Dubai Duty Free commented: “We are proud to receive this recognition which acknowledges the support that we give in this important field. Dubai has rapidly established a reputation as a centre for artistic achievement and we are delighted to be part of its success.”

Dubai Duty Free is a founding sponsor of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), a Diamond sponsor of the Dubai Community Centre and Arts Community (DUCTAC), and is a sponsor of the annual Emirates Airline Festival of Literature.