His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and the Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated presented the "Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts" award to Alpen Capital (ME) Limited and Bank Sarasin-Alpen (ME) Limited on 9th April 2012 at an awards ceremony held at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel.

Bank Sarasin-Alpen and Alpen Capital were awarded for their patronage of the arts through the organization of the Global Fusion concert annually in Dubai. Global Fusion is the flagship event of both companies and has been organized since 2005 for their clients. The musical event brings together artists from various musical genres and from different corners of the world. Global Fusion provides a unique platform to showcase and integrate the best of both traditional and contemporary music from different musical heritages. Till date, of the 16 fusion concerts that have been organized in the region eight have been held in Dubai, four in Muscat and four in Doha.

This year’s ‘Global Fusion was led by the "Bond Quartet" known for their classical cross over music. The artistes from the Bond Quartet put up a stunning performance along with Anuradha Pal, Sharon Maricle, Sharel Cassity, Burcu Karadag, Antonia Jinemez and Concepcion Jareno, the Flamenco dancer. The two young and talented musicians from the UAE - Khawla Al Rayhy and Fatima Al Hashemi also gave a memorable performance.

Global Fusion - A musical tradition

to promote talented local musicians in the Middle East by giving them an opportunity to perform with world renowned musicians. The Dubai Fusion event in January 2012 featured 9 year old Khawla Al Rayhy on the violin and Fatima Al Hashemi on the piano. The concert has also featured the Oudh players, Ali Obeid in 2011 and Adel Al Khumais in 2010.This tradition of supporting local musicians has also been extended to the concerts in Doha and Muscat.

In addition, Alpen Capital and Bank Sarasin-Alpen have also instituted an annual award which is presented to honour artistes who have contributed to Global Fusion over the years. Previous award winners include Dr. L Subramanian, Charbel Rouhana, George Brooks, Vikku Vinayakram, Ustad Shujaat Khan and Niladri Kumar.

Rohit Walia, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Bank Sarasin Alpen and Alpen Capital Group "We are proud to be honoured with the Patrons of the Arts award for the third time in a row and this encourages us to continue with our efforts at supporting the arts and culture in Dubai."

The Patrons of the Arts Award was instituted in March 2009 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai to honour and recognize individuals, businesses, organizations and government entities that have demonstrated financial and in kind contributions towards the arts in Dubai through sustained support and promotion of artistic activity. Contributions were recognized in the disciplines of visual arts, film, literature and performing arts during 2010. The awards honoured patrons in the following categories: 'Distinguished Patrons of the Arts,' 'Patrons of the Arts,' 'Supporters of the Arts,’ and 'Friends of the Arts' based on their contribution.

View the gallery of photos taken during the event below: