Bank Sarasin-Alpen (ME) Limited, a subsidiary of top Swiss bank Sarasin and its investment banking associate Alpen Capital, was honoured for its contribution to the world of arts at a recent ceremony held in Dubai.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and  chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated presented the 'Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Award' to Rohit Walia, executive vice chairman & CEO, Bank Sarasin Alpen and Alpen Capital Group.

'We are honoured to have received the “Patrons of the Arts” Award for Global Fusion from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. We have won many business awards but this award holds a very special place for us as it recognizes our sustainable commitment to the arts,' said an elated Walia.

'Sustainability and a responsible approach to the world we associate ourselves with are a central part of Sarasin’s Corporate Identity. Our committement to the arts as well as numerous philanthropic endeavours are at the heart of this approach,' he added.

Bank Sarasin-Alpen and Alpen Capital have a strong culture of supporting the Arts and Music. They have contributed to the creative scene in Dubai by hosting the Global Fusion concert annually, the official said.

This flagship event of Bank Sarasin-Alpen and Alpen Capital features world-renowned artists from various genres integrated into a single musical experience.

Global Fusion was introduced to mark the launch of both companies in Dubai in 2005 and provides a unique platform to showcase and integrate the best of both traditional and contemporary music from different musical heritages.

Till date, of the 11 fusion concerts that have been organized in the region six have been held in Dubai, three in Muscat and two in Doha, Walia said.

Over the years, Global Fusion has evolved and it now provides a platform to promote talented local musicians in the Middle East by giving them an opportunity to play with world renowned musicians.

The Global Fusion in Qatar in November 2009 featured the Qatari Oudh player Abdul Aziz Jassim Al Hidose, the Dubai event in January 2010 featured Adel Al Khumais, the UAE National Oudh player and the Muscat event in March 2010 introduced the Omani violinist, Hilal Al Balushi.

In addition, Bank Sarasin-Alpen and Alpen Capital 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 and Vikku Vinayakram.-TradeArabia News Service