DUBAI, 8 July 2005 — A new body established to oversee Dubai’s vibrant golfing industry will make its international debut when the world’s best players gather to contest the 2005 Open Championship at St Andrews next week.
The new Dubai organization — to be known as ‘golf in DUBAI’ (GiD) — has been created to act as the international representative of all Dubai’s golf clubs, while at the same time promoting Dubai as a unique golfing destination.
And with a roving commission that will also see it handle future marketing, central reservations, the staging and promotion of tournaments as well as the planning and development of the sport throughout Dubai, it seems only fitting that the home of golf should be the launch pad for one of the most significant developments for the Dubai golfing industry.
“The establishment of ‘golf in DUBAI’ is the next logical step for the sport in the emirate and we are delighted to be announcing it at the world’s most famous golfing venue,” said GiD Vice Chairman Mohamed Buamim, who will lead a strong Dubai delegation to the Old Course at St Andrews.
“Golf In DUBAI was established with three key aims in mind: to promote all Dubai’s golf clubs internationally on an equal basis; to promote Dubai as one of the world’s leading golfing destinations; and to underline Dubai’s other international attractions to a world-wide audience.
“These are early days but in the future we will also provide a central reservation system for all the clubs and be able to offer inward custom-made holiday packages including flights, accommodation and tee times. GiD will also promote and organize professional and amateur tournaments and oversee all other aspects of the sport in Dubai.”
Home of the PGA European Tour event, Dubai Desert Classic, Dubai is a golfer’s paradise featuring venues such as the Emirates Golf Club, The Montgomerie Dubai, the Desert Course at Arabian Ranches, the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Al Badia Golf Resort, Nad Al Sheba Club, and the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa.
And with new Greg Norman and Ernie Els designs ready to go from drawing board to reality courtesy of Nakheel Golf and Dubai Sports City, Dubai is certainly booming as a golf and lifestyle destination. “In addition, ‘golf in DUBAI’ will work to assist the planning and development of the industry not only in Dubai but in the region as a whole,” added Buamim. “This centralized streamlining of assets and manpower means a more focused emphasis in the industry and a common goal of promoting the name of Dubai on the world stage.” The Open will be held at St Andrews from July 14-17.
