DP World kicks off at the end of the Race to Dubai

Al Hashemi: The UAE is the second most host country in the world for golf tournaments

From the right. Saeed Hareb, Abdullah Al Hashemi and Vice President of the Golf Federation during the media meeting. From the source

The DP World Tour has revealed that it is redoubling its efforts to develop golf globally in the region, from the gateway to the UAE, which is based in the region, with eight international tournaments expected to be held in the region in 2024, including seven tournaments in the UAE in particular.

The future of golf in the region and its spread among Arabs were discussed during a roundtable with the media, in the presence of the Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, Saeed Hareb, Vice President of the Emirates Golf Federation, Major General Pilot "M" Abdullah Al Hashemi, and Executive Director of Operations - Communities and Free Zones (DP World), Abdullah Al Hashemi.

The roundtable was held yesterday at Jumeirah Estates Golf Club, coinciding with the start of the DP World Tour Championship, which is held under the theme "Race to Dubai", and includes the top 50 players this season from the most prominent stars of the game in the world.

The eight tournaments include: Dubai Automotive at Dubai Creek Golf Resort, Hero Dubai Classic at Emirates Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club, Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links Golf Club, DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Estates Golf Club, Bahrain Championship at Royal Golf Club, and two Challenge Round championships: UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Abu Dhabi Challenge at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Saeed Hareb spoke about the beginnings of the launch of this tournament, where he chaired the organizing committee of the first edition in 2009, and said: «The country has wonderful golf courses, including Jumeirah Estates, and has great organizational experience», and continued: «The importance of holding the event in Dubai is due to Dubai's position on the global sports map in general and golf in particular, as Dubai was the first to build many modern courses before the countries and cities of the region, and currently has 13 of the most beautiful and modern international courses of the categories ( 9-18 holes), and it is important for this major tournament, which attracts the participation of more than 50 of Dubai's elite players, through Dubai's status and the status of the tournament sponsor.

DP World, a world-leading national company, as well as the prestige of golf and the availability of world-class courses, designed in collaboration with the game's biggest stars, developers and companies."

He added: "The impact of the tour is great, both in terms of the attendance of fans from inside and outside the country, which exceeds 60,<> golf-loving spectators of various nationalities, including large numbers who come to the country to attend strong competitions with the participation of the stars of the game, and golf practitioners and fans represent important sectors in the field of business, and the final round of the tournament and before it the many rounds in the UAE in various stadiums, revive the sports events sector and its contribution to Dubai's GDP, as well as inspire athletes and attract more of golfers and fans, residents and visitors from Arab countries and various countries of the world."

As for the Vice President of the UAE Golf Federation, Major General Pilot «M» Abdullah Al Hashemi, revealed that the UAE is the second most country in the world after the United States of America, and surpasses ancient countries in Europe, Asia and others, in terms of hosting international tournaments in which this high professional level is held, including seven tournaments next season, and there are world-class academies on the territory of the country, which contributes to giving the opportunity to our players to compete in this type of competition as well, through the seats we get. In accordance with the cooperation agreement with the DP World Tour, we expect over the next five years the emergence of more local players at higher levels in the current period.

Abdullah Al Hashemi, Chief Operating Officer - Communities and Free Zones (DP World), said that sponsoring this tour comes to enhance the position of Dubai and the UAE around the world, through tournaments held in various continents and countries, and include the best stars in the world.

Said Hareb:

• The tour raises the level of competition, inspires players, and promotes sports tourism.

• DP World leads the global game development scene.

• Eight international tournaments in the region in 8, including seven in the UAE.