"The race to Dubai" Golf… has an Emirati imprint on international standards

Dubai, 6 December / WAM / The Race to Dubai Golf is an integrated Emirati project that embodies the country’s vision of developing the sport of golf in accordance with the highest international standards, and based on sound scientific planning, integrated programs of activities and events, and the tourism and economic infrastructure.

With the expansion of the DP World Tour and the continued hosting of the season finals in Dubai, the UAE has strengthened its presence as an international center for the game and an annual destination for stars, fans and sponsoring companies, especially with the global tour of the tour’s logo, which tours 42 championships around the world, in addition to the pivotal role of DP World as the main sponsor.

The “DB World” tour announced that the final data for the 2025 season, which included the final qualifying tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and the “Pac 9” tournament series, with a total of 11 tournaments, recorded a significant growth in indicators of viewing and public interaction, as the average number of viewers on the “Sky Sports” channel in the United Kingdom increased by 16% compared to 2024, while the final tournament of the season in Dubai witnessed a 39% increase in the average number of viewers. And 92% in peak viewing.

This growth coincides with the DB World Tour announcing the extension of its partnership with the group until 2035, a step that reflects the commitment of both parties to developing the game and enhancing its spread locally and globally.

The UAE’s relationship with golf has been established since the end of the eighties, when it started with simple courses before the establishment of the Emirates Golf Club and Jebel Ali Club constituted a turning point that attracted the world’s most prominent players, especially with the launch of the “Dubai Desert Classic” tournament in 1989, which gave the game great international momentum, and with the development of facilities and hosting of tournaments, the country became a fixed stop on the world tour agenda.

With the subsequent restructuring of the European Tours, the “Race to Dubai” slogan appeared on the “DB World Tour”, making the UAE the final destination of the global golf season.

The competitions are concluded annually through the final qualifying tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where the identity of the “Race to Dubai” champion is determined, giving the UAE a direct influence on the career of elite professionals.

On the country’s courts, the biggest stars recorded their names in the history of the tournament, such as Sevy Ballesteros, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, while major tournaments such as the Dubai Desert Classic, Abu Dhabi HSBC, and the final tournament of the DB World Tour contributed to strengthening the UAE’s position as a destination capable of attracting the best players in the world and achieving significant economic and tourism gains.

This global presence coincided with the launch of national programs to develop the game, through advanced training facilities, international partnerships and sports schools that contributed to preparing a new Emirati generation of players, referees and administrators.

The tournaments held in the country give a strong impetus to the development of golf locally by providing direct contact between local players and elite international players, enhancing the UAE’s position in sports tourism and promoting destinations and advanced infrastructure.

Issa Sharif Al Marzouqi, Director of Events at the Dubai Sports Council, confirmed that golf has become one of the prominent pillars in the country, pointing out that the Council is keen to assist organizers of international tournaments and provide various forms of logistical and organizational support, in addition to developing sports academies and schools.

He added that the increasing demand for golf reflects the development of infrastructure and the interest of clubs and the federation, explaining that the next stage will witness the expansion of junior and amateur tournaments and the strengthening of school programs to discover talent.

For his part, Salem bin Dasmal, a member of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Golf Federation, explained that the inclusion of Dubai on the European Tour previously and then the “DB World Tour” is a national achievement that reflects the country’s vision in developing the game.

He pointed out that the Federation’s strategy focuses on spreading the culture of golf in society, enhancing the participation of women and children, and achieving Emirati representation among the top 10 Asian teams, in addition to preparing an Emirati player to enter the list of the best 500 players in the world in the coming years, stressing that the development program is proceeding according to clear plans extending over four or five years.

In turn, Nawaf Abdullah, Executive Vice President of Container Terminals at DB World Group, confirmed that the ongoing partnership with the tour since 2009 until its recent extension to 2035 reflects the group’s commitment to supporting the game globally.

He added that the tournament has become a platform that enhances the position of Dubai and the UAE as a global sports destination, contributes to attracting the most prominent players, and achieves direct interaction between emerging talents and the sports community.

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