ALDAR Properties keeps a 'virtual eye' on Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

ALDAR's 'Virtual Eye' will show the Championship course at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in a mix of real life and graphic simulation, providing TV viewers in 120 million homes in 30 countries with real time information about players' ball positions and course information, using 3D models, global positioning systems and realistic fairway flyovers. The live action and animated graphics package will appear on screens throughout coverage of the Championship from January 18-21.

In addition to the high-tech initiative, the leading property development investment and management company is Diamond Sponsor for the Championship, which is owned by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and boasts a star-studded line-up of the world's top ranking golfers, including South Africa's Retief Goosen; Ireland's Padraig Harrington, Spain's Sergio Garcia; Sweden's Henrik Stenson, great Britons Colin Montgomerie and Paul Casey, and defending champion Chris DiMarco, one of the USA's top 10 golfers.

ALDAR will also use the Championship platform to showcase a number of recently announced initiatives and developments, including Yas Island, a unique tourism destination that will cover a total land area of 2,500 hectares and feature signature hotels, a world-class motor sports racetrack, the world's first Ferrari theme park, a water park, polo clubs, marinas, a 300,000 square metre retail area, and several golf clubs with links and parkland courses.

ALDAR was established to create world-class real estate developments in Abu Dhabi. According to Ronald Barrott, the company's Chief Executive Officer, sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship plays a key role in its strategy of attracting people to the emirate.

"An important part of ALDAR's marketing strategy is the promotion of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates as a world-class business and tourist destination. By sponsoring world class sporting events such as the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, ALDAR is supporting ADTA's initiative to establish Abu Dhabi as a major international golfing and tourist destination," he said.

"ALDAR's vision is to build sustainable cohesive communities and to offer world class sporting facilities in a number of our developments, including golf courses. Sport is an important social catalyst that transcends boundaries of culture, age and gender, bringing together the community and creating a sense of pride. Sporting events are the perfect means through which to build a sense community," Barrott added.

The level of interest around the world in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is "overwhelming," said Barrott. "We are keen to contribute to this leg of the European Tour, to ensure that Abu Dhabi's involvement is a recognised success. Few sporting events have the ability to promote Abu Dhabi so effectively on an international stage, and we are fully supportive of this," he added.

A total prize fund of US$2 million and unique facilities make the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship one of the most attractive tournaments on the European Tour schedule, ensuring a world-class line up of players will compete for the first prize of US$333,330.