Dubai focus of world golfing attention: Buamaim

'Who would have thought Dubai, once a peaceful trading village thriving on cottage industries such as fishing and pearling, one day would be referred to as the city of golf. It is the case today,' Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman of golf in DUBAI, said at the opening ceremony of GolfEx at Madinat Conference Centre in Dubai on Sunday.

'It's a tribute to the country's inspiring leadership and ingenuity of desert dwellers that, despite difficult times, they were able to develop a sporting tradition that remains at the heart of today's revolutionised leisure industry,' he said.

'Unlike the expats, introduction to golf was nothing less than a cultural shock for UAE nationals. We all grew up playing or watching football --- the sight of chasing that white tiny dimpled ball was something totally alien to the social fabric of our society.

'Things changed gradually and so did the thinking. With the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the construction of the state-of-the-art Emirates Golf Club (EGC) in the late 80s marked the beginning of a golden golfing chapter in the UAE.

'It exposed the world's top superstars to the local populace, and the game suddenly found a new meaning. The club bridged the distance between the game and nationals. Golf is A sociable game -- the point was driven home to nationals by the Emirates Golf Club.

'What put Dubai on the map was the Dubai Desert Classic, first played in 1989. It has proved to be a catalyst in triggering an explosion of interest in the game here - that's something a great reward for all of us. The rest, as they say, is history.

'With golf in DUBAI coming into being in 2005, the thinking is now to package the growing golfing profile of our city to the world. Ours is a vibrant economy and more and more people want to identify with golf, hence the opportunities to promote Dubai's clubs are immense.

'We are ready to launch, what I believe, is a unique on-line booking system that is designed and developed by golf in DUBAI, which will enable golfing buffs to book tee times at any course in Dubai from anywhere in the world through the internet.

'If Dubai is the focus of the world attention, it's because we thrive on team-work. I am really grateful to the management of all clubs for all their valued support in helping golf in DUBAI project the image of Dubai as one of the most sought-after golfing destinations in the world.

The two-day golf summit enjoys the full support of the leading lights in the industry. Neil Hamp-Adams, managing director of Driving Force - the organizers - said the GolfEx is getting 'bigger and better' each year.

Last year more than 460 delegates attended the GolfEx resulting in over $10 million worth of business taking place.