Multi-sport giant IMG Academies to open branch in Dubai Lifestyle City

The famed Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy and the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, both part of the IMG Academies and among the foremost training facilities in the world, will set shop in DLC and provide training to aspiring athletes from among DLC residents and others. In addition, IMGA will also set up an International Performance Institute in Dubai Lifestyle City.

Ted Meekma, Senior Vice President IMG, Director IMG Academies, who is in Dubai to hold talks with Dubai Lifestyle City officials, said that he was thrilled at the prospect of opening a branch in the Middle East. "I have come to Dubai before and am a great admirer of the tremendous growth that Dubai has achieved over the years. I have no doubt that Dubai is the most dynamic, exciting, international destination in the world today, and as such, the best place for us to open a branch outside the Western Hemisphere," he added.

"Our first priority will be to provide a wide variety of tennis, golf, and fitness programs geared to the needs of DLC's members, residents, and guests. We want DLC to become the destination in Dubai and the region for serious tennis players and golfers to come, train and play. Our International Performance Institute program will be a hub of healthy mind, body, and spirit development for all those who are committed to improving the quality of their lives. IMGA at DLC will also include swimming, basketball, volleyball, squash and table sports facilities and instructional programs," he explained.

Expressing his happiness at the unique partnership, Arif Rahman, Managing Director, Dubai Lifestyle City, said that the presence of IMG Academies would for the first time make available to aspiring athletes and 'sports parents' in the Middle East and the neighboring regions the best training opportunities in Golf and Tennis and other sports. "Please remember that DLC is not just featuring these sporting amenities, but sports, recreation, health, fitness, training, education and entertainment are the integral attractions and core components that will make living in DLC a totally unique experience. We look forward to seeing the successors of the world's finest athletes emerge from the Dubai Lifestyle City in the years to come," he hoped.

Approximately 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes from over 80 countries attend IMG Academies each year. The highly respected multi-sport facility, based in Bradenton, Florida, the US, encompasses, besides NBTA and DLGA, the Soccer, Baseball and Officiating Academies, the International Performance Institute(IPI), the Professional Fishing Academy, Mental Conditioning Division, Bollettieri Sports Medicine Centre, University of Miami and the Pendelton School.

Dubai Lifestyle City, an AED 2.4 billion project in Dubailand sprawling over an area of four million square feet, is envisaged as a unique residential enclave that offers its residents and visitors an enchanting lifestyle within a calm and natural environment. The project, the first of its kind in the region, aims at the creation of a self-sufficient residential community surrounded by fine hotels, spas, sports academies and other amenities, digitally connected to each other. Dubai Lifestyle City will have 68 villas and 120 villettes (apartments), all designed in the exquisite Tuscany style.