Is golf in the Middle East a business yet? (page 1 of 3)

The United Arab Emirates is ahead of other Middle Eastern countries when it comes to golf. And despite it not being the place from where the golfing industry in the Middle East kicked off, a recent report by KPMG Advisory shows that half of available golf courses in the region are in the UAE, followed by 15 per cent in Saudi Arabia and five per cent in Qatar, Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait and Bahrain.

KPMG's report cited 20 regular grass courses in the Middle East, while the number of golfers was estimated at 17,000, making the golf participation rate of 0.026 per cent particularly low when compared to the rate in Europe.

The UAE golf market represents the most sophisticated in the region, says Greg Sproule, Managing Director of sports media and entertainment company IMG, which is involved in showcasing Abu Dhabi as a golfing destination. This sophistication comes from the UAE's appetite to be seen as a major venue for sports events and is best seen in the efforts that have gone into growing the country's profile and its sophistication around the world.

Leading the way

Dubai is currently leading the way in the industry, with Abu Dhabi following its steps towards establishing itself as a well-recognised golf destination. In Dubai, between 270,000 and 300,000 rounds are played annually, despite the fact that one of the main courses - the Sand Golf Course - is closed. The number of courses available in the country is still very small, but with so many new courses under development, hopes of significant growth for golf are high.

The situation reminds Mark Chapleski, Area Managing Director of Troon Dubai Office, of Las Vegas in the mid 1980s. 'Las Vegas wasn't thought of as a golf destination, but rather a place for gambling and entertainment. The place started with only eight courses, but since people wanted to do other activities, they started developing golf and in less than 20 years, 60 golf courses were in place. This is a tremendous growth and I don't see any reason why the UAE shouldn't have up to 20 courses by 2015.'

At present, Dubai is witnessing the development of Jumeirah Golf Estates, with two courses under construction and two others being planned. Another course is being built in Dubai Sports City, in addition to Tiger Woods' first ever course being developed in Dubailand by Tatweer real estate company. In Abu Dhabi, the Saadiyat Island project has two courses under development with plans to extend that number under study now according to Chapleski. At Al Ain in Abu Dhabi, Al Qudra is also building a course as part of a real estate development.

Outside the UAE, Qatar has one golf course, as does Bahrain, which is also developing two additional courses within the Durrat Al Bahrain project. Jordan is also establishing golf courses within the Ayla Oasis project in Aqaba while Sodec Egypt is developing its high end course which will be added to the 16 existing courses in the country. Coming to Oman, the country is due to open two courses by the end of 2008 with further plans on the way.

Interpreting the slow development of golf in the GCC, Mohammed Buamaim, Vice President and CEO of Golf in Dubai, claimed that the benefits of developing golf are not well recognised in the region, especially because it is over such a long time.