Golf tourism in the UAE goes for the green (page 1 of 2)

The UAE is keen to establish itself as a leading golf tourism destination, and it is sparing no expense to accomplish its goal.

Millions of dollars are being lavished on top-notch courses, big-name designers, and world-class tournaments to attract golf tourists from around the world.

And with great weather, a central location, and beautiful courses on offer, the future looks very bright for golf in the Arabian desert.

The development of golf is still in the early stages in the UAE, with relatively little impact on the overall bottom line of the country's tourism industry, as there are only 10 grass courses in operation, according to Andrea Sartori, KPMG's Head of Golf Advisory Practice in Europe, Middle-East and Africa.

However, golf in the UAE is gaining notoriety worldwide, and with more than 20 golf developments currently in the pipeline, it will soon be a major contributor to the country's tourism economy.

St John Kelliher, Director of Business Development for Dubai Golf, believes golf is already a huge aspect of the UAE's tourism sector. He says the UAE is an attractive destination for golfers because it offers world-class courses, sunny weather, and great hospitality.

Dubai's location at the 'centre of the world' makes it very attractive for golf tourists, along with the fact that it provides a unique cultural experience. Dubai's golf tourism industry also gets a boost from the large number of conventions and trade shows that are held each year, and from the continued expansion of Emirates Airlines. 'Every time the airline opens up a new destination it opens up a new market for Dubai,' Kelliher noted.

UAE golf course developers are spending freely to sign up big-name designers to help bring worldwide notoriety to their offerings. Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Gary Player, and Ernie Els are among the famous golfers who are lending their design talents - and prestige - to new courses in the UAE.

In another major coup, Dubai will be the site of the world's richest golf tournament, the $10m Dubai World Championship, beginning in 2009 on the Jumeirah Golf Estates, which is currently under construction. The European Tour's Order of Merit has also been renamed The Race to Dubai.

'These developments will soon place the UAE on the world map as one of the foremost golf tourism destinations,' Sartori said.

High fees

Golf tourism in the UAE is on the rise despite the high costs associated with travel in the country. 'Over the past year through September, golf business is up five per cent year on year, which is impressive when you take into consideration how expensive Dubai is,' Kelliher said. He says it can be difficult for a tour operator to book a golf package to Dubai because hotel rates in the emirate are so high.

Golf fees in Dubai are by no means cheap either. Despite the weak rate of exchange of the US dollar, Dubai's golf courses are the most expensive in terms of average green fees in comparison to Europe, the rest of the Middle East, and Africa. Average weekend fees are $152, according to a recent KPMG report, compared to $63 in the UK and Eire.

For his part, Kelliher believes golf fees in Dubai are mid-priced compared to the European market and provide better value than courses in Europe.