Abu Dhabi Golf Championship's Diamond sponsors reveal spectator plans

The third annual Championship has attracted a world-class international field, including defending champion, England's Paul Casey, world number seven Adam Scott; world number eight, Padraig Harrington, world number 16, Henrik Stenson, and world number 18 Luke Donald. Additional European Tour stalwarts such as Ian Poulter, Miguel Angel Jiminez and Colin Montgomerie should guarantee that the third annual Championship will be the best attended to date.

To keep the fans entertained away from the fairways, ALDAR's 2008 Championships plans include a Kidzone, where families can relax together making the event enjoyable for young and old.

Commenting on the announcement, Ronald Stephen Barrott, CEO, ALDAR said: 'The competition promises to offer some spectacular golf as Abu Dhabi becomes an international golfing destination. ALDAR is proud to contribute to this event which elevates Abu Dhabi on an international stage, mirroring our company's efforts to develop the UAE's capital as a magnet for talent world wide.'

Having supported the European Tour sanctioned Championship since its debut in 2006, ALDAR further underlined their commitment to golf in the emirate with the signing of Paul Casey - who acts as an 'international brand ambassador' for the company.

'The win at Abu Dhabi last year was an important milestone for me,' said Paul. 'I hope this year's event will help me kick-start my 2008 season and I can't think of a better place to do it. The reception I received last year was incredible and I look forward to trying to defend my title and hope the fans will bring me as much luck as they did last time.

'I am delighted to represent ALDAR - a world-class property developer with global ambitions akin to my own,' he added.

ALDAR's international promotion will be fostered by all four days of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship being covered on live TV and reaching a global audience of over 140 million in the firm's key global markets.

The Championship formally began on Wednesday, January 16 with the Al-Masaood Pro-Am and Awards Gala when sponsors and their guests played and socialised with some of the world's best professional golfers. ALDAR has an enviable Pro-Am record in previous years with American Chris DiMarco (2006), and Casey (2007) having played on an ALDAR's Pro-Am team and then having gone on to win the Championship on Sunday.