Sama Dubai appoints Robert Trent Jones II to design Scenic Golf Course at Salam Yiti

Scheduled to open in 2010, The Golf Course - Salam Yiti will offer stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Oman and traverse around the meandering wadis.

The sweeping undulating terrain will be sprinkled with 18-holes, combining traits of a parkland course with an eye-catching links setting.

Every hole will offer a spectacular perspective of the varied landscape from arid mountains to lush green fairways boasting waterfront greens that will lend a unique challenge to the demanding sport.

Nestled within idyllic surroundings, the first-class golf course will test the skills of the most professional golfer, befitting the mandate of the International Golf and Leisure Services (IGLS), Dubai Golf's consultancy and management company that will promote Oman as a golfing destination.

IGLS will operate the golf course as well as the marina at Salam Yiti. Dubai Golf already manages and operates the Emirates Golf Club and the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club..

Farhan Faraidooni, Executive Chairman of Sama Dubai, said:

"We conduct in-depth market studies for our exclusive projects prior to designating renowned partners who uphold our values in designing and developing our exceptional concepts for landmark destinations. The architects have been engaged to work alongside our master planners to maximise the natural beauty of the topography by developing an outstanding golf course as a core component of the resort. We are also delighted to inform we have made excellent progress on enabling works at the golf course."

Designed to attract both professionals as well as amateur enthusiasts from the world over, the Golf Course - Salam Yiti will emerge as one of the region's foremost social venues for residents and visitors, and boast a well-appointed Club House as its centerpiece.

It will also encompass high-end residential homes that will hold high appeal to golf lovers and property owners.

According to recent research by the independent consultant Longitudes Group LLC, over a 10-year period real estate on RTJ II-designed courses appreciated more in value than homes on courses by other golf course architects.

Additionally, in its bid to reiterate its commitment to sustainability initiatives, Sama Dubai along with RTJ II, IGLS and the environmental consultant Energy Management Services (EMS), have undertaken a number of studies to ensure the golf course adheres to eco-friendly standards.

A review by the influential Smithsonian magazine cited RTJ II as a model for sustainability, describing the firm's methodology as 'a case study of how a golf course can have a surprisingly low impact on even a sensitive environmental area'.

The Golf Course - Salam Yiti will be the second project to be designed in the Middle East by Robert Trent Jones II, which has won global awards and accolades for shaping renowned golf courses set amidst sweeping expanses of stunning locations.

Salam Yiti, a $2bn project, encompasses an integrated residential resort handpicked between Oman's dramatic Al Hajar Ash Sharqi mountains and a pristine beach. This luxury resort aims to capture the natural beauty and cultural environment of Oman.