Dubai Desert Classic scales new heights with Emirates

Spearheaded by three-time champion Ernie Els, a stellar cast will assemble at the Emirates Golf Club from January 26 to February 1, promising to add another glorious chapter in the history of the $2.5m event which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary.

If the Dubai Desert Classic, promoted and organised by 'golf in DUBAi', has established its credentials on the European Tour schedule as one of the most popular events, the sponsorship by Emirates has played an important role.

Since it was founded in 1985, Emirates has already won over 400 awards for excellence and its affinity with golf on both the international and domestic scenes is equally well known, having been involved with the world-famed Dubai Desert Classic as the Official Carrier since the tournament's inception in 1989.

Mike Simon, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, said:

"Emirates is proud to once again be a sponsor of the Dubai Desert Classic which this year sees us celebrating 20 years as a partner of the event. Emirates Airline is a truly global supporter of golf as the Official Airline of 12 tournaments, spanning the world from Dubai to China and Australia to Germany."

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Vice-Chairman & CEO of 'golf in DUBAi', stated:

"We believe that our steadfast commitment to making Dubai the 'hub' for all things golf, complements Emirates expanding network as they continue to work towards the goal of becoming the central hub for air travel worldwide,"

"With the great support of prestigious sponsors like Emirates Airline and the presence of the best ranked male golfers boosting the field, we are expecting a greater number of people at this year's event too," Buamaim added.

'golf in DUBAi' is backed by Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the main partner and Emirates-NBD, MasterCard, Jumeirah Hotels, Emirates Airline, BMW, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Gulf News, Omega and CNN as partners in its drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.