CNN International to film golf show at Dubai Desert Classic

The PGA European Tour event, which will be held at the Emirates Golf Club's Majlis Course from March 3-6, will be the second time the tournament has enjoyed major sponsorship from CNN International. And the broadcaster - which reaches ten million homes in the Middle East - believes the agreement is a great boost for the tournament as well as CNN International.

"We are delighted to be the main media sponsor of the prestigious Dubai Desert Classic tournament for a second year running," said Rani R. Raad, Vice President, CNN International Advertising Sales, Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa.

"Last year's event was a tremendous success and we are pleased to be associated, yet again, with such a world-class event. The Middle East is a key region for CNN and the association with the Dubai Desert Classic further demonstrates CNN's continued commitment to the region", added Raad.

As part of the sponsorship, CNN's monthly feature show Living Golf will host its March show from the Desert Classic. The half-hour programme, sponsored by Rolex, will focus on the development of the game in the emirate and what the future holds for the sport in one of the fastest growing regions in the world.

Living Golf host and sports anchor Don Riddell will also be conducting a number of exclusive interviews with top players, namely Ernie Els and defending champion Mark O'Meara.

Living Golf will also talk to tournament organisers about the growth of the Dubai Desert Classic, which is becoming one of the most lucrative tournaments on the European Tour. Once again sponsored by Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL), the 16th Desert Classic will see 156 players competing for a share of $2.2 million in what is the richest event in its history.

Besides DUBAL as the main sponsor of the Desert Classic, CNN International, Arabian Ranches by Emaar, Nakheel, and Samsung as co-sponsors, other sponsors include: Emirates as official airline and Hole In One Sponsor; official caterer, hotel and challenge match sponsor Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa; Official Bank National Bank of Dubai; official courtesy car BMW; and event newspaper Gulf News.