Emaar builds on Classic support

The backing of the Middle East's premier golfing event is fitting for a company that already has a considerable footprint on the sport's landscape thanks to its own golf operations at The Montgomerie Dubai and the region's first truly desert golf course, The Desert Course at the company's Arabian Ranches development.

"Without doubt, there is a strong synergy between the Dubai Desert Classic and our properties at Emirates Hills and Arabian Ranches, which boast international standard golf courses at the heart of their residential communities," said Naaman Atallah, Director of Sales, Emaar Properties: "It is only natural that Emaar be associated with the Desert Classic."

The $2.2 million Dubai Aluminium-sponsored tournament - the richest since the world's top players started coming to the Emirates Golf Club's Majlis Course in 1989 - will see two-time champion and world number three Ernie Els start as favourite in a high-quality, 150-strong field.

"Ernie Els is a great supporter of golf in the emirates which goes to show the high standards the industry has achieved in Dubai," added Atallah. "For example, the vision and standards of excellence at the Classic are echoed at The Montgomerie and The Desert Course where we shall soon unveil new clubhouses set to be the finest of their kind in the region."

In addition to its two operational golf clubs with clubhouses that will be launched shortly, Emaar continued building world-class lifestyle communities and has to date handed over more than 8,000 homes to its customers. It is also the developer of the Burj Dubai, the world's tallest tower, which will further enhance Dubai's global image as a lifestyle, business and leisure destination of the world. The Tower, which has caught the fancy of the world, is also part of the Burj Dubai district, the region's finest urban development.

"We are fortunate to have a wonderful family of sponsors for the Dubai Desert Classic," said Adrian Flaherty, Desert Classic Tournament Manager.

"Emaar's work in the world of golf as well as in the promotion of Dubai is internationally recognised and we are delighted to have them once again on board for what will be another superb event."