Classic hospitality boosted by 'Tiger Fever'

The ten-time Major winner, who confirmed his entry last month, will be making only his third appearance in Dubai when the Emirates Golf Club hosts the (DUBAL)-sponsored tournament from February 2-5.

And Dubai's business community has shown its delight at the news by snapping up the various types of hospitality and sponsorship opportunities tied in with the region's richest golf tournament.

"I think it's what's known as Tiger Fever," smiled Dubai Desert Classic Vice Chairman Mohamed Buamim. "It's said that whenever Tiger Woods agrees to play in an event awareness and interest is raised by around twenty per cent. That certainly seems to be the case again this year with interest in our various hospitality packages increasing greatly since we announced his participation."

In order to cater for the increase in interest, the Emirates Golf Club has completed an extension programme on the terrace outside the clubhouse, while private chalet facilities on the ninth and sixteenth greens are also experiencing an increase in hospitality sales.

Dubai Desert Classic hospitality packages are also being offered for the greenside and Clubhouse restaurants, as well as the luxurious Majlis Suite.

"Events like the Dubai Desert Classic showcase Dubai as one of the world's greatest destinations for business and pleasure," added Buamim. "The Desert Classic also allows us to demonstrate to the world the fact that Dubai is full of culture, enthusiasm, innovation and excellence."

"By sharing long term, equitable and mutually beneficial relationships we are able to provide worldwide, regional and local exposure for Dubai in general and sponsors in particular, creating interest for people to visit Dubai and continue the evolution of the city and its people."

Buamim added that while the hospitality deals are selling well, several packages still remain. Priority will be given for four day bookings, while requests for individual days will be accepted from January 1, 2006 subject to availability.

Full hospitality package details as well as tickets for the 2006 Dubai Desert Classic can be purchased online from the official website.

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.