DP World Tour signs 10-year partnership with Emirates Golf Federation to grow game in UAE

The DP World Tour has confirmed a long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) to develop golf in the UAE “for at least the next decade”.

Europe’s lead circuit announced the agreement on Wednesday, saying the two entities will collaborate on all levels of the sport in the Emirates, from grassroots to the professional game. The new partnership will run until 2031.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the DP World Tour said the initiative includes a minimum of two Challenge Tour events to be held in the UAE annually from next year, with 30 slots in each tournament given to the EGF to “help create playing opportunities and provide a pathway for Emirati golfers".

The tour has also committed to offering greater support to junior golf development in the UAE, including enhancement of player performance programmes.

The European Tour group, which incorporates the DP World Tour, Challenge Tour and Legends Tour, has a long-held affinity with the emirates, with the European Tour first staging the Dubai Desert Classic in 1989.

Earlier this year, the DP World Tour held. for the first time, four consecutive events in the country – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and two in Ras Al Khaimah – while the circuit’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship takes place at Jumeirah Golf Estates. In November, DP World was named as the title sponsor of the group’s lead tour.

On Wednesday, Tom Phillips, the European Tour group’s Head of Middle East, said: “Our special partnership with the Emirates Golf Fedaration not only demonstrates the DP World Tour’s long-term commitment to developing golf in the United Arab Emirates, but also reflects the strength of the many relationships we enjoy in the country.

"We are delighted to confirm this