Dubai appoints golf industry leader in strategic development role

Peter Dawson, President of the International Golf Federation, has been appointed as a consultant to explore opportunities that will continue to build on Dubai's reputation as one of the world's leading golf destinations.

Mr. Dawson is the former Chief Executive of The R&A and Secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of StAndrews and is the current President of the International Golf Federation, the organisation in charge of golf'sreintroduction (after 112 years) to the Olympic Games at Rio 2016.

The appointment follows the recent publication of a Deloitte report which highlights golf as a key contributor toDubai’s sports economy. Dubai’s world-class facilities and strong track record in hosting major international events, including the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and DP World Tour Championship, already play a significant role in attracting tourists and elite players to the emirate.

Over the coming months, Mr Dawson will work across the industry alongside all associated stakeholders in Dubai with a view to making a series of recommendations to the Dubai Government.

His Excellency Mohammed Al Shaibani, CEO and Executive Director of Investment Corporation Dubai, the investment arm of the Government of Dubai with interests across the real estate and leisure sectors, including golf, commented: "Building on golf’s strong domestic growth in the real estate and leisure sector, this strategic appointment marks another step forward for the continued development of the game and the long-term benefit of Dubai. With a view to expanding the reach and expertise of Dubai in a sector that has already shown its potential to contribute significantly to the growth of the emirate and its economy, we will also reinforce Dubai’s position as a world leading golf destination."

Mr Peter Dawson said: "In my roles at The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the International Golf Federation I have been committed to growing golf around the world and I welcome the opportunity to assist the expansion of the game in Dubai. Dubai has a strong pedigree in golf and I believe there is a real opportunity for Dubai to develop its fantastic golf offering even further. This is a truly exciting project and I much look forward to getting started."

The appointment was made by Falcon and Associates, working on behalf of the Dubai leadership.

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