New Golf Developer in Dubai


Nakheel, a backer of some of Dubai's most prominent real estate projects, has launched a division focusing on golf development in the Emirate. Nakheel Golf, in alliance with Greg Norman, has begun work on developing six golf courses at selected Nakheel projects in Dubai. In related news, Nakheel’s chairman, Sultan Bin Sulayem, will be joining the Executive Board of the Environmental Institute of Golf – the international body that promotes environmentally-sound golf courses.

At a press conference announcing the launch of the new division, Wahid Attalla, executive director of Commercial and Operations at Nakheel, said Nakheel Golf would serve as a full-fledged division of the company, and that it would spearhead Nakheel's foray into the world of golf – including the design, construction and maintenance of golf courses in Dubai. The courses will be eco-friendly and follow environmentally-sensitive principles and practices.

Attalla said that Nakheel Golf is a natural progression of the company's accomplishments in the field of real estate design and planning. “We have a successful history as developers, in all its areas – planning, designing, implementing and maintaining – and being appreciated for our efforts by a global audience. By extending our expertise and experience in real estate development, we have launched Nakheel Golf to specialize in the development of golf courses and golfing-themed commercial and residential properties in Dubai.

“Nakheel Golf will start work simultaneously on the several exciting projects that have already been earmarked for development. And yes, the world should expect the same unique approach and exacting standards that we have applied to all our ongoing projects,” he stated.

Attalla then elaborated on each of the six proposed courses: The Little White Shark will be located on Jumeirah Islands, and feature a six-hole par-3 course. A family-oriented venue, the course’s highlight will be its clubhouse, built in the shape of the shark that is also the logo of Greg Norman's private company. The course will be completed by October 2005.

Another Nakheel development, Jumeirah Golf Estates will feature four championship-caliber golf courses built around a gated residential community. With 18 holes each, the courses will be designed around the elements of Earth, Fire, Air and Water. Greg Norman will be involved in the creation of two of his Eco Signature Courses at the estate, which will focus on eco-friendly principles and practices, featuring flora and fauna indigenous to the region.

The Inspiration will be designed as a tribute to Greg Norman's long career in golf. The course will be based on a realistic re-creation of Norman’s favorite holes from around the world, including six from the Americas, six from Europe and six from Australia. The replica holes will be from Augusta National and Shinnecock Hills (U.S.), Turnberry and St. Andrews (UK) and Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath (Australia). The Inspiration will be located at a new development called “The Lost City.”

Norman said, “Dubai has proven its vision time and again – be it in innovative thought or through incredulous action – and it is my belief that apart from many other notable credits, golf too will become a flagship attraction of this truly amazing Emirate.

“I will be working very closely with the Nakheel Golf team to make their grand vision become a stunning reality, and in a few years time, it will not be amiss to label Dubai as one of the golfing capitals of the world, and perhaps, its best and most unique,” he stated.

Norman personally invited Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Nakheel to join the Executive Board of the Environmental Institute of Golf, a U.S.-based international association chaired by Norman. “It gives my great pleasure to invite Sultan Bin Sulayem on board with us – as a deserving representative of Dubai, and also, for his personal commitment, amazing foresight and visionary approach to developing this sport in our times,” Norman declared. Sulayem will become the first non-American to join the Executive Board of EIFG, since its inception in 1955.

The above report is courtesy of World Golf Wire.