For some time now I've had a bit of an obsession with all things Dubai. After all, I love over-the-top, at least from a distance. And subtle is something I aspire to only when I feel it's 100% necessary, like at a funeral. Otherwise, the bigger, the brighter the more breathtaking...the better. In my book, anyway. So Dubai, that sparkling playground on the Arabian Peninsula, the fastest growing city in the world, was naturally going to attract my attention, and once my golf obsession kicked in last year, it became even more alluring. Because Dubai is golf central for the Middle East, with high profile tournaments, high level resident golfers and major golf developments slated for completion by the end of the decade.
On the other side of this double edged sword however, I've read a couple of recent articles about the rising cost of playing in Dubai. Indeed it seems a new imposed government fee has made Dubai one of the most expensive places in the world to play a round of golf. Unfortunately, it looks like my trip may have to be postponed for the forseeable future. Ouch. I hate unrequited lust!
Plus, I don't think Dubai is in a women friendly country.
ReplyDeleteyeah arabs are not known for their liberated views of women on the street let alone on the golf course - my advice is if you have to go there - be very careful and remember the reasons western golf pros go there to play number in the million$- up front- else why in god's name would they go there no matter how much money the a-rabs pump into the place
ReplyDeleteHey Golf Girl, your buddies are right about Dubai. Why don't you plan your next golf trip to Canada. We treat special women like royalty.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the reasons I want to go to the Middle East, and Dubai in particular. To see what it's really like. There are so many stereotypes associated with the Arab world but, when you talk to expatriates who live there, most describe the lifestyle as being fun and cosmopolitan, the streets safe, and the locals really decent and helpful. Call me crazy but I'm really curious about it. I think we in the US are just so far geographically from the Middle East, and our country has such a complicated political relationship with the area, that we tend to see it all in black or white.
ReplyDeleteAs far as women playing golf in Dubai, they do host the Dubai Ladies Masters and the players seem to really enjoy it. French Golfer Gwladys Nocera, recently relocated there, And said she felt it was one of the safest places in the world for women.
Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, Greg Norman, Colin Mongomerie and others have all either developed their signature courses or are busy developing them. That's pretty impressive. To me anyway.
Is it all about Money? Maybe, but I really want to see it for myself. More than ever now. That's just me.
As far as Canada is concerned Bob, you don't need to convince me at all, and I'm sure I'll be heading up your way before long.
Hi from Dubai!
ReplyDeleteFirst things first - Dubai is not Saudi Arabia, Em and Jim (AKA GO! Smell the flowers) have played at all the clubs and have had no problems whatsoever, we also choose tax free Dubai as our home over Paris, Prague, London and Cyprus.
Why? Because of cultural diversity, the weather, the safety and everything else that CNN try to lead us to believe!
The older parts of the Emirate do inisit on women covering up but not Dubai, it is very Western and tolerates drink, sport and everything that goes with it as long as there is a respect for locals.
In terms of golf is is great from October to April with pith perfect weather BUT during summer months a 6am T off is advised....several clubs have floodlit facilities anyway and the Desert Classic contest means you're shoulder to shoulder with the Pros....
We'll gladly answer any Dubai sepcific questions but hey, if you think Dubai is on the up watch this space for Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emitates.....
The vision of Dubai is only 15% complete and the main reason the the Shk paid $.S 40 million to bring Tigers course here rather than China....
Great post Golf Girl!
cover up golf girl and play like a boy
ReplyDeleteThe cover up part I could do (reluctantly). Play like a boy? That would be difficult. :)
ReplyDeleteEm and Jim, if anyone can speak with authority abt golf in Dubai, it's you guys. Thanks for the feedback "right from the source". I hope I can play with you there one of these days. In the meantime I'll enjoy reading your awesome blog.
Im a lady golfer in Dubai and there is no such thing as having to cover up whilst playing in Dubai.
ReplyDeleteThats just bloody ignorant idiots making comments like that.
Its a great place for golf and it is the reason why I chose to start my golf career here, in Dubai.
Saudi Arabia is not a women friendly place but Dubai certainly is.
Hi P you're welcome anytime! We've just joined a new club called Al Hamra village in the nearby Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Look out for courses in Abu Dhabi too, Saadiyat is one to watch by 2015 - seriously!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work at your blog, we love reading it as you are clearly smelling those flowers...
Cheers.