Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and Al Mubarakah Foundation have joined forces for the launch of a ‘Golf for Beginners’ campaign. On this collaboration, 28 youngsters gathered at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club for their first engagement with the Royal and Ancient sport. The initiative aims to promote community interest in golf, introducing participants to the athletic skills required by the game—high physical fitness, concentration, decisive thinking, and character-building abilities.
The event was graced by Aisha Al-Saadi, Acting General Manager of Al Mubarakah Foundation, who emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to building bridges of cooperation with various stakeholders. Founded in 2016 and chaired by Dr. Sheikha Moza bint Mubarak Al Nahyan, Al Mubarakah Foundation’s vision revolves around empowering youth, fostering innovation, and raising awareness. This collaboration reflects the Foundation’s objectives to empower youth and embodies its core values, including leadership, excellence, innovation, and social responsibility.
Aisha noted the significance of this event, stating it opens broad avenues for collaboration between both parties to engage young people. By promoting golf, the initiative supports the national sports sector by nurturing talented youths who can enrich the game and boost its community presence. The cooperation between the two parties will continue with two additional training sessions planned for this young group, paving the path for these promising Emirati talents to join the Future Falcons Programme, seeking regular golf lessons at the club.
General Abdullah Al-Hashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, expressed the importance of working with government entities and community organizations, stating, “Giving these young people the opportunity to learn golf at an early age will have a positive impact on their lives. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Al Mubarakah Foundation and moving forward with these initiatives.”
Meanwhile, another highlight of the UAE sporting calendar is the recently concluded Dubai Gold Cup, held at the Al Habtoor Resort & Polo Club on February 22, 2025. Drawing huge crowds, UAE's polo team faced off against newcomers Jehangiri for the championship match, which is celebrated as the zenith of polo season within Asia and the Middle East.
The UAE team has secured the trophy five times before the latest match, and their confidence was bolstered by having tournament powerhouses like Gonzalo Pieres Jr. and Alejandro Muzzio on their roster. The clash proved to be intense, with the teams neck and neck, tied at 3-all by the third chukka. The fourth chukka saw the UAE team pull ahead after Benjamín Panelo subbed in for Muzzio, who was unfortunately injured. Lead by Rosendo Torreguitar, the UAE took the reins decisively.
Despite Jehangiri’s attempts to regain control during the last minutes, UAE triumphed with a nail-biting score of 9-8, capturing the Dubai Gold Cup for the sixth time. The detailed scores reflected the intensity, with UAE achieving the following: 1-2, 3-3, 5-4, 7-5, 9-8. The match demonstrated the vibrancy of the sport and continues to attract local and international spectators, reinforcing polo as central to UAE’s sporting culture.
Wrapped up among these exciting sporting events is the Dubai International Boat Show 2025, which reaffirms Dubai's status as the leading global hub for luxury yachting, maritime technology, and tourism. Running until February 23, 2025, at the scenic Dubai Harbour, this annual exhibition showcases over 1,000 brands from more than 60 countries, featuring about 200 yachts and watercraft.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, the Boat Show not only highlights luxury yacht designs and maritime tech but also aims to bolster economic opportunities and Dubai’s prestige as resort destination. Through showcasing maritime advancements and networking opportunities, Sheikh Mohammed envisions making Dubai the foremost global maritime hub.
The show continues to reinforce Dubai's maritime market dominance, comprising half of the region’s yacht and marina shares. Sheikh Mohammed’s visit to this year’s show underscored the city’s strong infrastructural layout and commitment to being the go-to destination for visiting yachts and international cruise ships.
This event brings together both local and international exhibitors, enabling potential buyers to explore not only cutting-edge yacht designs but also unique collaborations within the maritime and luxury tourism industries. The inclusion of the Innovation Hub showcases Dubai’s investment and attention to sustainable, forward-thinking maritime technologies, thereby enhancing its position within this dynamic sector.
The Dubai International Boat Show has firmly established itself as one of the most significant events on the global maritime calendar, and the 2025 edition continues Dubai's tradition of excellence. Together with events like the Dubai Gold Cup and initiatives aimed at youth engagement, the UAE is poised to grow both its sports and luxury sectors, affirming its place on the world stage.