DUBAI – Dec. 29, 2004 – Wahid Atalla, Nakheel's Executive Director – Commercial and Operations said that with the recent launch of Nakheel Golf, the company had emerged as the most important player in the region's golfing arena, and that extending support to a golf tournament as prestigious as the Belle Mare Plage Challenge, was an ongoing commitment to the development of the game.

"Amateur golfers in the region are increasing in both numbers and talent and the Belle Mare Plage seeks to identify and reward the best among them. Together with the organizers of the challenge, we aim to raise the bar for amateur golf in the Middle East.

"Nakheel is pleased to be associated with this unique regional championship held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, in Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. In a sponsorship of this sort, it is not just corporate support we look forward to extend; our teams will actually be present and participate in the challenge," he stated.
Attalla added that a Nakheel representation would be present at all 13 qualifying rounds that are planned to be held at 12 different golf clubs in the four countries.

The challenge began with tee off at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai on December 24; the challenge is open to all amateur golfers. Four gentlemen and two ladies who emerge overall winners will be accorded the honor of traveling to and competing at the Mauritius Open Pro-Am tournament in 2005.

Nakheel's new golfing division will be responsible for golf development in Dubai from inception to operation and right through to promotion. Nakheel already has a successful history as real estate developers with proven strengths in all key areas - planning, designing, implementing, promoting and maintaining. They are now extending this expertise and experience to the development of golf courses and golfing-themed commercial and residential properties in Dubai.

Source: AME Info