Golf industry worth more to Dubai than any other sport

The direct and indirect economic impact of golf in Dubai is a staggering $131m annually, a report published on Wednesday by Deloitte has revealed. In total, golf contributes 30 percent to sport’s total economic impact of $421m in the emirate. Popular events, such as the ongoing DP World Tour Championship, are huge tourism drivers, contributing $80m of the overall total. The estimated economic impact of golf tourism in Dubai is a further $38m. Nick Tarratt, Director European Tour International - Dubai, said: "When I arrived in the UAE some 25 years ago, there was only one 18-hole grass course in the entire Middle East. Today, the UAE is home to nine clubs and 11 golf courses. "The sport is in great health in Dubai and the UAE bu that's only part of the story - we have enjoyed remarkable growth in that quarter of a century with numbers of golfers both UAE residents and international visitors assisted through our European Tour mantra of 'play where the pros play'.