From discovering golf little more than a decade ago to becoming the first Arab woman to win the African Championship, Intissàr Rich has emerged as one of the UAE’s most inspiring sporting stories. The UAE National Team player discusses her journey, ambitions and hopes of inspiring the next generation.
When Intissàr Rich first picked up a golf club in 2012, few could have imagined the impact she would eventually have on the game in the Middle East.
Today, the UAE National Team player stands as one of the region’s brightest talents and a trailblazer for Arab women in golf. Her rise has been built on perseverance, discipline and a willingness to embrace every challenge placed in front of her.
Like many elite athletes, Rich’s journey has not been defined solely by victories. The setbacks, obstacles and moments of uncertainty have been equally important in shaping the player she has become.
“When I look back, the most defining chapter has been the journey from starting golf in 2012 to representing the UAE internationally,” says Rich. “There have been successes and challenges along the way, and those experiences taught me resilience, discipline and the importance of believing in myself.”
Those lessons have become the foundation of her career.
LOVE OF THE GAME
Golf is not a sport that rewards impatience.
Progress can be frustratingly slow and opportunities are rarely guaranteed. Yet during periods when others may have questioned whether the sacrifices were worthwhile, Rich never lost sight of what drew her to the game in the first place.
“My love for the game was always the biggest motivation,” she explains. “Even during difficult periods, I enjoyed the process of improving and competing. My goals kept me focused and I always believed that hard work would eventually create opportunities.”
That belief eventually transformed golf from a hobby into a realistic career ambition.
As her international appearances increased and the results began to arrive, Rich realised she had the potential to compete on a much bigger stage.
“The shift happened when I began competing internationally and achieving strong results. Winning major tournaments gave me the confidence to see golf not only as a passion but as a potential career path.”
That confidence continues to grow with every season.
The UAE has played a major role in that development. With world-class golf facilities, elite coaching and a rapidly expanding competitive landscape, the country has provided an environment capable of nurturing international talent.
“The UAE has played a huge role in my development,” Rich says. “The world-class facilities, competitive environment and support for athletes have helped me raise my standards and approach the game with a more professional mindset.”
PLAYING FOR THE UAE
Few achievements carry more significance than representing your country.
For Rich, every opportunity to wear the UAE colours remains a source of immense pride and motivation.
“It is an incredible honour,” she says. “Every time I wear the UAE colours, I feel proud and grateful. It motivates me to work harder and represent the country in the best possible way.”
That pride reached new heights when she achieved what remains the standout moment of her career.
Winning the African Championship was not simply another title. It was a landmark achievement both personally and historically.
“Winning the African Championship is definitely my proudest achievement so far,” says Rich. “It was the result of years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.”
What made the victory even more significant was its wider impact.
“Becoming the first Arab woman to win this title is a milestone I am incredibly proud of and one that will always hold a special place in my career.”
The achievement resonated far beyond the tournament itself, highlighting the growing strength of women’s golf throughout the region.
THE NEXT LEVEL
Success has a way of changing perspective.
Recent performances have reinforced Rich’s belief that she belongs among stronger fields, but they have also revealed the fine margins that separate good players from truly elite competitors.
“My recent performances have shown me that I can compete at a higher level,” she says. “But they have also highlighted the small details that separate good players from elite players.”
Those differences are often mental rather than technical.
At the highest level, players must remain composed under pressure, trust their preparation and make clear decisions when tournaments are on the line.
“I’ve learned that mental strength is one of the most important parts of golf,” Rich explains. “Through experience, I’ve become better at staying calm, trusting my preparation and focusing on one shot at a time, especially under pressure.”
That growth in maturity has translated into greater consistency.
“The biggest transformation in my game has been consistency and confidence. I feel more comfortable competing at a high level and managing challenging situations during tournaments.”
Consistency, however, remains a moving target.
Rich continues to focus on the areas she believes will unlock another level of performance.
“I’m focusing on improving my short game, physical fitness and overall consistency. At the highest level, small improvements can make a big difference.”
LEARNING FROM THE PROFESSIONALS
As Rich edges closer towards the professional ranks, she has already gained valuable experience competing alongside established professionals.
The biggest lesson has not been about power or shot-making ability.
Instead, it has been about reliability.
“The biggest difference is consistency,” she says. “Professional players are able to perform at a high level week after week, and their attention to detail in every aspect of the game is remarkable.”
Those observations continue to shape her own preparation.
Although the professional game is clearly on the horizon, Rich is determined not to rush the process.
“I want to continue gaining experience, improving my world ranking and making sure every aspect of my game is ready for the demands of professional competition.”
Her pathway may be clearly defined, but she understands the importance of remaining adaptable.
“I have a clear vision of where I want to go, but I also understand that every journey evolves. I’m focused on continuous improvement and taking the right steps at the right time.”
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
Beyond her personal ambitions, Rich is passionate about the future of women’s golf in the UAE.
The growth of the game has been significant over the past decade and she believes the next generation will have even greater opportunities available to them.
“The future is very bright,” she says. “The UAE continues to invest in sports and create opportunities for female athletes. I expect to see more young girls entering the game and competing at an international level.”
As one of the country’s leading female golfers, Rich has become a role model for aspiring young players.
She hopes her story helps others understand that success is rarely instant.
“Many people think success happens quickly, but the reality is that it takes years of hard work, patience and dedication. The results people see are only a small part of the journey.”
It is advice forged through personal experience and one she hopes resonates with young girls considering a future in the sport.
When asked how she hopes her golfing story will ultimately be remembered, her answer reflects the values that have guided her throughout her career.
“I want my story to be defined by perseverance, passion and pride in representing the UAE. Most importantly, I hope I can inspire the next generation of young girls to believe that they can achieve great things through sport.”
For a player already making history and breaking barriers, that legacy may already be well underway.
