For any sport to grow at a grassroots level, it is essential that senior members of the local community support its development, but equally as important is their personal interest in the sport itself. Abdullah Al Naboodah, Chairman of Phoenix Capital, the title sponsor of this week’s DP World Tour event in Ras Al Khaimah, fits that bill perfectly and has been one of the most vital figures behind the local golf scene for close to 20 years.
2006 was the beginning
Having first taken up the game in 2006 at the Dubai Creek Golf Academy, Abdullah quickly became attached to the game, so much so that he managed to achieve a single-figure handicap within approximately 18 months of first picking up a club.
Providing better opportunities for future generations
The UAE national has been one of the country’s driving forces behind providing better opportunities for future generations, in both his businesses and golf, which has been aided by his understanding that both golf tourism along with junior development are equally as important in evolving the vision of the game in the UAE.
“This is an historic week for the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah as we welcome the DP World Tour and some of the world’s best golfers for the first time, having previously hosted the Challenge Tour on three occasions,” said Abdullah.
“The transformation of the game in the region has been massive. Just look at the courses that have been built out here, the golf tourism as well as domestic golf numbers. The UAE has a significant inbound golf business as well as domestic audience.
“We extend our sincere thanks to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi for his vision in bringing the DP World Tour to Ras Al Khaimah, while we also thank the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority for helping bring the eyes of the golfing world to this wonderful part of the world.”
Long term golf support
Abdullah and his businesses’ long-term support of golf in the region includes helping build Emirates Golf Club, the first grass course in the region, as well as sponsoring a number of players and junior programmes. The natural progression from that support always seemed destined to be hosting a DP World Tour event, which came to fruition when the Ras Al Khaimah Championship presented by Phoenix Capital was announced.
Phoenix Capital
“At Phoenix Capital, we strive to uphold the same values that make a great golfer – honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship,” said Abdullah. “This is why we are committed to supporting this wonderful event, promoting golf’s appeal to fans around the world and providing a further showcase for golfers to visit the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East as a whole. I will continue to support junior golf development in the UAE. They’re the future and I love to see UAE players progress.”
