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Ian Cross heads into the heat for a round of desert
golf at Dubai CC
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Host Ian Cross travels to Dubai, a city
that in just a few years has been transformed from desert
into a bustling metropolis. Glittering skyscrapers have
replaced the palm huts that were typical just 40 years
ago. Dubai is famous for its gold, the only seven star
hotel in the world - and its six world class golf courses.
Ian starts at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club,
situated in the heart of the city and running alongside
Dubai Creek. This golf course is one of the icons of
the city, and also has gym, swimming pool, steam rooms
and six restaurants and bars.
The following day he plays on the Dubai Country
Club, a gift from the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed
al Maktoum in 1970, and the first golf course in Dubai. |
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Next, Ian visits the Burj al Arab hotel. Built
on its own reclaimed island, the world's tallest hotel
reaches higher than the Eiffel Tower and is claimed
to be a seven-star hotel!
Being there during the holy month of Ramadan,
Ian notices the fantastic atmosphere on the streets
after dark, and learns a bit more about Ramadan with
the locals. But just because it gets dark doesn't mean
the golf has to stop!
Ian goes to play on the Nad al Sheba night course
with the manager of the UAE national football team.
The big advantage with night golf is that in a country
where daytime temperatures can reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit,
playing at night is a lot more comfortable. He then
attends a horse race before trying an exciting local
sport - dune bashing! |
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Camels in the desert on the outskirts of Dubai
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Ian at the Emirates 'desert miracle' course
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After a brief overview of other golf courses in Dubai,
Ian learns more about the national sport of falconry
at the Al Maha resort. Finally, he heads to the Emirates
Club, regarded by many as the best course in Dubai.
The Emirates has two 18 hole courses, the most famous
of which is the Majlis. This is the home of the
world renowned two million dollar Dubai Desert Classic.
Golf, like everything else, is booming in Dubai and
whether you're a golfer or not, Dubai is a very exciting
place to be. |
