Golf Tourism Is Growing Rapidly In UAE

Nakheel's first residential golfing community - Jumeirah Golf Estates - has selected Khansaheb Civil Engineering to construct the first two championship golf courses on its prestigious residential golf community. A Letter of Intent has been signed with the local construction group to build the 36 hole championship course complex, named "Fire" & "Earth", both designed by Greg Norman.

Bulk earthworks on the first two Eco-signature courses - Fire and Earth, have nearly been completed and all of golf holes have been graded.

"From my perspective, this is one of the more enjoyable phases of a golf course's evolution, as my vision really begins to emerge. I truly believe that the Earth and Fire courses will bring something entirely new to the golf landscape in Dubai and the entire region."

Khansaheb will now undertake final shaping, irrigation and drainage systems, cart paths, bridges, grassing, and landscaping.

The phasing of Jumeirah Golf Estates sees Norman's Fire and Earth courses and their surrounding residences being built first, followed by Vijay Singh's Water course and then the Wind course. Fire and Earth are expected to open for preview play in late 2007 with the first residents moving in mid 2008. The long term build out strategy will see construction being completed in 2010 for the first phases.

David Spencer, CEO of Jumeirah Golf Estates said: "This award relates to the first phase of the development, which occupies approximately 375 hectares of the northern section of the 1100 hectare site. This Phase will ultimately contain these first two golf courses together with, a golf clubhouse, approximately 1000 serviced villa lots, and all associated infrastructure. The total construction budget for all works within this phase is around AED 1.0 billion."

Norman added, "By incorporating distinct undulations into the existing topography, the overall experience for both the golfer and property owner will be enhanced. The location for the clubhouse is spectacular and features panoramic vistas stretching over both courses and long views into the distant cityscape."

Meanwhile Jumeirah Golf Estates has also confirmed that tenders for the Infrastructure works have been floated, with a view to commencing works in early 2007.