Set against the serene waters of Dubai Creek and the championship fairways of the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, the Dubai Creek International Pairs (8–13 December) promises a unique blend of competition, camaraderie and curated luxury. Michael Major, director of golf, offers insight into what sets this exceptional event apart.
What was the inspiration behind launching the Dubai Creek International Pairs Tournament and what kind of experience were you hoping to create for participants?
We wanted to highlight everything that our resort has to offer. The combination of a championship golf course and a five-star hotel in a single location is truly unique within Dubai. There’s no other venue in the region delivering this experience at the scale we are. With the resort already established as a DP World Tour event host, we saw a clear opportunity to elevate the offering even further and bring something new and exciting to the region.
The International Pairs format felt like a natural fit. It’s still a relatively new concept here, and it aligns perfectly with the spirit of the resort. Our goal was to create an experience that feels luxurious, offering top-level competitive golf, while still retaining a sense of ease and connection. The pairs element adds a more social, inclusive dynamic; it allows players to meet new people, enjoy a real sense of camaraderie, and immerse themselves in a premium golf environment without it ever feeling too formal or corporate.
The combination of Dubai Creek and the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates offers players two very different championship experiences. How did you decide on this format and what do you think it adds to the event?
Bringing together Dubai Creek and the Earth Course was a deliberate decision as we´re talking about two of the region’s most iconic venues. The Earth Course is well known from the DP World Tour and has hosted numerous prestigious events, while Dubai Creek is one of the city’s oldest and most historic courses. By pairing the two, we’re offering players a unique blend of tradition and prestige, alongside two very distinct championship golf experiences.
Dubai Creek remains the heart of the event, but incorporating the Earth Course adds an extra layer of appeal. This format not only highlights the excellence of Dubai Creek, but also helps position it within the wider context of Dubai’s exceptional golf landscape.
From the luxury setting at Park Hyatt Dubai to the dinners and leisure time built into the itinerary, this is clearly designed as more than just a golf competition. How important was it to offer a complete, memorable trip for guests?
That’s really at the heart of what we’re aiming to deliver: a complete, unforgettable experience. It’s not just about the golf. We want our guests to discover everything the resort has to offer, whether that’s playing a championship course, unwinding at Lagoon Beach by Twiggy, enjoying an exclusive dining experience, or dining at one of our ten award-winning on-site restaurants.
The idea was to craft a five-day itinerary that strikes the right balance between curated, memorable experiences and the freedom to explore at one’s own pace. Especially for those visiting Dubai Creek Resort for the first time, it’s about showcasing what a luxury golf holiday here can truly offer, both on and off the course.
For tour operators considering this for their clients, what would you highlight as the key reasons this event stands out on the international golf calendar?
Our goal was to create an unforgettable trip by combining two world-class golf courses with a series of carefully curated resort experiences. Every detail has been considered, from seamless transfers and welcome gifts to complimentary practice sessions and daily breakfast – all designed to ensure the highest standard of service throughout.
It’s about delivering genuine value within a luxury setting, and making the entire experience feel effortless for our guests. The combination of top-tier golf and a thoughtfully crafted hospitality programme is what truly sets this event apart.
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