Dubai: They are not names that would raise eyebrows in this part of the world, but what this golfing duo have embarked upon might well raise the bar for Emirati women in the near future.
Eida Al Muhairbi and Rabab Al Haj have already created history as part of a two-member UAE women's team that will officially represent the country for the first time in an international competition at the Arab Golf Championship to be held at the Citrus Golf Course in Hammamet, Tunisia, from October 8 to 10.
Eida is a finance account team leader at Zadco, while Rabab is a gynaecologist at Dubai Hospital, but that's where the dissimilarities end.
Both have a common love for sport in general and golf in particular and, as pioneers on the course, they would like to see more Emirati women following in their footsteps.
"I played so many sports in school, but then I decided on golf because it allows you to play in the Islamic dress," said Rabab.
Eida added: "I wanted to do it on my own, play an individual sport, where you don't have to depend on anybody, so I chose golf."
The two women have played with each other locally before, but this will be an altogether new experience. So, what is it they hope to achieve?
"My daughters see me and Eida as role models. Being one of the pioneers, I want to show other women what we are capable of. I would want golfing classes to be implemented in schools since we have so many golf courses here in the UAE," said Rabab.
Eida, who eventually wants to coach women golfers, said: "My handicap at one time was 28 and I used to enter tournaments which would only accommodate a maximum 15 handicap. So I had to drop several shots and once I still managed to finish one shot behind the winner.
"I have represented the UAE twice here and while I already see a few Emirati women taking up the game, I'd like to make sure there will be more."
