Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), the Abu Dhabi-based master developer of Saadiyat Island and its Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, has unveiled plans for a Frank Gehry-designed clubhouse the world-renowned architect's first golf-related project.
As the centrepiece for the stunning Gary Player-designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Course the Arabian Gulf's first and only beachfront course the 18,000 square metre clubhouse will boast unique design statements, which incorporate Saadiyat Island's stunning natural beauty to create an instantaneously recognisable international landmark.
The clubhouse is scheduled to be completed in 2013. TDIC will put the project out to tender later this year.
"We wanted someone who could push design boundaries to create visual architecture that makes bold statements. Frank Gehry ticks that box emphatically. A truly world-class course, designed by the world's most successful golfer of all time, in the heart of one of Arabia's most breathtaking natural settings, deserves an outstanding clubhouse that sets the benchmark globally," said Ahmad Hussain, COO of TDIC and Deputy Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority in a press release Wednesday.
The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club gives a significant boost to the capital's credentials as a top-tier sports and cultural destination of distinction, and builds on the emirate's growing portfolio of iconic architectural designs.
The clubhouse, which overlooks the scenic Arabian coastline, will include a boutique hotel with 26 deluxe rooms, two restaurants, a spa and a pro-shop.
"We are just at the beginning of the detailed design of the clubhouse and are very pleased with the progress thus far. The design is intended to be an ephemeral mirage floating above the greens," said Gehry.
The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club got its public debut yesterday with the staging of the Saadiyat Beach Classic hosted by Gary Player a top-tier international charity tournament which has attracted leading international golfing names.
Leading the star-studded field was golfing prodigy Rory McIlroy, who finished third in last week's annual Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.
