Dubai: Alex Salmond, Scotland's First Minister, is using golf as a vehicle for greater political relations with the UAE ahead of a visit of an elite amateur golf squad to Abu Dhabi on November 18.
For a second successive year, Scotland's leading amateurs will take part in a month of warm weather training and activities designed to enhance ties with the UAE national squad at Yas Links Golf Course.
The choice of the sport's accepted homeland to send the future of its professional representation to the region illustrates the growing significance of the Middle East and the UAE in particular as a leading golf destination.
‘The Home of Golf in the UAE' programme has received support from the Scottish Government and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), with a long-term ambition to forge ever-strengthening links between Scotland and the UAE.
Speaking at the start of his official visit to the UAE last week, Salmond said: "Not only will this be a great opportunity for the Scottish squad to benefit from the fantastic facilities and weather, but also a chance for the SGU to share their wisdom with the UAE's national team to help develop the sport here.
Rich heritage
"This is another example of how we are strengthening ties between Scotland and the UAE.
"We are exporting our rich heritage of golf to those parts of the world where interest in the sport will certainly generate valuable golf and tourism links. I look forward to watching our relationship grow."
