Nad Al Sheba golf course and club will be closed down at the end of May, XPRESS has learnt. The course and clubhouse are shutting to make way for construction of the new 76 million sq ft Meydan horse racing complex, which will host the Dubai World Cup in 2010.
The news comes as a blow to Nad Al Sheba's 1,200 members, but is even more worrying to its 260 staff, who may face an uncertain future.
Staff and the management team at Nad Al Sheba were informed of the decision at a meeting yesterday morning by Rodney Bogg, managing director of Dubai Golf. They were told that efforts were to be made to find them work at Dubai Golf's other two clubs, Emirates and Dubai Creek.
It is expected that provision will be made for Nad Al Sheba members to play at other courses, but it seems unlikely they will be able to transfer their membership as all the other clubs have full waiting lists.
Bogg told XPRESS: “Nad Al Sheba Golf Club will cease operations on Friday, June 1, 2007. Dubai Golf will do its utmost to provide Nad Al Sheba Golf Club members with access to golf at its other clubs in Dubai after the closure. An announcement will be sent to all members within the week, advising them of their options.
“Dubai Golf will also make every effort to protect its valuable team of employees by absorbing them into its other two clubs, or by assisting them in finding alternative employment.''
Nad Al Sheba is unique in the UAE as the only fully-floodlit 18-hole course. Last year, 75,000 rounds of golf were played, accounting for a fifth of the entire Dubai golf market. It also has the lowest green fees of any 18 hole course in Dubai.
One member, who did not wish to be named, told XPRESS: “Nad Al Sheba was the only place I could afford to be a member. All the other courses are much more expensive and anyway, their memberships are all full. I'll just have to wait to see what is being offered by the club or I'll want my membership refunded.''
The club is also a popular social venue, showing sporting events live on multiple TV screens and housing Links steak restaurant.
The rooftop terrace and paddock lawns are extremely successful venues for concerts and exhibitions, such as the annual pet show.
Meydan was unveiled on the eve of this year's Dubai World Cup and features state-of-the-art dirt and turf tracks, and a kilometre-long grandstand seating 55,000 to 60,000.
Models of the new complex displayed to the media last week included a golf course.
Your comments
As everyone else, I too am disappointed at the closure of the NAS Golf Club. I hope we can manage to pursue our game elsewhere. I did read with interest that there will be a new golf course in the Meydan Complex. Will NAS members be given membership preference once opened?
Anonymous, UAE
