Clubwise - October 5, 2002

Every week, we bring you the latest on the UAE's clubs, associations and groups. We choose one each time and profile it, highlighting its purpose and activities. We also bring you bits of news from other such groups. So that you know what is happening when, where and why

This week: India Club, Dubai

With many laurels to its credit, India Club is a leading club in the UAE. With a strength of 6,500 members, it is probably the largest and the first club in the Middle East to receive ISO 9001:2000 accreditation.

Run professionally by an efficient team, with the support of a generous board of trustees, the club that began its life as a recreational facility for the small Indian community four decades ago has "scaled unprecedented heights", says Mahendra Pancholia, chairman, India Club.

"Improving existing facilities and adding new ones is an ongoing activity," he says, referring to the recent upgradation of the gymnasium, upcoming children's air-conditioned play area and the larger banquet hall.

It was India Club to begin with, and then was named Indian Sports Club. In December 2001, the trustees reverted to the original name again. Why did the club need to go back to its previous name?

"We realised that over the years, while sports activities did predominate in the club's operations, more events catering to all communities from India were being organised on a regular basis, attracting a large number of members and their guests.

The club had become more about 'India' than about 'sports'. So the change of identity was a natural progression," says Vijay Dalvi, CEO, India Club.

"We refused requests for integration from many regional organisations. It is against our philosophy to regionalise the place," says Mohan Valrani, ex-officio chairman of the club.

"National integration is a reality here. There are no Gujaratis, Sindhis or Malayalis – we are just Indians," he says.

The club has a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a large swimming pool, tennis, squash, and badminton courts, a bowling alley, table tennis and snooker tables, and a "CoolSportz" area for indoor cricket, hockey, football and handball, besides a library and TV lounge.

With two restaurants, one fast food outlet and three banqueting halls, the club's excellent F&B department is always introducing innovative ideas to tempt the palates of discerning members.

Guest-speakers are invited to give informative talks at the "coffee evenings" arranged for women members. Cookery and quiz competitions, fashion shows, finishing courses, tournaments and theatre – the list of events is endless.

"In our constant endeavour towards perfection, we encourage members to offer constructive criticism and recommend solutions. The best suggestion even wins a prize," says Dalvi.

Though membership is not open anymore, the club is able to accept new members whenever existing members surrender their membership. This mostly happens only when they leave the Emirates for good.

With characteristic foresight, India Club introduced The Business & Professional Club (BPC). Now in its third year, BPC is already 700-member strong and provides a base for networking and contacts to promote the business and career potential of its members.

The successful businessmen at the helm of the club have also made a success of this venture, building it up into an establishment that does them proud. "Indian clubs exist all over the world but I have yet to see a facility that is better than India Club, Dubai," says Valrani with well-earned pride. "Sound infrastructure, quality and financial strength are our assets," he adds.