Leading Swiss watchmaker Omega has signed as the new title sponsor of the Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai Ladies Masters for the next five years.
 
Omega, part of the Swatch Group, counts golfing superstars Sergio Garcia and Michelle Wie as brand ambassadors.
 
"Golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the Middle East and Dubai, in particular, where the number of golfers is increasing rapidly. This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our brand to consumers. We are proud to be the title sponsors of the Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai Ladies Masters, the two well-established events in the Emirate, if not the Middle East,” Nayla Hayek, a member of the Swatch Group board of directors, said.
 
"We want to project our image throughout the country and a good way of doing that is by sponsoring tournaments of the stature of the Dubai Ladies Masters and the Dubai Desert Classic. Golf in Dubai is going places and we want to be along for the ride," she added.
 
"The Dubai Desert Classic has already become a landmark event for the city of Dubai and the addition of the Dubai Ladies Masters three years back has further cemented the city’s reputation as one of the most sought-after golfing destinations in the world.
 
"With 'Golf in Dubai' boasting two major world-class events, naturally we are delighted to be involved with them as the title sponsors. I think our common objective of promoting Dubai and our drive for perfection will lead to a perfect partnership," she added.
 
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and chief executive of ‘Golf in Dubai’ added: "Our association with Omega wasn’t born overnight – we have been involved with them over many years now, and the journey has been quite fruitful, to say the least. Omega first came on board as a partner and official timekeeper and now the partnership has grown to a different level.” 
 
“We feel privileged to have Omega as the title sponsors of our events. In these days, when everybody is uncertain about the future, Omega’s devotion to the development of sports is certainly a source of confidence for all the sports event organisers. And we value their gesture with a promise to deliver events befitting the global image of Dubai and the Omega brand,” he said.
 
“Sponsorship is the lifeline for the health of any sporting event and it’s really a matter of pride for all of us at 'Golf in Dubai' to see Omega in the lead role. I am sure we are in for an exciting time ahead.”
 
The world’s top golfers will compete at the Emirates Golf Club for the Dubai Ladies Masters and the Dubai Desert Classic, taking place in December and February respectively.