Connect with us

News

Dubai gets ready to tee off: $1 million Stars Golf League brings legends, women pros,  football royalty to Els Club in 2026

Published

on

Spread the love

A spectacular new era in golf is officially launching in Dubai. Announced on September 29, the Stars Golf League (SGL) is set to redefine competition by blending the world’s greatest golf legends, leading women professionals, and global celebrity sports icons in a high-stakes, team-format battle.

The inaugural four-day event is scheduled to light up The Els Club Dubai from March 25 to 28, 2026, with teams competing for a massive $1 million professional prize pool.

The Format: Legends Meet Global Icons

This isn’t your average golf tournament. The SGL is built around six elite franchises, including Augusta Marquess and St. Andrew Dukes, each featuring a roster of 36 players total:

24 Legendary Golfers: Featuring names like former World No.1 Ian Woosnam, 8-time European Tour Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie, and Open Champion Paul Lawrie. The field includes nine of the top ten players from the Legends Tour Order of Merit.

6 Leading Women Professionals: Highlighting talent like India’s LET winner Diksha Dagar and rising star Tvesa Malik.

6 Global Celebrity Golfers: The mix of celebrity power is perhaps the most exciting element, seeing icons from other sports trade their gear for golf clubs. The lineup includes cricket legends AB de Villiers (Mr. 360°) and Kapil Dev, alongside football royalty like Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs and Ballon d’Or winner Ruud Gullit.

    A Homecoming for Ernie Els

    The chosen venue, The Els Club Dubai, adds a personal touch to the competition. The desert ‘links-style’ course was designed by South African great Ernie Els, who is not just hosting but will also be teeing off as a player. Els has a long history in Dubai, having won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic three times.

    “I’m very excited to announce that I’ll be playing in the Stars Golf League Tournament that’s going to put together legends, ladies golf stars, and celebrities from all over the world,” Els shared.

    The Vision: Competition Meets Spectacle

    The SGL is the brainchild of the same team behind the successful World Tennis League (WTL) and World Padel League (WPL). Co-founder Mahesh Bhupathi emphasised the league’s unique vision: “The Stars Golf League does exactly that, uniting legends, champions, and icons in a way golf has never seen before.”

    The four-day schedule is a spectacle in itself:

    • March 25: Launch Gala with red-carpet arrivals and a dramatic trophy unveiling.
    • March 26: Pro-Am Showdown, where legends play alongside regional amateurs.
    • March 27: Lifestyle & Learning events, including golf clinics and high tea.
    • March 28: The main League Action ignites as teams fight for the grand prize.

    Hemali Sharma, co-founder, summed it up perfectly: “Dubai has always been a home to innovation in sport, and with this new League, we aim to redefine how golf is experienced and enjoyed.”

    With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

    Crime

    Dubai Police warns residents of fraudsters impersonating ‘crisis management’ officials

    Published

    on

    Spread the love

    Dubai Police have detected attempts by fraudsters exploiting recent developments by impersonating individuals claiming to be affiliated with a so-called “Dubai Crisis Management” department and falsely presenting links to the police force.

    Authorities said the scammers are attempting to unlawfully obtain sensitive personal information, including UAE Pass credentials and Emirates ID details.

    “Members of the public are strongly urged not to share personal or banking information with any unverified party and to report any suspected fraudulent activity immediately through official channels,” Dubai Police said in a post on social media platform X.

    Attempt to access bank accounts

    Dubai Police warned that sharing such information could allow criminals to conduct SIM swap operations, a method that enables fraudsters to take control of a victim’s mobile number and gain unauthorised access to banking applications and financial accounts.

    Officials stressed that Dubai Police never request confidential information, verification codes, passwords or banking details via phone calls or text messages.

    Residents are strongly advised:

    • Not to share personal or banking information with unknown callers
    • Not to disclose UAE Pass login details or verification codes
    • To verify any suspicious communication through official channels

    Dubai Police urged the public to report suspicious activity immediately by calling 901 or through the official eCrime platform.

    Authorities reiterated that vigilance and awareness remain the strongest defence against fraud attempts.









    Continue Reading

    Middle East

    NCEMA chairman reaffirms the UAE’s resilience, praises swift national response and awareness shown by citizens and residents

    Published

    on

    Spread the love

    The past two days have demonstrated the effectiveness of the UAE’s coordinated national response system, with authorities acting swiftly and in full alignment with established readiness standards.

    Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, Chairman of the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), said developments were addressed with a high degree of professionalism and seamless coordination across all relevant entities.

    “Over the past two days, the UAE has witnessed a coordinated national response involving all relevant authorities,” Al Neyadi said, noting that actions were taken under approved national frameworks and precise operational procedures.

    Coordinated national response activated

    Al Neyadi confirmed that the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management framework was activated from the outset, with operational readiness levels elevated based on continuous and comprehensive risk assessments.

    He said these measures ensured:

    • Protection of lives
    • Safeguarding of national assets
    • Uninterrupted continuity of essential services

    “What has been achieved reflects sustained institutional investment in preparedness, proactive planning, joint national exercises, and the development of resilient capabilities designed to respond effectively to a range of scenarios,” he added.

    Field teams recognised for professionalism

    The NCEMA Chairman recognised field teams who carried out their duties with professionalism and a strong sense of national responsibility.

    Their efforts, he noted, reflected:

    • High levels of preparedness
    • Disciplined coordination
    • Clearly defined operational roles

    He said the response reaffirmed the national system’s capability to act swiftly and in an organised manner under approved plans and precise procedures.

    Community awareness praised

    Al Neyadi also acknowledged the awareness and commitment shown by citizens and residents.

    “The cohesion, trust and cooperation demonstrated by the community reflect the spirit of responsibility that characterises the UAE,” he said.

    He added that the alignment between institutions and society remains a cornerstone of national preparedness and strengthens the country’s ability to navigate challenges with confidence and composure.

    Preparedness at the highest levels

    “This phase has once again demonstrated that the UAE possesses a robust and mature national readiness system operating under a clear governance framework and coordinated response structure at the highest levels,” he said.

    Authorities, he added, continue to monitor developments around the clock, conduct ongoing assessments and implement necessary measures to maintain the highest levels of preparedness.

    “The UAE is confident in emerging from this period stronger and more resilient, supported by the vision of its leadership, the strength of its institutions, and the awareness of its society.”

    Public urged to rely on official sources

    In closing, Al Neyadi emphasised that the safety, security and stability of the community remain an absolute national priority.

    He urged the public to:

    • Adhere to official guidance
    • Rely exclusively on approved sources for information
    • Refrain from sharing unverified content

    Authorities will continue to communicate updates transparently as developments unfold, he said.

    Source: Wam









    Continue Reading

    News

    From accommodation, rebooking to hot meals: How the UAE is caring for stranded travellers during flight disruptions

    Published

    on

    Spread the love

    Thousands of international visitors affected by temporary airspace closures in the UAE are receiving coordinated support from authorities, airlines and hotels as the country prioritises safety and passenger welfare.

    While flight operations remain suspended due to regional developments, UAE authorities have activated contingency plans to ensure travellers are accommodated, informed and assisted during the disruption.

    The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that passenger safety remains the highest priority, with close coordination between airports, airlines and government entities to manage the evolving situation.

    Accommodation and hospitality support 

    In a move welcomed by visitors, authorities confirmed that the UAE is covering hosting and accommodation costs for affected transit passengers.

    Over 20,000 travellers have already been assisted through integrated response measures, including:

    • Temporary accommodation
    • Meals and refreshments
    • Rebooking coordination
    • Rerouting support where possible

    Hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been directed to extend stays for guests unable to depart due to the temporary closures. Establishments have been instructed to prioritise guest welfare and ensure visitors are not asked to vacate rooms under exceptional circumstances.

    The Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, has issued a circular to hotels requesting that guests unable to depart due to circumstances beyond their control be allowed to extend their stay, with the cost of the extension covered by DCT Abu Dhabi.

    Airlines offer flexible travel options

    Major UAE carriers, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia, have introduced flexible rebooking and refund policies to support affected passengers.

    International airlines such as Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo have also adjusted schedules and offered flexibility.

    Travellers are being encouraged to monitor official airline websites and mobile apps for real-time updates.

    Tourism and public services operating normally

    Despite air travel disruptions, daily life across the UAE continues as normal.

    Malls, beaches, theme parks and cultural attractions remain open and operational. Public services are functioning smoothly, and standard safety protocols remain in place.

    Authorities have reassured residents and visitors that the situation is being closely monitored and managed with a strong focus on safety and stability.

    Clear guidance and communication

    Government entities, including the UAE Ministry of Interior and the General Civil Aviation Authority, are providing regular updates through official channels to ensure accurate information reaches the public.

    Passengers have been advised not to proceed to airports without confirming their flight status, as airlines continue to communicate directly with affected travellers.

    Coordinated response

    Officials described the response as a whole-of-government effort aimed at minimising inconvenience while maintaining the highest safety standards.

    While the situation remains dynamic and dependent on regional developments, authorities have reiterated their commitment to restoring normal operations as soon as conditions permit.

    For now, stranded tourists are being supported through structured contingency plans,  underscoring the UAE’s emphasis on preparedness, coordination and visitor welfare.

    (Photo courtesy: Abu Dhabi News)









    Continue Reading

    Popular

    © Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

    https://headline.ae/