Legendary international golfer Greg Norman spoke live via satellite from Palm Beach, Florida to Dubai and announced together with Nakheel Golf, the world number one golf developers, his return to Dubai and participation in the Dubai Desert Classic.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman for Nakheel commented that, “we are honoured that as Greg Norman enters his 50th year he should chose such an exciting European Tour Event to play at, whilst representing Nakheel. We have been watching Greg’s game closely and can see that after his strong finishes in Australia late last year, that Greg still has the passion to be a formidable force in the game, we are looking forward very much to seeing him play in March”.

Norman joined Bin Sulayem, Saeed Ahmed Saeed, Managing Director, Projects, Nakheel and Wahid Attalla, Executive Director Commercial and Operations, Nakheel, live to also unveil the logos and designs for the two Eco-Signature golf courses, ‘Earth’ and ‘Fire’, that he is designing on the revolutionary Jumeirah Golf Estates. This exciting new development reinforced the close partnership between Nakheel and Great White Shark Enterprises.

The Eco-Signature concept was developed by Norman and Bin Sulayem. Soon after entering into the partnership with Nakheel Golf, Norman invited Bin Sulayem to serve on the Advisory Council of the Environmental Institute for Golf, of which Norman is the Chairman. Bin Sulayem accepted the invitation and then encouraged Norman to put the concept into practice at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Through their collaborative efforts, the term Eco-Signature was born.

Commenting on the Jumeirah Golf Estates project, Bin Sulayem confirmed that Nakheel Golf was pushing the boundaries of golf development with the advice and input from the Greg Norman Golf Course Design team. Bin Sulayem said the challenges of creating a collection of golf courses that would be world renowned was one of the most challenging goals the company has set. When completed, Jumeirah Golf Estates will feature 72 holes of tournament golf.

“These courses are designed to reflect nature and each course will embody one of the powers of the elements. Each course will be ecologically robust, and having just finalised each initial master plan, it is fair to say that Greg Norman has done a fantastic job of designing, what will be for residents, the most remarkable ‘back garden’, with nature working to perfection”.

Each course will be interlinked, as with the elements of nature. They are designed to inspire and motivate players to tee off on some of the most exhilarating fairways and greens anywhere in the world.

The design of the Earth course will enhance the already picturesque landscape and offer panoramic vistas of the entire course. For the first time in Dubai, a course will have dramatic natural elevations and the indigenous flora and fauna will be promoted to underpin the environmental balance in the existing landscape. The teams of golf designers and engineers have taken inspiration from the Koran and will focus on planting the trees mentioned in the various ‘Aayaat’, including Olive, Date, Grapes and Fig trees. Also included will be natural features such as traditional Arab ‘Falaj’, which will be integral to the course and play is designed over and around these features.

The inspiration behind the Fire course comes from Greg Norman’s dynamic personality. The course will utilise a least-disturbance approach, so as to maximise natural landscape. The design will incorporate rock outcroppings, which will emphasis the aesthetic qualities of the sight while at the same time placing a premium on shot making and course management. Fire will symbolise the spirit of youth and provide balance that is both tough and fiery. It will certainly be recognised as a risk-reward course upon completion.

“In my mind, it is vitally important that the golf course and leisure facilities are interwoven in the master plan,” Norman said. “We have worked to achieve a seamless integration between the pre-existing natural features of the sight, the golf course and the residential community. Earth and Fire are my first two Eco-Signature courses in the world, and I am happy with their progression so far. “

The initial master plans for the Jumeirah Golf Estates were completed during the planning session held by Nakheel Golf this week. The planning team comprised of 23 leading consultants from all corners of the globe including, EDSA, KEO, Medallist, Great White Shark Enterprises, Greg Norman Golf Course Design, Nakheel Golf and representatives from commercial and operations, and engineering from Nakheel.

About Nakheel
Nakheel is the uniquely focused property development company behind a variety of new landmark developments in Dubai. Nakheel aims to redefine the concept of property development whether residential, tourist, commercial or retail. It has therefore placed great importance on examining the requirements of the different sectors of the community and developing its visionary projects around these findings.

Nakheel’s portfolio currently includes The Palm, The World, Jumeirah Islands, The Gardens, Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall, Jumeirah Lake Towers, International City and Discovery Gardens. Further information can be found at www.nakheel.ae

About Greg Norman Golf Course Design

First established in 1987 in Sydney, Australia, Greg Norman Golf Course Design is today recognized as one of the premier signature golf course design firms. Now headquartered in Jupiter, Florida, with sister facilities and personnel in Sydney, GNGCD has opened 47 courses for play worldwide, with an additional 22 projects in various stages of development. To date, 20 courses are open for play in the United States, 12 of which have received top ranking on a national or state level. GNGCD also has projects under development in Mexico, Canada, Korea, China, Dubai, South Africa, Australia and Spain.

About the Environmental Institute for Golf

The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. In January 2003, The Institute evolved from The GCSAA Foundation, originally established in 1955, with a new name, mission and focus. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course.

Issued on behalf of Nakheel by Hill & Knowlton, Dubai. For further editorial or media information please contact Briony Peters or Keren Black on telephone +971 4 334 4930; fax +971 4 334 4923, e-mail briony.peters@hillandknowlton.com or keren.black@hillandknowlton.com.