Shames Al Hashemi emerged as the overall champion of the 29th Dubai Duty Free UAE Nationals Cup, hosted at the Faldo Course in the Emirates Golf Club. A total of 40 Emirati golfers took part in a Stableford format, with Al Hashemi securing a narrow victory by scoring 36 points. His strong back nine performance included a gross birdie on hole 10 and a net eagle on hole 14.
Rashed Al Emadi and Rayyan Al Maazmi tied for second place, both carding 35 points. Rashed displayed consistency throughout his round, achieving net birdies on holes 14 and 16, while Rayyan's highlight came on the front nine with a gross birdie on hole 8.
During the prize presentation, Ramesh Cidambi (Dubai Duty Free Chief Operating Officer), Sinead El Sibai (Senior Vice President, Marketing), and General Abdullah Alhashmi (Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation) were present to congratulate the winners and express their gratitude to all the participants. Cidambi emphasized the significance of the UAE Nationals Cup, expressing delight in the participation of 10 junior golfers and several female golfers. He also pledged to further develop the tournament, which will commemorate its 30th anniversary next year. General Abdullah Alhashmi highlighted the event's importance in the UAE national golf community and acknowledged Dubai Duty Free and the Emirates Golf Federation's collaborative efforts in promoting golf among UAE nationals. He extended his gratitude to Mr. Colm McLoughlin for his dedication and leadership in UAE Golf development, expressing eagerness to continue their joint efforts in cultivating the sport.
McLoughlin, the Dubai Duty Free executive vice chairman and CEO, is set to retire from his position on May 31, 2024, after 55 years in the travel retail industry and 41 years of leadership in Dubai Duty Free.
In the Junior Division, Tariq Khoory clinched victory with 32 points, displaying a remarkable finish with three net birdies in the last five holes. Aasiya Saleem secured the top spot in the Ladies Division with 34 points, concluding her strong performance with a net birdie on Hole 18. In the Gross Division, Intissar Rich emerged victorious with 37 points, delivering an outstanding front nine performance with a gross score of 33, including birdies on holes 3, 5, and the challenging 6th hole.
