Gwill Poole, Business Development Lead at The Brain & Performance Centre, with Steve Harvey. - Photo Alex Leyno

In a scene that seamlessly merged celebrity and sport, Steve Harvey, the renowned American comedian, actor, author, and TV/radio personality, made a notable appearance at Jumeirah Golf Estates during the Pro-Am of the 2024 DP World Tour Championship finale. With his larger-than-life persona and global influence, Harvey's presence on the course added an electrifying element to the already star-studded event. The DP World Tour Championship is not just about world-class golf; on this particular day, it also showcased the intersection of high-profile sport and international entertainment. The American, who has become a familiar face in the UAE, was all smiles as he enjoyed the camaraderie at Jumeirah Golf Estates, even overshadowing some of the golf stars. Harvey graciously agreed to an impromptu interview with Khaleej Times, where he discussed his passion for golf and his involvement with Yas Links in Abu Dhabi. "I started playing golf the day after Tiger Woods won the Masters in the late 90s because I was on tour in America as a stand-up," he said. "I said golf is for everybody and I went and got myself a set of clubs. I love Abu Dhabi; I recommend it to all my friends who come here to play in golf tournaments. Abu Dhabi is such a great place. The people here, the culture is really unique." Harvey's connections to the UAE go beyond just making surprise appearances at marquee events. Earlier this year, he hosted the Steve Harvey Corporate Charity Golf Classic at Yas Links, a tournament that brought together some of the biggest names in business and entertainment, all while raising funds for various charitable causes. It was organized by MELT Middle East, a joint venture between OWS Capital, the investment platform of Dubai entrepreneur Oweis Zahran, and Steve Harvey Global, the umbrella for Harvey's diverse ventures. For Harvey, the Middle East is a place where he has built meaningful relationships over the years, having collaborated in several high-profile events, including the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix and the Sharjah International Book Fair. His experiences in the UAE have allowed him to connect with audiences across different societies and industries, from entertainment to business to charity. We all remember the iconic moments from Harvey's showbiz career, including his unforgettable appearances on Family Feud, Showtime at the Apollo, and The Steve Harvey Morning Show. His bestselling books, such as "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man" and "Jump: Take The Leap of Faith to Achieve Your Life of Abundance", have also solidified his legacy as a motivator and business mogul. From humble beginnings, Harvey has risen to become a global icon, using his success to empower others. Whether he's leading charity events or sharing his wisdom with audiences, his love for the UAE and its people continues to grow. "As the DP World Tour season wraps up, Harvey’s appearance at Jumeirah Golf Estates was a reminder of how sports, entertainment, and philanthropy can come together to create memorable moments. And with the celebrity golf scene continuing to rise in Dubai, it’s clear that Harvey’s involvement in the UAE is far from over. Stay tuned for more exciting projects as he continues to leave his mark on the region.

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