Mohamed Ali Alabbar, flanked by Alexandra Armas, Mohamed Buamaim, vice-chairman of golf in DUBAI, Rog Bogg, managing director of Dubai Golf, and Adrian Flaherty, the tournament manager, addressing the press at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.

With the addition of the 72-hole Dubai Ladies Masters, the Ladies European Tour’s total prize fund exceeds 10 million euros for the first time its 28-year history, amply reflecting on the growth of international women’s golf.

“We are thrilled to announce the Dubai Ladies Masters, which is a first for ladies’ golf,” said Alexandra Armas, executive director of the LET.

“It is hugely exciting for the Tour to have a tournament at such a renowned venue and in a brand new territory. This is a unique and fantastic opportunity for the growth of women’s golf, both in the Middle East and throughout the world.

“This new event provides further evidence of the sport’s increasing global popularity and we are tremendously excited to be visiting such a prestigious golfing destination for the first time in the Tour’s history. With a great venue, a fantastic climate and a significant prize fund, I am absolutely positive that this tournament will attract a first class field.”