Dubai Duty Free marked another milestone on the UAE golf calendar with the successful staging of the 31st UAE Nationals Cup at Arabian Ranches Golf Club, hosting a full field of Emirati players and invited guests for a day that combined competitive golf with a strong social atmosphere.
Held on April 18, the long-running event brought together 56 participants, continuing a tradition that has become one of the more established fixtures supporting the local amateur game.
Strong Field And Competitive Format
The tournament was played in a Texas Scramble format, encouraging team strategy and low scoring, and the leaderboard reflected that from the outset.
Taking top honors was the team of Hamdan Bin Desmal, Khalfan Al Mansoori, Hamad Al Shamsi, and Rayyan Al Maazmi, who produced the best performance of the day with an impressive winning score of 22-under-par (Net 50).
Second place went to Khalid Al Qubaisi, Aliya Al Qubaisi, and Shamma Al Hosani, who posted 19-under-par (Net 53), while Sultan Al Ali and Omar Al Shamsi secured third place at 17-under-par (Net 55).
The scoring highlighted both the competitive nature of the event and the quality of play across the field.
Supporting UAE Golf Development
Beyond the results, the UAE Nationals Cup continues to play a role in strengthening the local golf scene.
Dubai Duty Free has maintained long-term support for initiatives tied to the Emirates Golf Federation, with events like this helping provide playing opportunities and visibility for Emirati golfers.
The tournament also offers a platform for players, partners, and stakeholders to connect in a setting that blends sport with community engagement.
That balance has been a consistent feature of the event over its three-decade history.
Prize Presentation And Recognition
Prizes were presented following the round by Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi, alongside senior leadership including Sinead El Sibai and Zayed Al Shebli, with Akram Skaik also in attendance.
Winning teams received trophies and Dubai Duty Free gift cards as part of the prize ceremony.
Cidambi noted the significance of the event reaching its 31st edition, emphasizing continued efforts to grow participation and increase its profile within the Emirati golfing community.
On-Course Highlights
In addition to the team competition, several individual on-course contests added another competitive layer to the day.
- Nearest the Pin (Men, Hole 7): Omar Al Shamsi
- Nearest the Pin (Ladies, Hole 2): Reema Al Heloo
- Longest Drive (Men, Hole 14): Rayyan Al Maazmi
- Longest Drive (Ladies, Hole 16): Aliya Al Qubaisi
These contests provided additional recognition for standout individual performances across the round.
A Consistent Fixture On The UAE Calendar
Now in its 31st year, the UAE Nationals Cup remains a consistent and well-supported event within the country’s amateur golf schedule.
Set at Arabian Ranches Golf Club, the tournament once again delivered a combination of competitive play and a relaxed environment that encourages participation and interaction among players.
With steady backing from Dubai Duty Free and continued collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation, the event is expected to remain a key part of the UAE golf landscape moving forward.
As the local game continues to grow, tournaments like the UAE Nationals Cup provide both continuity and opportunity — reinforcing the depth of golf within the Emirates while maintaining a long-standing tradition.
