Expo 2020 and Dubai Desert Classic join forces at Emirates Golf Club

To mark the 31st edition of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, which will be taking place between Jan.23 to 26, defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, 2017 champion Sergio Garcia, 2017 Race to Dubai champion Tommy Fleetwood, Ryder Cup talisman Ian Poulter and up-and-coming amateur Josh Hill were joined by two of the official Expo 2020 Dubai mascots – eight-year-old Emirati girl Latifa, and her nine-year-old brother, Rashid.

The group photo took place at Emirates Golf Club, with the players and mascots converging on the eighth hole of the renowned Majlis Course. With the iconic Dubai skyline serving as a dramatic backdrop, the strength of the Dubai Desert Classic field was displayed in all its glory.

The 132-man line-up includes 16 of the world’s top 50 ranked players, 35 of the top 100, nine Major champions with 12 Major titles between them, two former world number ones, six Race to Dubai winners, 25 Ryder Cup players, 11 former Dubai Desert champions, 34 players who have five or more European Tour victories and 95 of the top 115 on the final 2019 Race to Dubai Rankings.

 Despite boasting one of its strongest ever fields, the line-up was further strengthened by the official mascots of Expo 2020. Together, these intrepid siblings will be helping the millions of visitors to Expo 2020 (Oct.20, 2020 to April 10 2021), explore the world-changing innovations revealed at past World Expos and discover all about The World’s Greatest Show of human brilliance and achievement. Some 25 million visits are anticipated to the mega-event.

Defending champion DeChambeau was keen to emphasise the challenge he faced if he was to retain his title in Dubai, commenting: “Being with everyone lined up for this photo makes you realise the quality of this event and the strength of the field. I am excited to be back in Dubai with these great players and look forward to battling to retain the Dallah trophy. In the meantime, it was awesome to meet both Latifa and Rashid, ahead of this year’s Expo 2020 Dubai!”

Simon Corkill, Tournament Director, who joined the photo call said: “When I see these fantastic international players gathered on the award-winning Majlis Course, it’s clear how far golf in Dubai has come since our first tournament back in 1989. The OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic is committed to delivering a world-class golf tournament and as you can see from the players participating in this photo call, our 2020 field of players, including our defending champion Bryson (DeChambeau), more than lives up to this expectation.”

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday announced a landmark sponsorship deal with Expo 2020 Dubai for the 13th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The one-year deal will see the next World Expo appear on the front of the Rajasthan Royals’ jersey as principal sponsor.

Expo 2020, will be the first World Expo in its 169-year history to be staged in Middle East, Africa and South Asia region (MEASA), and is set to welcome an unprecedented 192 participating countries and 25 million visits from across the globe over a period of 173 days.

The sub-themes of Expo 2020 – Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability – resonate with Rajasthan Royals’ vision. Like Expo 2020, Jaipur-based Rajasthan Royals believe in acting as a vehicle for change, with a track record in providing opportunity for young players to create a brighter future for themselves.

Ranjit Barthakur, Executive Chairman, Rajasthan Royals, said: “We are delighted to announce this landmark deal with Expo 2020 to become principal sponsor of our special franchise. The World Expo is one of the most anticipated and innovative events in history, and it gives me great joy to link up with what will be the biggest event ever in held the Arab world. We are looking forward to having a very successful association throughout the 13th season of the IPL. The tournament has always provided fans in India with numerous reasons to celebrate, and we are hoping that through this crucial sponsorship, we can encourage them to be a part of the Expo 2020 as well.”

With the Royals’ compelling dynamic of international superstars such as Steve Smith (Australia), Ben Stokes (England) and Jaydev Unadkat (India), and some of the games’ brightest emerging talents, combined with the record viewership of the IPL, the association is seen as an ideal fit for The World’s Greatest Show – a unique celebration of art, culture, music, architecture, technology and more.

This association will further enhance the solid relationship between India and UAE. Millions of cricket fans in the UAE watch and support teams in the IPL, and given the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries and their people, this sponsorship will prove beneficial for both Rajasthan Royals and Expo 2020.