Against the backdrop of a global pandemic, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi have aligned with the United Arab Emirates' various measures and initiatives to ensure a safe environment for their employees and guests. Abu Dhabi and the UAE government have implemented a ‘best-in-class' strategy, working as a single cohesive team to overcome the recent circumstances, in anticipation of welcoming back tourism as soon as it's safe to do so. During the global pandemic, the UAE made an early commitment to ensure easy access to healthcare services for all individuals and have conducted the highest level of testing per million in the world. They introduced an early-detection strategy with mass testing drives in densely populated areas to detect and treat early cases. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) has also introduced the latest forms of technology to assist the UAE's population every step of the way, ensuring help and support is not only provided to all of its citizens but is also available at all times. In addition to their meticulous domestic strategy, the UAE has been able to offer humanitarian support in the global fight, donating equipment and hospital beds to over 50 countries in need. Abu Dhabi's three championship venues, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi have all aligned with government guidelines to implement many health and safety measures to protect employees, members and guests visiting the clubs. The additional measures include; thermal scans at the entrance to each facility, stringent social distancing measures, dividers to separate golfers in each cart, a reduction in the maximum capacity of all food and beverage outlets, and many other protocols to ensure the clubs are able to welcome players back safely. The courses closed for a period of 14-days at the end of March, during this time they were able to safely implement agronomy and general maintenance work that was scheduled for later in the year, to ensure the courses were perfect for golfers to return. Since reopening, golf in the region has seen a rejuvenated interest from the local community as an opportunity to safely exercise and stay active in the outdoors. Francisco de Lancastre David, cluster general manager at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi commented: "Almost every country and industry has been significantly affected by the pandemic, but we are firmly back on our feet. "We are fortunate that golf is one of the safest sports to play and can be a healthy outdoor activity to enjoy in the current climate. We are very confident of the country's ability to provide a safe and healthy environment to everyone visiting this autumn and winter." During the summer months, the three championship venues have been looking to reset as they enter the low season and prepare for a strong end to the year when international travel is expected to resume in a regulated capacity. Working alongside local government entities the teams at the Troon Abu Dhabi clubs are exceptionally committed to delivering safe, enjoyable, and extraordinary experiences to every golfer and guest. Abu Dhabi Golf Club continues its plans to host the 16th Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in January 2021 and following this year's success the Troon Abu Dhabi Pro-Am will also return for 2021. — SG
