UAE golf strategy targets new generation with ‘Falcons of the Future’ talent programme
UAE Golf Federation launches a long-term strategy to develop Emirati players from schools to elite level, including ‘Falcons of the Future’ talent programme.
Federation Approves Long-Term Player Development Strategy
The UAE Golf Federation has approved a comprehensive UAE golf strategy aimed at producing a new generation of Emirati players capable of competing regionally and globally. Salem bin Dasmal, board member and head of the federation’s media and marketing committee, confirmed the plan in a press statement. The strategy is described as ambitious and long-term, focusing on systemic development rather than short-term success.
The plan, led by Major General Pilot (Ret.) Abdullah Al-Hashmi, seeks to position the UAE as a global golf centre by strengthening grassroots participation and elite pathways. Officials say the approach will build an integrated ecosystem spanning family introduction, school programmes, academies and high-performance training. The federation emphasises that sustainable success requires coordination across institutions and investment in people and facilities.
Schools and Academies at the Core of Expansion
A central pillar of the strategy is the integration of golf into both government and private school curricula in partnership with the Ministry of Education. The federation intends to introduce the sport at a young age to broaden the talent pool and normalize golf as a school sport. Officials argue that early exposure in educational settings is essential to identifying and nurturing future champions.
Alongside schools, the strategy calls for enhanced support to golf academies within clubs and private centres. These academies will receive targeted assistance to expand coaching capacity and to standardise training methodologies. Emphasis will be placed on age-group programming that aligns with international best practices for junior development.
‘Falcons of the Future’ to Identify Young Talent
The programme “Falcons of the Future” is the flagship initiative designed to discover and refine Emirati talent at an early age. According to the federation, the programme will scout promising players through school competitions, community events and academy trials. Selected participants will enter structured development tracks that include technical coaching, physical conditioning and sports psychology.
Falcons of the Future is intended as a feeder for a broader junior development pathway, ensuring continuity from initial talent identification through to elite competition. The federation describes the programme as part of a national effort to showcase citizen players on regional tours and international stages. Administrators emphasise measurable progression metrics to track each athlete’s development over time.
Professional Pathway Outlined for Aspiring Players
The UAE golf strategy introduces a clear “professional player pathway” that maps a player’s journey from first contact with the sport to potential professional status. This pathway includes stages within the family and school environment, transition to academy training, participation in domestic tournaments and eventual representation of national teams. Officials say the model mirrors international systems that have successfully produced competitive players.
Support mechanisms are planned at each stage, including competition opportunities, coaching accreditation, and access to modern equipment. The federation notes that the pathway is designed to be flexible and inclusive, allowing boys and girls to progress based on ability and commitment. The goal is to create transparent benchmarks that help players, parents and coaches plan careers logically and realistically.
Training Infrastructure and Coaching Development
Investment in training infrastructure and qualified coaching forms a second major component of the strategy. The federation plans to upgrade existing training centres and encourage clubs to expand junior facilities. Equipment modernisation is also cited as necessary to give young players the technical tools they need to develop properly.
Coach education will be prioritised to align local practices with international standards, with plans for specialised certification programmes and exchange opportunities. The federation believes that raising the competency of coaches is essential to translate grassroots participation into competitive performance. Officials also intend to enlist sports science and medical support to protect athlete welfare and optimise development.
Expected Impact on UAE Golf Competitiveness
Federation leaders expect the new UAE golf strategy to raise the standard of citizen representation in regional and international competitions over the coming years. By widening the base of players and professionalising development pathways, the federation aims to deliver measurable improvements in national team results. Success, they argue, will also reinforce the UAE’s reputation as a global hub for golf events and training.
The broader ambition extends beyond medals to creating a lasting sporting culture that supports careers and local opportunities in golf. Officials contend that a stronger domestic system will attract higher-level coaching, sponsorship and international partnerships. The federation plans to monitor outcomes regularly and adapt programmes as necessary to meet performance targets.
The federation has positioned the strategy as a long-term investment in talent and infrastructure, with Salem bin Dasmal highlighting that the effort requires cooperation across clubs, schools, the Ministry of Education and private partners. The immediate steps include rolling out school programmes, scaling academies and launching the Falcons of the Future intake, while subsequent phases will focus on competitions and high-performance support.
