Aoife O’Gallagher & Dubai Golf: Pioneering Growth & Inclusion in the Middle East
Wednesday 2nd July 2025: Dubai United Arab Emirates: A couple of times a year, when Dubai and the Middle East are front and centre of the DP World Tour’s focus, we’re reminded of the incredible transformation that the Emirates has undergone over the past few decades. The ‘then’ and ‘now’ images of the Dubai skyline are beamed out globally, but far from seeming repetitive, they are testament to the unrivalled growth of the region commercially, economically, and recreationally.
And when it comes to golf, Dubai Golf is a company at the very forefront of the game in the Middle East, continually driving the game, the region, and the company to ever-increasing prominence.
Golf in the Middle East had come a long way before Aoife O’Gallagher arrived in the UAE, but having joined the company in 2019, she’s rapidly ascended through the ranks in Dubai Golf and as the current Head of Optimisation, she’s intent on continuing to break fresh ground whilst ensuring that the meticulous standards that have been set are maintained and improved where possible.
Hailing from County Wicklow, Aoife’s journey to Dubai began eight years ago, in 2017, drawn by the city’s dynamic energy and its position as a global hub for travel and opportunity. With a diverse professional background spanning hospitality, retail, property, and asset management, Aoife’s transition into the golf industry may not have been a planned career pivot, but it was a natural fit.
Her family’s deep connection to golf, her great-grandmother was a founding member of Rush Golf Club, and her father is an accomplished golfer, provided a nostalgic pull when she was approached for a role at Dubai Golf. Now, as Head of Optimisation, Aoife oversees initiatives to enhance operations across Dubai Golf’s portfolio, which includes six prestigious golf clubs (Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, and Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club in Abu Dhabi), 22 restaurants, and entertainment venues like Topgolf Dubai.
Dubai Golf’s Role in Elevating the Game
Dubai Golf is a cornerstone of the Middle East’s golfing landscape, managing some of the region’s most iconic courses and hosting world-class tournaments that place the UAE on the global stage. The company coordinates major DP World Tour events, including the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club, the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, and the Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. In October 2025, Dubai will also welcome the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship, further cementing its status as a golfing hub. Additionally, the Dubai Creek International Pairs Tournament, a six-day event across Dubai Creek and Jumeirah Golf Estates, showcases the company’s commitment to fostering both professional and amateur golf.
Another highlight is the Dubai Golf Trophy, a long-standing Ryder Cup-style event that sees the UAE’s top male and female professionals face off against the leading amateurs. Played over two days at Dubai Creek and Emirates Golf Club, the tournament showcases the depth of local talent and Dubai’s ongoing commitment to the game at all levels.
Beyond hosting elite tournaments, Dubai Golf is dedicated to growing the game at the grassroots level. Initiatives like the “Get into Golf” programme, launched six years ago, offer affordable, unlimited group lessons to remove financial barriers and introduce new players to the sport. The introduction of Topgolf Dubai in 2021 has been a game-changer, attracting over 95 million golf balls hit since opening and drawing in newcomers through its entertainment-focused, tech-driven format. The venue’s academy has also facilitated a pathway for players to transition from casual hitting bays to par-three courses and full 18-hole layouts. Moreover, Dubai Golf’s partnership with the UAE Special Olympics, which saw Topgolf added as a medalled event last year, underscores its commitment to inclusivity, providing training opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
Aoife’s Vision For Innovation and Inclusion
Aoife’s role as Head of Optimisation places her at the heart of Dubai Golf’s efforts to innovate and expand. Her focus is on enhancing performance, refining processes, and improving the overall experience for members, tourists, and new players alike. One of her key contributions is the development of the Viya app, a loyalty platform offering dynamic pricing strategies to make golf more accessible across the UAE’s 24 courses. The app also supports Viya Golf Holidays, the world’s first platform for live hotel and golf round bookings, boosting golf tourism, a critical component of Dubai’s economy.
Aoife is particularly passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion, especially for women in golf. She highlights initiatives like Women’s Golf Month in June, during which Dubai Golf’s clubs host events such as complimentary golf clinics at Emirates Golf Club and Yas Links, discounted on-course lessons at Dubai Creek, and the “Ladies 9 & Wine” competitions at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Aoife also notes Dubai Golf’s alignment with the R&A’s Women in Golf Charter, which promotes gender equality in both playing and working in the industry, with champions at each club driving new initiatives.
Looking to the future, Aoife envisions a golfing landscape in the UAE that blends tradition with cutting-edge innovation. She predicts tech-driven courses with AI-powered features, such as avatars offering swing tips or real-time swing analysis on tee boxes. She also advocates for shorter formats, like six-hole or nine-hole courses, to accommodate busy professionals and families, ensuring golf remains accessible in a fast-paced world. With luxury developments like Discovery Land on the horizon, Dubai’s golf offerings will continue to cater to diverse audiences, from elite players to community-focused newcomers.
Reshaping Perceptions of the Middle East
Aoife’s personal experience as a woman in senior management challenges outdated perceptions of the Middle East as a region inhospitable to women. “It couldn’t be further from the truth,” she asserts, emphasising Dubai’s progressive ethos. At just 53 years old, the UAE has achieved remarkable progress by fostering an environment where talent and work ethic trump gender or background. Aoife’s career trajectory is a testament to this, as she has thrived in a meritocratic system that values diverse skill sets. She credits Dubai’s openness to global talent for its success, noting that the city’s expat-heavy population, bolstered by a strong Irish community, creates a supportive network for newcomers.
Dubai Golf’s efforts also contribute to reshaping Western perceptions of the Middle East. By hosting world-class tournaments and welcoming tourists with open arms, the company showcases the UAE as a safe, vibrant, and inclusive destination. The strong Irish expat community, bolstered by figures like the late Colm McLoughlin of Dubai Duty Free and Gerald Lawless, former CEO of Jumeirah and the region’s sporting culture (including hurling and Gaelic football), reinforces this positive image. Aoife’s involvement with the Irish Business Network, where she served as vice chairperson, further strengthens ties between Ireland and the UAE, fostering cultural exchange and economic collaboration.
A bright future for golf and the region
As Aoife looks ahead, she remains committed to Dubai, citing its opportunities, connectivity, and sunny climate as reasons to stay. Her vision for golf aligns with the UAE’s forward-thinking ethos, where tradition meets innovation. Whether through expanding grassroots programmes, leveraging technology, or promoting inclusivity, Aoife and Dubai Golf are not just elevating the game but also positioning the UAE as a global leader in sports tourism and hospitality. Aoife’s message is clear: come visit, experience the warmth and dynamism of Dubai, and see for yourself how the region, and its golfing culture, is thriving.