Art comes to the fore at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic

The 31^st edition of the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic will this year be brimming with Dubai’s most innovative artistic talent, as tournament organisers confirmed the participation of renowned sculptor Idriss B, painter Andrew Scanlan, a collaboration with World Art Dubai as well as the “Get Fit and Find It” challenge. 

Visitors to the course during the tournament will be able to see first-hand the sculptures of Dubai-based artist Idriss B dotted around the Majlis Course, at Emirates Golf Club. Idriss B will be bringing his legendary polygonal animal sculptures, which have become instantly recognisable throughout Dubai at various famous landmarks. His unique collection is made by moulding his vision of contemporary art to create polygonal animal forms in different sizes. The goal of his art is to give the possibility to everybody to access and view his art, hence his collaboration with this year’s tournament.  

“I am delighted to be a part of this year’s OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic,” said Idriss B. “To exhibit my sculptures on the course, alongside some of the game’s greatest players is a real privilege.   
The vision behind the design was to create animals in a fun and usual way, promoting the integral role they play in communities around the world.  The course is the perfect backdrop with all the greenery, helping to bring the creatures to life in their natural habitat. 

I hope spectators of all walks of life will be drawn to some of my works while watching the golf. It really is such a unique project and demonstrates how arts and sports can come together. 

However, Idriss B’s art doesn’t end there. His sculptures around the course will form part of the “Get Fit, Find It” challenge. Visitors to this year’s tournament will be given 3D maps at the event entrance, which will signpost people to the first location and explaining the challenge where applicable. Spectators will then have to go and take an image at each of the nine locations around Emirates Golf Clubs Majilis Course. As well as being a health benefit by helping spectators become more mobile, the challenge will also feature a competition. To compete, spectators will have to take an image and then upload it to their social channels using the hashtag #GetFitFindIt, at each of the nine locations spread out around Emirates Golf Club. Prizes will include: dinner for four people at Phoenicia restaurant at JA The Resort, an archery experience at JA Shooting Club, beach and pool access for four people at JA The Resort and a Par 3 golfing experience at JA The Resort Golf Course. 

Also joining this year’s line-up of artists is Andrew Scanlan, who has lived and worked in the Middle East for 25 years. His technique, which is known as “cellular art” features a myriad of coloured cells that only hint at the image they are trying to portray. However, upon examination, a detailed image begins to reveal itself with startling clarity to the viewer. Ahead of this year’s OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, Andrew Scanlan dedicated three painstaking months to create a portrait of Tommy Fleetwood:

“This painting took me about three months to complete, so it requires a lot of commitment. Art is just like sport, both are very visual and nice to look at and both require incredible discipline to achieve success” commented Scanlan who met Fleetwood in the flesh to reveal; the painting. “Tommy was the inspiration behind this, as he’s got an interesting face and a unique look, which as an artist I liked. He’s also got very piercing blue eyes. It’s rare that the subject sees the painting, so I’m glad he likes it!”

Visitors to this year’s OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic will be treated to an all-new event offer with a selection of activities and family entertainment, in addition to first-class food and beverage, making up the newly named Tournament Town at Emirates Golf Club. Also participating and located within Tournament Town will be World Art Dubai, who will be setting up a gallery of local artwork. The curators will be live painting on the walls, inviting visitors to join-in. Across all four-days visitors will have the chance to leave their mark on its unique Art Attack Wall, offering a blank canvas for visitors to unleash their creative flair.

With just a few days left until the event, now is the time to secure a place at one of Dubai’s premier sporting events, where spectators will be able to mix the thrills and spills of tournament play with a selection of entertaining activities organised by tournament partners and supporters. 

To purchase hospitality, season or daily tickets, visit: https://www.omegadubaidesertclassic.com/buy-tickets/ 

For more information on the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, visit: https://www.omegadubaidesertclassic.com/