Ajman Tourism Strengthens the Emirate’s Position in Leisure and Sports Tourism Through a Strategic Partnership with WPSL Services

The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media continues to consolidate the Emirate’s standing as a leading destination for leisure and sports tourism through the forging of strategic international partnerships and the organisation and hosting of prominent international events, in alignment with Ajman Vision 2030 and the Emirate’s directions towards diversifying the tourism sector.

As part of its efforts to strengthen the Emirate’s position as a leading sports tourism destination, the Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media is sponsoring the annual WAGI Pairs Tournament, held on 8 May 2026 at the Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club. The tournament witnessed the announcement of a strategic partnership with WPSL Services, aimed at attracting a series of international golf tournaments and events to the Emirate. This step comes in the context of supporting Ajman’s directions towards diversifying its tourism product and enhancing its presence on the global sports tourism map.

This partnership supports the achievement of the Emirate of Ajman’s strategic objectives of enhancing its competitiveness as a leading tourism destination, attracting visitors seeking premium leisure experiences, and advancing sustainable tourism growth through the delivery of sporting and entertainment events to the highest quality standards. It also highlights the strategic role of the Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club as one of the UAE’s most prominent waterfront golf destinations.

This collaboration is of particular significance given the rapid growth being witnessed by the sports tourism sector globally, with numerous entities turning to international sporting events and interactive travel experiences as effective tools for attracting high-income visitors and enhancing the economic returns of the tourism sector.

Amid this global shift, golf tourism has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors, driven by increasing demand for luxury hospitality, health and wellness experiences, and leisure activities associated with tourism destinations.

The tournament will host a selection of amateur golfers from across the United Arab Emirates, competing for the opportunity to represent the country at the 2026 World Amateur Golf Intercontinental Teams Championship, to be held in Malaysia, which brings together participants from more than 40 countries worldwide.

His Excellency Mahmoud Khalil Al Hashimi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media, stated: “This partnership reflects Ajman’s ongoing commitment to supporting the diversification of the tourism sector and strengthening the Emirate’s position as a leading destination for leisure and sports tourism, in harmony with Ajman Vision 2030.”

He added: “Golf tourism represents one of the promising sectors that contributes to the development of a visitor-based economy, enhances the tourism presence and standing of the destination, and ensures the long-term sustainability of tourism. Through these qualitative partnerships, we are advancing with confidence towards cementing Ajman’s position as an ideal destination for international sporting events and exceptional tourism experiences.”

For his part, Russell Yeomans, Chief Executive Officer of WPSL Services, said: “We are delighted to launch this partnership with the Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media through the WAGI Pairs Tournament at the Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club, which represents an important platform bringing together amateur golfers from across the region, whilst providing opportunities to participate in international tournaments and expand global presence within the golf community.”

He added: “The Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club offers a world-class experience that combines premium sporting facilities with stunning coastal scenery and the diverse cultural and tourism attributes that Ajman possesses. Through this partnership, we look forward to attracting more golfers and leisure-seeking visitors to the Emirate and enhancing its presence on the international stage.”

This partnership aligns with the targets of Ajman Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the tourism sector and support sustainable economic development through the launch of initiatives that contribute to enhancing the Emirate’s presence as a tourism destination, attracting high-value visitor segments, and cementing Ajman’s position on the global tourism map.

It also reflects Ajman’s commitment to continuing the development of the tourism sector, elevating luxury hospitality experiences, and offering diverse tourism options that meet the aspirations of visitors across the Emirate, alongside consolidating the role of sports tourism as one of the drivers of economic and tourism growth.