Staged at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club starting Wednesday, November 1, golf fans in the capital will have the chance to see American star and defending champion Beth Allen, as well as newly appointed Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew , as well as the British Georgia Hall and Mel Reid. The Swedes will also be looking for a place on the podium this week with two teenage wildcard caps Amanda Linnér and Julia Engström, who were invited to the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open this year by legendary Annika Sörenstam.

Present at the press conference, HE Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, spoke enthusiastically about the four-day event and the future of golf in the country:

"I welcome you all to the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open this week and I thank Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak - Mother of the Nation, President of the General Union of Women Supreme President of the Foundation for the Development of the Family and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. My gratitude also extends to Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan - President of FBMA and President of the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club. "

“At Abu Dhabi Sports Council, we continue to align with the emirate's leadership vision to develop sports and youth activities. The return of the second Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open is not only a testament to the success of the inaugural event, but also a clear demonstration of how Abu Dhabi continues to attract global sports talent to its world-class facilities. "

Adding to this at the press conference was Dr Mai Al Jaber, Board Member of Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Academy, who commented:

“On behalf of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sport Academy, I welcome everyone to the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open. It should not be underestimated how important this tournament plays in the continued promotion of women's sport in the UAE, and we are delighted to once again offer a range of health and fitness activities to encourage adults and children. involved. "

“Abu Dhabi has achieved great things in the world of sport and at the same time we are seeing strong progress in the variety of sports on offer - especially for women. The accomplishments of the many world-class female golf professionals here will help inspire future generations, while also setting an example for other countries to follow. "

This year's tournament is family and community focused, with a range of fun activities, food and entertainment trucks as well as world class golf, making it a perfect day out for the whole family, and a great opportunity for young golfers and other sports. The fun of golf includes a bespoke golf course, the region's very first paint golf course, and introductory beginner sessions with other sports covered by the Club World Cup fan zone. FIFA. Entry is free for all and the organizers hope that friends and families will be encouraged to participate in the development of golf in the UAE, especially among women, and to increase participation in sport, health and fitness. .

The winner of the inaugural Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open, Beth Allen, expressed her appreciation to the tournament organizers and looked with emotion on last year's inaugural edition, saying: " It's awesome. I always enjoy coming back to Abu Dhabi and I always feel welcome at Saadiyat Beach Club. Conditions are really similar to last year and the course is generally in great condition and I'm sure the scores will be great. But above all, I would like to keep the trophy, I will do my best. "

Davide Lantos, director of the Ladies European Tour tournament, also expressed his enthusiasm for the Abu Dhabi tour:

“I would like once again to thank Fatima Bint Mubarak Sports Academy and Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their continued support. We have fantastic ground this year and one thing is for sure, you have to be a fantastic player to win on this course. "

Also at the press conference, Catriona Matthew, British Open winner of the year, LET of the year, and recently named Team Europe captain for the 2019 Solheim Cup, making her first appearance at Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open:

“I love Abu Dhabi. In fact, I arrived here probably seven or eight years ago and I have fond memories of it. I have been back several times since to train in the winter for the past few years. It's great to be here and play at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open and it's a perfect backdrop for boys and girls to watch some of the best female golfers in the world and hopefully inspire them. I think the more golf we can play in the world, the more local players we can see in this event. "

Over the four-day period, 126 players will compete for a total prize of $ 550.

The Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open is sponsored by: FBMA, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, TDIC, Al Masaood, Etihad Airways, Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi and Omega.

The event is free and ticket registration and more information is available at www.fbmladiesopen.com, on Instagram and Twitter (@FBMLadiesOpen), and on Facebook. Visitors can also register on the door.