Despite treacherous terrains and hostile weather, Middle East golf has flourished for years now in the desert. The direct impact of positive economic growth has resulted in the development of infrastructure including construction of many world-class courses and facilities.

The first ever grass course in the Middle East was Emirates Golf Club, which was inaugurated in 1988 and has hosted European Tour events since 1989. The Omega Dubai Desert Classic is now the oldest regional golf tournament, attracting the best professional golfers from across the world.

While Dubai remains in the spotlight with over 10 golf courses, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Sharjah among others have world-class golf courses and facilities. As Middle East golf destinations become a must on every golfer’s bucket list, golf accessories such as golf gloves, apparel and shoes are highly sought after in the region.

With the improving economic outlook and increasing disposable income worldwide, the number of sports enthusiasts opting to play golf – either as a career or recreationally – has increased exponentially. Albeit a male-dominated sport, a growing focus on women in golf with special initiatives, projects and programs, has seen participation inch forward, with events like the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic tournament leading the way.

According to a recent survey on ‘Media Use in the Middle East 2017’ by the Northwestern University in Qatar, rising penetration of digitalization and use of social media platforms have helped the golf and wider sports industry to flourish. Four in ten watch sports on television and almost half of internet users watch sports online. As the popularity of golf grows, viewership of pro-golf tournaments is rising in the region.

Given the increasing popularity of Golf in the Middle East, the golf accessories market in the region has been witnessing a steady growth over the past few years. In particular, golf apparel is witnessing steady demand on the backdrop of swelling participation of youth population. As this population finds the modern version of the sport appealing and trendy, they are the avid purchasers of golf apparels.

With the presence of distinguished golf destinations, research company Fact.MR forecasts that the golf apparel market in the GCC countries is estimated to surpass $45.3 million by 2026, representing a healthy growth rate during the forecast period.

Future progress of the golf apparel market in the Middle East is marked by events such as Saudi Arabia hosting the European Tour golf event in 2019, Topgolf – a U.S. company entering the Dubai market, and several other scheduled golf championships and tournaments.

The insights presented here are from a research study on Golf Apparel Market by Fact.MR