The UAE’s bid to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai is in the global spotlight this week as the city welcome leading international golfers to the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, the first full Ladies European Tour (LET) event ever to be played in the Middle East.

With a significant presence at this AED 2.45 million event – including an Expo 2020 reception area, branding and banners – the country’s bid to host the first Expo ever in the Middle East, Africa or South Asia is highly visible to players and fans at the Emirates Golf Club, and to those following the championship worldwide.

“Since its debut in 2006, the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters has become a highlight of the UAE’s golfing calendar – demonstrating our country’s ability to host an incredibly wide range of international events,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Vice Chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, the promoter and organiser of  this LET championship.

“We are very pleased that this event is now associated with our country’s bid to host the 2020 World Expo, and believe that the success of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters will support the UAE’s efforts to bring the Expo to Dubai,” he said.

The Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, which takes place from December 2-8, 2012, is held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Dubai, UAE, is competing against four other candidate cities bidding to host the 2020 World Expo, including Ayutthaya (Thailand); Ekaterinburg (Russia); Izmir (Turkey); and Sao Paulo (Brazil).

The winning city will be announced in November 2013 following a vote by the 161 member nations of the BIE.