Leisurecorp’s Global Legacy: Golf, Resorts, and Leisure Investments from Dubai

Leisurecorp, which was formerly known as Istithmar Leisure, has played a big role in the shaping of Dubai as a hub for world-class sports and leisure tourism. As a subsidiary of Dubai World, its mission is not just a matter of investment but being an ambassador of Dubai’s luxury brand on the global stage. Through high-profile acquisitions and strategic partnerships, Leisurecorp has elevated Dubai’s presence in golf and has expanded its influence across the elite leisure markets worldwide.

Leisurecorp had a glorious early period with an aggressive approach to bringing Dubai’s excellence to the world of international golf. One of the most important acquisitions made by the company was the legendary Turnberry Resort in Scotland in 2008. As a historic course that has hosted the Open Championship more than once, Turnberry represented Leisurecorp’s promise to associate Dubai with the best of golf. This acquisition not only proved a potential investment in iconic locations through Dubai but also confirmed Dubai’s status in global golf. Though the Turnberry was sold back in 2014, the deal brought to the fore Dubai as a company ready to begin working on a global scale by revitalizing famous property.

Leisurecorp acquired Pearl Valley Golf Estates in South Africa and established Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. These projects put Leisurecorp at the forefront of international golf real estate and played a significant role in making Dubai one of the major golf tourism destinations in the world. Jumeirah Golf Estates is now the jewel of golf infrastructure in Dubai. It has two superlative courses, namely Earth and Fire, designed by the famous golfer Greg Norman. The estate has already been the venue for several international tournaments, and it remains a hotspot for golf enthusiasts from around the world.

Relationships of Leisurecorp with PGA European Tour formed another important steps for extension of the golf influence at Dubai. It was entry to a major collaboration by Leisurecorp with PGA European Tour during 2007, which in fact resulted in birth of the Dubai World Championship. That high-prestige yearly competition, hosted annually on the Earth course of Jumeirah, carried prizes valued at $10 million, and ranked among the highest paid-out tournaments worldwide when it came to the event of golf. It was as a result of this partnership that the European Tour Order of Merit was rebranded into the “Race to Dubai.” In this, Leisurecorp and the European Tour presented Dubai as the best destination for the end season. It attracted the best golfers in the world and greatly contributed to Dubai’s tourism economy.

The company has made strategic diversification by incorporating several other elite sports and leisure investments. With stakes in companies such as Island Global Yachting and Snowmass in Colorado, Leisurecorp has extended its investment interests beyond golf to also capture a much larger portion of the luxury leisure markets. Investments into yachting and other opportunities for premium travel would, therefore go hand in glove with this goal of making Dubai to become a worldwide recognized global brand synonymous to luxury on the part of travelers out to enjoy something exclusive, such as Dubai’s repositioning into a preference destination for marina as well as high-end yacht tourism in the case of yachting.

Leisurecorp’s developments mark the broader intent and goals of Dubai World. It targets new acquisition and partnerships on both sides to place Dubai on both tourism and investment maps throughout the world. While creating wealth in the tourism side for Dubai, the various agreements enhance the city as committed to luxury and class, as well as boost this side of Dubai economy with a positive image all through. The downturn within the global economy and further drift in leisure markets still provide the challenges to such new businesses, yet the same have been maintained afloat. For instance, although some of the projects in Jumeirah Golf Estates had to be postponed, Leisurecorp is proud of its high-quality delivery, and always ensured that its delivery would be at international standards.

Leisurecorp will use the developed partnerships and high-value assets to gain even more attention globally in Dubai. This is through continuous investment in luxury, high-profile sites, and prestigious partnerships that have led to the realization of strategic goals in tourism and real estate for Dubai. The company’s stature in world international golf and diversified portfolios of elite leisure properties make Dubai a leading destination in tourism and investments in sport around the globe. Its ongoing projects and future developments are a proof of what Dubai is aiming to give the world in terms of memorable, high-quality experiences with the elite class of people.