The inaugural Visit Rwanda Golf Tournament Dubai 2023 took place in Dubai on Saturday, attracting 44 golfers from both Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates.

Organised under a partnership between Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Embassy of Rwanda in UAE, the tournament brought together delegates who took part at the just-concluded UAE-Rwanda Business forums and investment roadshow at Dubai Chamber on Friday, February 24.

RDB Chief Executive, Clare Akamanzi, flagged off the tournament which took place at the Dubai Hills Golf Club.

During the prize-giving ceremony, Akamanzi said, "This tournament is a key activity that will increase tourism between Rwanda and Dubai. Rwanda has unique tourist attractions for all categories of tourists including leisure, nature and culture lovers. I invite UAE residents to visit Rwanda for an unforgettable experience.”

Meanwhile, Stella Obinwa, the Director of Africa International Operations at Dubai Tourism, said that they are looking forward to increasing tourism flows between Dubai and Rwanda.

"The Visit Rwanda Golf tournament is a duo move that will increase the number of tourists between Dubai and Rwanda.”

The Visit Rwanda Golf Tournament Dubai winners received trophies and other high-value awards including gorilla trekking permits powered by RDB, RwandAir Business class tickets and night stay at One & Only Resorts in Rwanda.

Golfers from Dubai are expected to travel to Kigali to play the return leg.

Emmanuel Hategeka, the Ambassador of Rwanda to the UAE said, "I congratulate winners in different categories. You played and really deserved to win! Those who played but didn’t get any awards should not worry as the return leg in Rwanda will be your turn to win!”

The next Visit Rwanda Golf Tournament will be played in Rwanda on a date that will be announced in the near future.