Grassing is already underway on the new Trump International course in Dubai, according to architect Gil Hanse, who recently paid a visit to the project.

“Since the announcement in May last year, we have been able to get straight on to the site and already the driving range and holes ten and eleven are grassed, one lake is filled and shaping work is well underway on holes two through to six,” said Hanse. “From a distance I have been delighted with the way the course is coming along, and I am very excited to get back on the course with the guys and help to personally shape this special course – I believe it will prove to be a fair challenge for players of all levels.”

The golf course is part of the Akoya masterplanned community currently being developed by Dubai-based real estate firm Damac Properties. The course will be the sixteenth in the Trump portfolio following the recent acquisition of Doonbeg in Ireland, and the first in the Middle East. Damac is retaining ownership of the course, with Trump’s firm acting as manager.

“Akoya will offer the most exclusive lifestyle in Dubai and it is critically important that the project is supported by the best golf course in the region. We are delighted that someone as influential and in-demand as Gil Hanse is delivering on that vision,” said Damac VP Niall McLoughlin.