Akcel plans AED 1 bn golf entertainment platform across the UAE

UAE-based XRange Golf Entertainment is partnering with Dubai-based conglomerate Akcel Holding to build AED 1 bn worth of golf entertainment venues across the UAE, according to a press release. The venues will include interactive driving ranges along with digital gaming, dining, and hospitality.

The game plan: While the project will initially focus on Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, expansion to more locations and even further afield to India and other popular tourism markets is in the cards. It will be backed by the Akcel Growth Fund, which operates in the Dubai International Financial Center.

The move taps into the Emirates’ growing gaming and entertainment sector: The UAE has made a decisive push into the field, which could bring in as much as USD 6 bn in revenues if multiple resorts are rolled out and online gaming expands. The UAE has also rolled out a national commercial gaming framework, tapped new leads for key bodies, and is awaiting Wynn Resorts’ planned USD 3.9 bn gaming resort to come online.

New law governs gov’t outsourcing

Dubai issues rules for gov’t outsourcing: Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a law for government entities engaging contractors for services, according to the Dubai Media Office.

Under the new rules, government entities must ensure fair competition and cannot enter into exclusive contracts unless there is only one bidder. Contractors are also required to have one Emirati employee for every non-national employee in their ranks. The rules also specify provisions for necessary contract details, ban contractors from issuing fines beyond the ones detailed in regulations, and stipulate monitoring and evaluation tasks. Firms have three years to comply once the law is published in the official gazette.

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