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Emirates Golf Club tees up a year of togetherness at Annual Members Party
From red-carpet revelry to bold ambitions, General Manager Stephen Hubner reflects on a standout night and reveals what’s in store for the club in 2025.
- PUBLISHED: Tue 6 May 2025, 11:23 PM
Flashbulbs popped, violin strings soared, and a buzz of anticipation filled the air as members arrived at Emirates Golf Club’s Annual Members Day bash—an event that has become much more than a date on the calendar. For many, it’s the beating heart of the club’s culture. And this year, it was nothing short of spectacular.
“This Member's Party is our way of giving back,” said Club Manager Stephen Hubner, still glowing from the energy of the evening. “It’s always a joy to see our members let loose and enjoy themselves. That kind of energy really adds to the spirit of the club. We’re very proud of it.”
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The 2025 celebration was designed with flair and fun in mind. Events Manager Gabriel turned the welcome experience into a red-carpet, paparazzi-style affair—an idea that struck a chord with guests. Members were greeted by the graceful sounds of violin duo Anastasia and Anna, setting an elegant tone that lingered throughout the night.
“The feedback’s been amazing,” Hubner added. “We always run a full debrief afterwards—there’s always room to improve—but this year hit the mark.”
Standout Year
Members Day was just one highlight in what’s already shaping up to be a standout year for Emirates Golf Club. At the top of Hubner’s list is the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, a tournament that continues to scale new heights.
“It seems to get bigger and better every year,” he said, offering thanks to the team at Falcon for their seamless management. “It’s become a real point of pride for us.”
Pride, too, in the people behind the scenes. Club captains Joseph Andrade and Josie Tracey have brought fresh energy to their roles, building bridges with members and deepening the sense of community that defines EGC.
Yet, as Hubner is quick to point out, the real foundation of the club lies in its relationships—some of which span decades.
“We’ve got a colleague who’s been here 35 years,” he said with a smile. “That says a lot. There’s a lovely bond between the staff and the members. It’s rare, and we’re very proud of it.”
Meaningful additions
One of the year’s most meaningful additions has been the Junior Colleague Fund—an initiative aimed at supporting the dedicated team who serve the club day in and day out. “It’s a way to give something back to the people who make the experience what it is,” Hubner said.
On the course, 2025 has brought with it exceptional conditions, and off the course, significant upgrades. Chief among them: the grand opening of a new, state-of-the-art golf academy, complete with cutting-edge swing studios. “The playing surfaces have been outstanding,” Hubner noted. “And now, with this new facility, we’re elevating the entire golf experience for our members.”
Elsewhere on the grounds, improvements continue. A sleek new food and beverage outlet near the pool is already lifting the area’s atmosphere—and a full poolside renovation is on the horizon.
“We’ve got plans in motion that will raise the bar for the whole club experience,” Hubner shared. “And we’re not slowing down.”
Far-sighter Ambitions
Looking ahead, course maintenance will remain a top priority, to deliver world-class conditions year-round. But EGC’s ambitions stretch far beyond pristine greens.
“Our Membership Experience Manager, Powell, has done a brilliant job creating new events outside of golf,” said Hubner. “From themed social nights to lifestyle gatherings, the members are enjoying the variety. It brings people together in new ways.”
And as the club looks to the future, it’s placing a renewed focus on the next generation of players. Hubner sees big potential in the Par 3 course as a hub for junior golf. “We’d love to see more kids playing there. It’s a fantastic facility and we want to make the most of it.”
To support that vision, three top-level professional coaches will soon join the academy, expanding the team to 11 and enhancing the club’s capacity to grow the game across Dubai.
Still, for all the upgrades and grand plans, it’s the human element—the friendships, the familiarity, the sense of belonging—that defines Emirates Golf Club. Past captains still walk the fairways. Families continue to pass down their love for the game. Staff members are often as much a part of the club’s story as the members themselves.
“There’s just something very special here,” Hubner said, pausing for a moment. “And we’re only just getting started.”
