Abu Dhabi, UAE. Thursday 26th January, 2012: The wives and girlfriends of the European Tour players taking part in this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, which kicked off today (Thursday 26th January,) marked their first Ladies Day of the year by sampling the cultural highlights Abu Dhabi.

As the tournament’s Pro Am got underway, the European Tour Wives Association (ETWA) arranged for a group of 20 women to enjoy a tour of Manaraat Al Saadiyat, which hosts the Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery. As well as learning about the history and vision behind Saadiyat Island, the ladies marked the occasion by participating in French artist JR’s ‘Inside Out Project’ and took home poster-sized portrait photographs. The visit was followed by lunch at Monte-Carlo Beach Club, courtesy of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the Championship organisers.

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship runs from 26 – 29 January 2012 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.  Tickets are available via the event’s official website www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com.  Saturday, 28 January, will be the Championship’s first ever ‘Dress in Red’ Day where visitors will receive a complimentary day pass in return for wearing anything red, from a simple red accessory to head-to-toe ensemble.  With an international DJ hitting the decks after play, ladies can’t afford to forget their dancing shoes!