Rory relishes Abu Dhabi treat

Pic Courtesy:  abudhabigolfchampionship.com

January 16, 2013: It could have come as a surprise to North Ireland’s star golfer Rory McIlroy, who is on the hunt for his first Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship title, to see his fan following in the midst of Arab heartland. He was overwhelmed on being gifted with an intricately-designed ‘Bisht’, a traditional Arabic men’s cloak, by Emirati Adil Khalid of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.

Intrigued fans from across the world watched as McIlory received the ceremonial gown which is worn by Emirati men on special occasions, particularly weddings. The traditional garment is fashioned from the finest spun wool and cashmere, and edged with an ornamental braid of woven gold thread.

The presentation of the Bisht comes just weeks after the current world number six announced his engagement to tennis player Caroline Wozniaki. The young star declined to reveal the wedding date.

Khalid, the only Emirati who will compete on the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team during this year’s Volvo Ocean Race, handed the Bisht over to McIlroy as he came off the 18th hole.

McIlroy is no stranger to Emirati culture, having added a new twist to traditional Emirati Al Razfa dancing with fellow competitor Phil Mickelson earlier this week. In previous years at the Championship, the Northern Irishman savoured his first taste of Arabic tea in the presence of a camel called ‘Hero’ and has learned the traditional Emirati Al Ayala dance.