The Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE) successfully concluded a dynamic week of Management Development Programmes (MDPs) in Dubai, uniting over 60 delegates from across the region and beyond for a high-impact educational week.
Held over five days, the week featured three concurrent MDP courses—MDP Part 1 Club Operations, MDP Part 2 Building & Managing the Club Team, and MDP Part 3 Strategy & Leadership—delivering a broad range of content tailored to every stage of a club manager’s professional journey, all within the vibrant landscape of the Park Hyatt and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
Commenting was CMAE Director of Education Michael McCormack CCM, who said “We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make our recent week-long education event in Dubai a success. With 62 delegates from around the world attending MDP1, MDP2, and MDP3, the event showcased our shared commitment to excellence in club management. Special thanks to Chris May, CCM, CEO of Dubai Golf, and his outstanding team for their steadfast support. Our presenters from Europe and the Middle East enriched the experience with valuable insights, and we applaud our delegates for their dedication to leadership and professional growth. The connections and knowledge shared truly reflect the spirit of the MDP program. Thank you for being part of this journey.”
As the week concluded, feedback from delegates highlighted not only the quality of content and delivery but also the strength of community fostered throughout the sessions.
Ian Brennan, Golf Operations Manager at Emirates Golf Club commented “MDP 3 was a fantastic week of learning from some of the best in the industry. The speakers as always are some of the best the industry has to offer. I really felt that MDP 3 gave us a deeper dive into what really matters in club management and the insights gained will provide me with many immediately actionable improvements in my own management. Special mention for Toby who brings a lot of fun and passion to the week.”
Rory Young, Director of Golf at Mimosa Plus Golf Course also said “MDP Level 1 gave me confidence in the skills I already have, introduced a great framework for networking and exploring new ways of working, and most importantly, it’s made me genuinely excited about the future. I’m already thinking ahead to MDP 2 and other ways to keep learning and growing in club management.”
Cameron Levy, Operations Manager at Topgolf also said “In 2023, I turned down the opportunity to join CMAE’s MDP program. Working in an entertainment venue, I assumed it was only relevant for those in club settings. Fast forward to 2024— after hearing great feedback from people I trust, I decided to give MDP 1 a shot. A year later, I’ve now completed MDP 2… and my only regret is not starting sooner. The course has been nothing short of exceptional. The leadership insights, operational strategies, and personal development tools are incredibly relevant to hospitality and beyond. MDP 2 was fun, challenging, and deeply rewarding. Huge thanks to the CMAE team — this journey has truly made an impact on my career development.”
