As Senior Marketing Executive for Viya Golf Abu Dhabi, Heather Beattie plays a central role in promoting three of the UAE’s most prestigious golf destinations — CPG Collection Member Venue, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach, and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club.
Since joining Viya Golf in 2023, she has helped lead the group’s creative strategy, driving campaigns that not only showcase world-class golf facilities but also celebrate Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global golf destination.
Originally from Scotland, Heather brings a fresh perspective and a creative energy to her role — combining her background in marketing, business development, and brand growth with a deep passion for storytelling. Whether coordinating international campaigns, supporting flagship events such as the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, or building the region’s growing community of women golfers, she is helping to shape the next chapter of golf’s evolution in the UAE.
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Q: You play a key role in supporting the team across three of the UAE’s leading courses: Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach and Yas Acres. How does it feel to be part of such a high-profile portfolio, and what aspects of your work give you the most satisfaction?
Heather: It’s really special to work for these clubs in Abu Dhabi, especially as they continue to grow and have such an impact on the golf scene in the UAE. Of course, being part of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship hosted at Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a huge highlight of the job, seeing the club on a global stage and the best players in the world walking our fairways.
However, for me, seeing our campaigns come to life is always the most satisfying aspect of the job. We spend weeks and months planning content, everything from concept development right through to publishing it across all of our channels, and seeing it go from a storyboard to stunning visuals and storytelling is amazing!
Q: Your role touches on many different areas of marketing and communications. What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you balance working across multiple clubs and projects at once?
Heather: I think most people who work in MarComms would say that there is no such thing as a typical day – which people either love or hate! I like the fact there is always a new campaign to work on, or an announcement from the clubs that we have to communicate.
Due to the seasonal nature of golf, I can plan ahead and know what projects or campaigns need to be running at certain stages of the year, so I can work on the bigger projects in advance and make sure we’re on track for launching them, then that means when new tasks, or photoshoots, or projects with our stakeholders pop up, I can focus on them knowing our core campaigns are organised. I’ve found this the best way to stay on top of things!
Q: Moving from Scotland to the UAE is a big step, both in life and career. What motivated you to take on this challenge, and what have been the biggest highlights of your experience so far?
Heather: It was a huge change, especially the climate!! But I’ve loved every second so far in the UAE, and especially Abu Dhabi. It surprised me how quickly I settled into life here. Working in golf in the UAE is a fantastic way to meet people and such a fun industry to be part of, so I’m glad I made the move.
There are endless highlights of my time here so far, but one thing I really appreciate, and think is unique to working in this part of the world, is how fast-paced everything is. It’s a completely different work environment. People are so passionate and continuously want to do better and be better, and just surrounding myself with this environment pushes me to do the same. Especially at a relatively early stage of my career, I couldn’t be in a better place to learn and grow, on an international scale.
Q: Golf is often seen as male-dominated industry, yet you’ve already made a strong impression early in your career. How have you found this environment, and what advice would you give to other women looking to grow in the industry?
Heather: The golf industry has historically been male-dominated, but I’m encouraged to see real progress in recent years, with more women building successful careers across the sector.
The Viya Golf clubs also have a strong ladies membership and have grown the ladies development programmes at the academy massively over the last few years. This has been a key goal as part of my role, to work on building the women’s golf community through the events at our clubs, and something I’m really proud of.
My advice to women looking to enter or progress in this industry is the same advice I’d give for any career: believe in your skills, trust your knowledge, and don’t hesitate to speak up and contribute your ideas. I’ve often been the only woman in the room, but rather than seeing that as a disadvantage, I’ve found it to be an empowering opportunity to stand out and make an impact.
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To find out more about the facilities at Yas Links, including the new Golf Academy, the 18-hole championship course and the par-3 course, visit: viyagolf.com/yaslinks
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