Isn’t this precious? Female golfers who win the annual (LPGA sanctioned) Omega Dubai Ladies Masters golf tourney are subjected to a trophy symbolizing the subjugation of Muslim women, at the hands of their superior Muslim male counterparts.

My friend and I were watching the Dubai Ladies Masters this evening. As it came to a close with champion Iben Tinning of Denmark accepting her trophy, we were like, what on earth is that? He said, “I don’t know, but it sure is ugly”. I replied, “Yes, it sure is an ugly blob of a thing”. Now I love abstract art but I could not warm up to what I was seeing, no matter how eclectic my taste is. Then it hit me “It is a burka!”, I shouted. My friend shook his head in disbelief  “No it’s not, no way”. I paused the DVR and said look real close.

Why I hadn’t noticed before tonight, I do not know.

The unveiling of the veiled lady. In 2006, Annika Sorenstam was the first to receive the Dubai Ladies Masters  ‘burka‘ trophy.

2006: Annika Sorenstam, flanked by Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman of golf in Dubai, Alex Armas, executive director of Ladies European Tour, and Mohammed Yahya of Dubal, unveiling the Dubai Ladies Masters Trophy at the first tee of Emirates Golf Club's Majlis course

The elegantly-designed trophy which captures the essence of the region’s desert-dwelling Bedouin women, will be presented to the winner of the first Dubai Ladies Masters which gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club from October 26 to 29.

Dressed by tradition, “The Lady in Silver,” as the winner’s trophy is called, wears a Burga – a traditional gold metallic-covered canvas mask the women used to wear for protection from harsh sun and, of course, to conceal their beauty from men outside their family.

“The trophy is really impressive, something that reflects on the tradition of the region,” Armas [as seen in photo] said. “I don’t think I have ever seen such a fine trophy. I congratulate the people behind creating this work,” she added.

Embodying the cultural tradition and vibrancy of Dubai in all vividness, the “Lady in Silver”, is designed by golf in DUBAI team, headed by its Vice-Chairman Mohamed Juma Buamaim and handcrafted by Damas.

The 32.5cm tall art piece stands on an intricately-carved circular wooden base.

“The trophy is a perfect fusion of tradition and modernity — a symbolic reflection on the very spirit of Dubai,” said Buamaim, who added a bit of personal touch to the ceremony by presenting Annika Sorenstam with a burga his mother used to wear.

“The trophy also shows that in the march towards modernity, our country hasn’t forgotten its tradition and values,” he added.

“Looking through the Lady’s eyes, you will see a vibrant Dubai, a city where women have moved from their traditional household roles to the forefront of the corporate world and are actively involved in all spheres of the society, including sports. Yet, she preserves her traditional values.

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