Shahar Peer, the first Israeli female athlete to compete in the United Arab Emirates, is making another piece of diplomatic history here this week. Peer caused a political tremor two years ago when, after much wrangling and fiercely strict security arrangements, she was eventually allowed to enter the Dubai Open.
Her admission was preceded by a convoluted refusal to grant her a UAE visa in 2009; this year, by stunning contrast, Peer has actually been invited to take part in the tournament. The offer indicates that her courage, persistence and inspirational on-court efforts, have become regarded as valuable pioneering ingredients in Arab-Israeli relations.
The invite came through a wild card entry, a Women's Tennis Association (WTA) regulation which permits tournaments to seek competitors who are unable to gain automatic acceptance through a high world ranking. "I think it's an amazing gesture," Peer said. "It's not something that you just think is going to come naturally. So it's an overcome [sic] for them and I really appreciate it," she added, meaning that there were obstacles to overcome before the decision could be made.
Amongst them are the organisation of living, changing and dining facilities separate from other players, a designated and protected outside court for all Peer's matches, bodyguards, and, in the past at least, snipers hidden in strategic locations. Her presence in Dubai has both been good for cultural and political progress in the Middle East, and excellent public relations for a possible Dubai Olympic bid in 2024. It has also been an inspiration for the player herself. Peer's first year here, 2010, saw her produce some of the finest tennis of her career, with wins over Caroline Wozniacki and Li Na, and a run to the semi-final halted only by an in-form Venus Williams.