Abu Dhabi Challenge Welcomes 144 Golfers from 24 Nations

One of the international HotelPlanner Tour's flagship events commences this week at Al Ain, uniting elite players from across the globe in pursuit of a substantial prize purse.

The Abu Dhabi Challenge, a prestigious fixture on the international golf calendar, will commence on Wednesday, 30th September at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club, welcoming 144 competitors representing 24 countries across a four-day tournament. The event, now in its fourth iteration, underscores the Emirates’ prominence as a premier destination for world-class sporting occasions.

Organised in partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation and supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the championship will draw players from Europe, Africa, the Americas and Australia, alongside distinguished Emirati representatives Ahmad Skaik and Ahmed Al Musharrekh. The international composition of the field reflects the growing confidence of global sporting institutions in the UAE’s capacity to host competitions of the highest calibre.

Freddie Schmeisser, Managing Director of Tournament and Operations Middle East at the DP World Tour, noted that the Abu Dhabi Challenge strengthens the Emirates’ reputation as a leading host for international sport. He highlighted that the collaborative efforts between tournament organisers, the Emirates Golf Federation and Abu Dhabi Sports Council continue to foster the development of golf throughout the nation, whilst showcasing the region’s world-class facilities and organisational excellence.

For Emirati golfer Ahmad Skaik, competing on home soil represents a valuable opportunity to advance upon previous achievements. He emphasised that familiarity with local courses provides a meaningful advantage, whilst the partnership between the Emirates Golf Federation and the European Tour Group affords national players opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities against leading international competitors.

The tournament carries a total prize fund of US$350,000, approximately AED1.285 million, with the competition serving as the fourth edition following victories by Ricardo Gouveia of Portugal in 2023, England’s Garrick Porteous in 2024, and Italy’s Renato Paratore in 2025.

The Abu Dhabi Challenge holds particular significance this year as the final qualifying event before the season’s concluding Road to Mallorca tournaments in China. The top 68 players in the rankings upon completion of this championship will secure qualification for the China events and the subsequent season-ending Grand Final in Mallorca.

Admission to the tournament is complimentary throughout its duration, inviting enthusiasts to witness championship-level golf at one of the region’s premier facilities.

Source: WAM