Professional golf is returning to Al Ain later this month, with the Abu Dhabi Challenge set to bring international players and UAE-based talent to the city for four days of competition.
The HotelPlanner Tour event will be held at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club from September 30 to October 3, marking the third successive year the tournament has been hosted in the Al Ain Region. Entry will be free for spectators.
A strong international field is expected, including former European Ryder Cup player Chris Wood and current Road to Mallorca rankings leader Christofer Blomstrand. UAE-based players will also have a chance to compete, with Dubai residents David Horsey and Adri Arnaus among those expected to tee off.
The tournament carries particular significance for players chasing a place at the top level of European golf.
The Abu Dhabi Challenge is the final opportunity for players to qualify for the HotelPlanner Tour’s two season-ending Final Swing events in China. Only the top 68 players in the Road to Mallorca rankings will progress, with the season ultimately offering a pathway towards the DP World Tour.
The event is being staged in partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation and supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
For UAE golf, one of the most significant aspects of the tournament is the opportunity it creates for local players. Thirty places in the field have been allocated to the Emirates Golf Federation, allowing UAE National Team members, UAE-based professionals and emerging regional players to compete alongside international professionals.
General Abdullah Al Hashmi, President of the Emirates Golf Federation, said the tournament provides valuable competitive experience for UAE-based players.
“Having 30 places available to the Emirates Golf Federation provides an invaluable opportunity for UAE-based players to compete against a high-quality international field and gain experience at this level of the game,” he said.
The tournament has also established a track record as a stepping stone to the sport’s top tier. Previous Abu Dhabi Challenge winners Renato Paratore and Ricardo Gouveia went on to secure promotion to the DP World Tour.
Beyond the competition, the event gives visitors another reason to spend time in Al Ain. Spectators can watch professional golf at the Championship Course while exploring a destination known for its green landscapes, cultural heritage and outdoor attractions.
With free entry across all four days, the Abu Dhabi Challenge offers golf fans and curious spectators alike a chance to watch international competition without leaving the UAE.
The Abu Dhabi Challenge takes place at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club from September 30 to October 3. Entry is free.
