The Abu Dhabi Challenge is set to return to the Al Ain Region for the third year in a row, with the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club preparing to host the HotelPlanner Tour. The event, scheduled to run from Wednesday, September 30, through Saturday, October 3, represents a pivotal moment in the golf calendar as players make their final push to secure a spot in the Tour’s season-ending Final Swing events in China.
As the competition serves as a gateway to the DP World Tour, only the top 68 players on the Road to Mallorca Rankings—the season-long standings determining promotion—will advance beyond the Al Ain event. The stakes have drawn a competitive field, headlined by former European Ryder Cup participant Chris Wood and current Road to Mallorca rankings leader Christofer Blomstrand. They will be joined by local favorites and Dubai-based professionals such as David Horsey and Adri Arnaus, who are expected to draw strong support on the course.
The tournament is organized in collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. It has already earned a reputation for launching careers, with previous winners Renato Paratore and Ricardo Gouveia both using their victory in the UAE to fuel successful promotions to the DP World Tour. HotelPlanner Tour Director Jamie Hodges noted the organization’s enthusiasm for returning to the UAE, highlighting the venue’s consistent performance as a top-tier host and the valuable competitive experience it provides for rising talent.
A core component of the tournament’s mandate is fostering local development. The partnership allocates 30 playing spots directly to the EGF, allowing UAE-based professionals, national team members, and club pros to test their skills against a high-caliber international lineup. General Abdullah Al Hashmi, President of the Emirates Golf Federation, emphasized that these spots are essential for the growth of local players, noting that the federation’s broader agreements with international bodies also help create additional overseas opportunities for UAE golfers.
From the sporting administration perspective, Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, described the event as a testament to the region’s commitment to high-level athletics. He reaffirmed that hosting the tour continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s standing as a premier global destination for sports. The tournament is held in the Al Ain Region, which was recently named the Arab Capital of Tourism 2026, offering visitors a unique blend of cultural heritage, expansive green landscapes, and diverse outdoor attractions alongside the championship golf.
Spectators are invited to attend the event free of charge throughout the four-day duration, from September 30 to October 3. With the combination of high-stakes professional play, the involvement of local talent, and the backdrop of the Al Ain region, organizers are anticipating another successful edition of the tournament. The report also notes that “Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club has proved to be an excellent host over the past two years and, together with the Emirates Golf Federation and our partners, we are working towards another successful week. The report also notes that as part of the partnership, 30 places in the field are allocated to the EGF, giving UAE-based players the chance to test themselves against an elite international line-up. The report also notes that we are pleased to welcome the HotelPlanner Tour back to Al Ain and look forward to another successful edition.”The Championship Course at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club will once again provide the stage, and spectators can enjoy world-class golf while discovering one of the UAE’s most distinctive destinations.
