The United Arab Emirates is strengthening its position as a key player in the global golf landscape, driven by strategic calendar adjustments to the DP World Tour and new partnerships. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a perennial fixture, has been repositioned to amplify its impact and the UAE’s prominence as a world-class golfing destination.
For 18 consecutive years, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship served as a key early-season event, drawing top international players. However, a strategic decision, made in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, has moved the tournament from its traditional January slot to November.
“This shift reflects a shared vision to elevate the tournament’s impact further and maximise its contribution to the growth of golf across the region,” Tom Phillips, Director of the Middle East at DP World Tour, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM). He explained that recent changes in the global golf calendar presented an opportune moment to redefine the Championship’s role.
By aligning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship with the DP World Tour Championship, the UAE now hosts a season-ending fortnight of elite golf. Phillips noted this creates “a compelling narrative that enhances fan engagement, commercial value, and the region’s global profile in a busy sporting landscape.” The November timing is expected to provide increased visibility and momentum, integrating the Championship into a broader golf festival and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role at the forefront of the sport’s growth.
Phillips also announced a long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation, building on a relationship that dates back to 1989. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to developing golf at both grassroots and elite levels.
Impactful initiatives stemming from this partnership include allocating 30 player slots for emerging Emirati talent across two HotelPlanner Tour events in Abu Dhabi and Ajman. Additionally, some of these spots have been exchanged with international federations, providing UAE players valuable exposure to global tournaments.
Phillips highlighted a significant milestone: Ahmad Skaik, the UAE’s top amateur, became the first UAE-born player to make the cut in a 72-hole professional event at this year’s UAE Challenge at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club. This achievement serves as a testament to the progress in local player development.
–Input WAM
