Ahmad Skaik and Ahmed Almusharrekh lead UAE hopes at Abu Dhabi Challenge

This year, the Emirates Golf Federation has been given 30 spots in the tournament. That is a first. It means more local players get a chance to compete, and the federation can swap any leftover places with other golf bodies. This move opens doors for UAE golfers to play in HotelPlanner Tour events abroad. Skaik has already used this route-last year, he became the first Emirati to reach the final rounds of a European Tour group event. Both Skaik and Almusharrekh are among the main UAE names in the field, with their spots secured through the federation, as Dubai Eye 103.8 notes.

The Abu Dhabi Challenge 2026 is scheduled for 30 September-3 October at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, with free entry for spectators and marking the event's third straight year at this venue.

"It's a great feeling to return to Al Ain," Skaik said, thinking back to last year when he just missed the cut. "Every time we host more major events in the UAE, it's better for us and gives our players more opportunities." He talked about how playing abroad brings new challenges, especially on European courses, and how important it is to adapt. Skaik's advice for young golfers is simple: "Work hard, believe in yourself, and do whatever it takes if you want to become a professional golfer."
Almusharrekh last played the Abu Dhabi Challenge in 2024. He comes to Al Ain with a clear goal. "I'm very excited to be back," he said. "This is my first tournament of the year, and after a break, I'm eager to play. My first goal is to make the cut, then aim for the best possible result." He pointed out that the Al Ain course is tough and praised the partnership between the Emirates Golf Federation and the European Tour group as a big plus for young Emirati golfers. Dubai Eye 103.8 reports that Almusharrekh said the break made him miss playing even more, showing how rare it is for him to compete at home.

The Emirates Golf Federation has 30 allocated spots for the Abu Dhabi Challenge, and any remaining places can be exchanged with other golf federations. This creates a pathway for UAE players to participate in HotelPlanner Tour events abroad, expanding opportunities for local talent.

The local lineup gets a boost from residents David Horsey, Adri Arnaus, and Dominic Foos, plus Al Ain club player Craig Howie. The field also includes former Ryder Cup player Chris Wood and current HotelPlanner Tour leader Christopher Blomstrand. Only the top 68 players in the "Road to Mallorca" standings after Al Ain will move on to the last two events in China. For many, the Abu Dhabi Challenge is the final shot to qualify. The event is listed as a US$350,000 tournament on the 2026 Challenge Tour calendar, though this figure comes from public listings and has not been confirmed by a Tier-1 source.
Big UAE sports events have a history of helping local athletes break through, as seen in recent football coverage. Major General Abdullah Al Hashmi, chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, put it plainly: "Developing national talent is at the core of everything we do. The Abu Dhabi Challenge gives our players the chance to test themselves at this level and in front of their home crowd. By exchanging spots with other federations, we also give our players access to HotelPlanner Tour events worldwide, which is a key part of their development. Skaik's journey from the national team to the professional ranks shows what is possible when these opportunities are available."
With support from the Emirates Golf Federation and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Abu Dhabi Challenge is more than just another stop on the HotelPlanner Tour. It is a real test for the UAE's best, a stage for new talent, and a sign of where the country's golf ambitions are headed. The results are showing: when local athletes get real chances to compete at the top, the whole sports scene grows. The UAE's push for its golfers is already making a difference, and now the next wave of players has a clear path to follow. NDTV reports that the Abu Dhabi Challenge is part of a bigger UAE run on the HotelPlanner Tour in 2026, coming before the Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links (5-8 November) and the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates (12-15 November).