HotelPlanner tour: Emirati talent on show at Abu Dhabi Challenge

Emirati golfers Ahmad Skaik and Ahmed Al Musharekh will represent the region when the Abu Dhabi Challenge returns to Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club in the Al Ain Region next week.

Taking place from Wednesday, September 30 to Saturday, October 3, the competition is staged in partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, giving the pair the chance to test themselves against the HotelPlanner Tour's emerging talent.

Skaik and Al Musharekh are taking up two of the 30 places allocated to the EGF, and allows the federation to exchange its remaining places with other golf federations, opening up playing opportunities for UAE players at HotelPlanner Tour events around the world.

Skaik competed in the Abu Dhabi Challenge in both 2024 and 2025, as well as the inaugural UAE Cup at the same course in October 2024.

Last year, he became the first Emirati to make the cut in a European Tour Group event at the UAE Challenge at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, before turning professional on the MENA Golf Tour at the season opener in Portugal in November.

He said: "It feels amazing to be going back to play in Al Ain again – it's like a big event at home. I played last year and was close to the cut, so this year I want to do better. 

"The more big events we have, the better for us and the more opportunities for our players. The level here is growing. We have many players who are really good or getting better, and it's happening quicker than in the past few years, so it's good to see."

Al Musharekh, who last teed it up in the Abu Dhabi Challenge back in 2024, said: "It's my first tournament this year and the break has made me miss playing even more. My first goal is to make the cut, and then get the best finish I can after that.

"The partnership between the EGF and the European Tour group is a very positive thing for young Emirati golfers. It's good to see the support they are bringing and hopefully that will encourage more Emirati golfers to want to play at a professional level."

UAE-based favourites David Horsey, Adri Arnaus and Dominic Foos add further local interest, while Craig Howie of Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club will tee it up at his home club.

The field also includes former European Ryder Cup star Chris Wood and current Road to Mallorca Number One Christofer Blomstrand.

The Abu Dhabi Challenge is the final opportunity for players to secure their place in the Tour's two season-ending events in China. Only the leading 68 players on the Road to Mallorca Rankings will advance once play concludes in Al Ain.

Entry is free of charge for fans throughout the week.