Everything you need to know about the UAE Challenge

The UAE Challenge is set to take centre stage this week at the stunning Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman.

As the first of two consecutive Challenge Tour events in the UAE, this tournament combines world-class golf, a strong emphasis on sustainability, and a showcase of rising stars, including Emirati amateur Ahmad Skaik.

Skaik, one of the UAE’s brightest golfing talents, enters the UAE Challenge brimming with confidence.

The 27-year-old has had a stellar start to 2025, highlighted by his dominant victory at the GCC Golf Championship in Saudi Arabia.

With rounds of 67, 69, 66, and 68 at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, Skaik finished a remarkable 18 under par – a record 15 strokes clear of second place. His performance also secured a team gold for the UAE, with the squad finishing 37 strokes ahead of Qatar.

Skaik’s familiarity with Al Zorah could prove pivotal. He represented the UAE at the Pan Arab Golf Championship at this venue in November 2024, delivering an impressive performance that helped the UAE team finish second.

“I’ve played here many times so should be fine,” said Skaik.

“I’m just trying to think of it as if it’s another event and just play my game and hopefully find success.”

Although he has played the course plenty of times in the past, this week’s setup will offer a much sterner challenge given the quality of players making their way round the track

“I feel like around the greens it’s a bit tricky to make putts; they’re a bit firm and quick, so you just need to keep it in play off the tee,” he said. “Obviously on the Challenge Tour they’re going to tuck pins more than what we play normally, so you need to be smart on the greens and give yourself a chance every time.”

Skaik is competing in his 11th Challenge Tour event, thanks to the Emirates Golf Federation’s (EGF) partnership with the European Tour group, which ensures the EGF receive 60 spots across the UAE double-header.

The UAE Challenge also stands out for its strong focus on sustainability, aligning with the European Tour group’s Green Drive initiative.

Host venue Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club has implemented several measures to reduce its carbon footprint, including a significant mangrove restoration project. These mangroves not only enhance biodiversity but also help offset emissions associated with running professional golf events.

“Our mangrove restoration initiative is a testament to our commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment while providing world-class golfing experiences,” said Philip Henderson, General Manager.

“As a proud host venue of the Challenge Tour, it's a fantastic opportunity for us to share the importance of sustainable practices with a wider audience.”

Players on-site have also embraced the sustainability efforts. Spanish professionals Adri Arnaus, who lives in Dubai, and Quim Vidal participated in the mangrove restoration project, planting trees as part of the ongoing initiative.

“It’s been quite cool to be involved in planting a mangrove, which was a first for me,” said Arnaus. “We got to learn what it’s all about, behind these beautiful trees that are helping the ecosystem and the whole environment.”

The UAE Challenge boasts a competitive field featuring rising stars and seasoned professionals. Among the standouts is Joshua Berry, currently second in the Road to Mallorca Rankings.

Berry narrowly missed out on back-to-back wins last month, losing in a playoff at the Delhi Challenge. The 19-year-old will look to build on his recent form and close the gap to rankings leader Daniel Van Tonder, who is absent this week.

Renato Paratore and Eddie Pepperell, both two-time DP World Tour winners, also add to the prestige of the field.

Local flavour comes in the form of UAE National Team members Skaik, Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj and Rayan Ahmed.

They’ll be joined by a host of other familiar faces, including Tommy Fleetwood Academy pro Jackson Bell, Challenge Tour Tour winner Dominic Foos - who has called Dubai home for a decade - Jumeirah Golf Estates Open champion Rami Samawi, and rising star Louis Klein, who has racked up multiple amateur titles in the UAE in recent months.

 Also in the mix are defending Abu Dhabi Challenge champion Garrick Porteous, a Dubai resident, and Joshua Grenville-Wood, 2023 Abu Dhabi Challenge runner-up, both earning their places through their Challenge Tour status.

This week’s UAE Challenge offers more than just the chance to lift a trophy and etch a name in the Challenge Tour history books. With valuable Race to Mallorca Rankings points on the line, players have an opportunity to edge closer to the ultimate reward: a coveted DP World Tour card for the 2026 season.

When the Rolex Grand Final, supported by The R&A, wraps up in November, the top 20 players in the season-long standings will graduate to golf’s biggest stage. Joining the ranks of global icons like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, these rising stars will embark on a journey that could redefine their careers.

Recent history shows just how transformative the UAE Challenge can be. Last year’s champion, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, went on to top the Rankingss and earn a spot on the DP World Tour. The 2023 winner, Maximilian Rottluff, also secured one of the 20 cards on offer following his triumph. Can this year’s champion make it three in a row and take the next step towards golfing greatness?