UAE Challenge tees off in Ajman, giving rising Emirati stars a global platform

This week, the rolling fairways of Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman are more than just a beautiful backdrop—they’re the stage for something bigger. As the UAE Challenge tees off from April 10–13, excitement is building not only for the competition itself but for what it represents: a bold new chapter for golf in the Emirates.

For the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), this tournament isn’t just about birdies and bogeys—it’s about building a future.

“This event is more than just a tournament—it’s a launchpad for local players to take their next step,” said General Abdullah Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation.

That “next step” is what the EGF has been steadily working toward—creating real pathways for UAE-based players to rise through the ranks and compete internationally.

Powerful Opportunity

The UAE Challenge, part of the HotelPlanner Tour, provides a rare and powerful opportunity for up-and-coming Emirati and local talent to test their skills against some of the best-emerging players from around the globe.

Among the local hopefuls ready to make an impact are Ahmad Skaik, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, and Rayan Ahmed—a formidable group that recently made headlines at the 2025 GCC Golf Championship. Skaik’s sizzling -18 performance earned him individual gold, while the team captured the overall title with a record 38-stroke victory, signalling a major step forward for elite-level Emirati golf.

And momentum is clearly on their side. Just last week, Sam Mullane topped the leaderboard at the inaugural Cedars Championship, also hosted at Al Zorah. With Mullane already qualified for the UAE Challenge, runners-up Mikhail Pinto and Dan Bryne were granted tournament exemptions—proof of the EGF’s continued commitment to rewarding strong local performances and widening the competitive door.

Broader Regional Effort

But this isn’t just a showcase for the UAE. The event is drawing talent from across the region and beyond, with players from the Arab Golf Federation and Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) joining the field. Daniil Sokolov and Saleh Al Kaabi of Qatar are among those set to compete, highlighting a broader regional effort to grow the game through collaboration.

UAE club professionals are also getting their moment in the spotlight, including Jackson Bell (Tommy Fleetwood Academy), Craig Howie (Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club), Damien Scott (Al Hamra Golf Club), and Stuart Smith (Precision Golf Middle East). Their inclusion reflects the EGF’s desire to give every tier of the local golfing community a chance to shine.

It’s all part of a much larger picture, one that goes beyond a single tournament. With support from the DP World Tour and The R&A, the EGF’s vision encompasses everything from grassroots programs to elite training, all designed to provide Emirati players with the skills and confidence to compete internationally.

Investing in the Future

“We are investing in the future of Emirati golf,” added Alhashmi. “Through events like the UAE Challenge at Al Zorah, we are giving our players the stage, the tools, and the belief to dream bigger—and to realise those dreams.”

The action doesn’t end in Ajman. The Abu Dhabi Challenge follows hot on its heels from April 17–20 at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club, backed by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Department of Culture and Tourism. Both tournaments are further supported by Arena, Al Laith, and eGolf Megastore—UAE-headquartered companies who are playing their part in helping the sport grow.

Together, these two Challenge Tour events are not just competitive highlights; they are milestones in a larger mission to elevate Emirati golf onto the world stage.

And for fans wanting to witness the rise firsthand? Entry is completely free—no tickets, no barriers. Just great golf, local heroes, and the thrill of what’s to come.