Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship 2026: Rahm, McIlroy and Rai at Yas Links, 5-8 November
The opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs brings the top 70 in the Race to Dubai to Yas Island.
The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship returns to Yas Links from 5 to 8 November 2026 as the opening event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs, Gulf Today reported on 13 October. The top 70 players in the Race to Dubai rankings tee off, and the leading 50 then qualify for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai the following week.
The field is led by defending champion Aaron Rai, who is also the US PGA champion, and six-time major winner Rory McIlroy, who is chasing a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title. Two-time major winner Jon Rahm makes his debut at the event.
Rahm has ten DP World Tour wins, including three at the DP World Tour Championship in 2017, 2019 and 2022. "I've had some of the best weeks of my career in the UAE," he said, adding that he has heard great things about Yas Links.
The tournament is organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the DP World Tour. It is the first big sports week on Yas Island after UFC 333, a month before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Source: Gulf Today, WAM
