Aldar has been named the new title partner of the Abu Dhabi Championship, expanding its partnership with the DP World Tour and taking a leading commercial role in one of the UAE’s premier golf events.
The tournament will be renamed the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship and will be staged at Yas Links Abu Dhabi from November 5 to 8. The event will open the DP World Tour Play-Offs, with the top 70 available players in the Race to Dubai set to compete for a place in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
The agreement builds on Aldar’s existing relationship with the DP World Tour. The Abu Dhabi-based real estate developer became an official marketing partner and official real estate partner of the tour in 2025. Aldar also owns Yas Links, giving the partnership a direct connection between the company’s property portfolio, the tournament venue and the wider Yas Island destination.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Aldar, said, “Abu Dhabi has established itself as a global hub for world-class sport, entertainment and experiences. Aldar has been instrumental in shaping Yas Island into one of the region’s most sought-after places to live, visit and invest, and becoming Title Partner of the Abu Dhabi Championship builds naturally on that foundation. Sport has a unique power to bring people together, and this partnership gives us a compelling platform to deepen those connections while showcasing Abu Dhabi and Yas Island to a growing global audience.”
H.E. Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, added, “The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship builds on Abu Dhabi’s success in hosting world-class tournaments and reinforces the capital’s position as a leading destination for golf. We welcome Aldar as the tournament’s Title Partner. This partnership reflects the important role national organisations and the sports sector play together in supporting and hosting global events, and will help deliver an experience befitting Abu Dhabi and the tournament’s international standing.
“With some of the world’s best golfers competing at Yas Links, we look forward to another edition that strengthens golf’s presence in Abu Dhabi and encourages more young people to take up and enjoy the sport.”
The 2026 tournament will also feature six-time Major champion Rory McIlroy, who has confirmed his return to Abu Dhabi. McIlroy has finished runner-up at the tournament four times but is yet to claim the title.
McIlroy will enter the event targeting an eighth Race to Dubai title. A successful campaign would see him equal Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight season-ending titles.
Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour, continued, “This is a landmark moment for the Abu Dhabi Championship and for our wider partnership with Aldar. Since joining the DP World Tour family, Aldar has demonstrated a clear commitment to using golf as a platform to showcase Abu Dhabi to a global audience, engage communities and support the growth of our sport. We are proud to have them at the forefront of an event that plays such an important role in the conclusion of our season.
“We’re also delighted that Rory McIlroy has confirmed his participation this year. His chase for a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title will add further drama to this year’s Play-Offs.”
Defending champion Aaron Rai is also expected to return after winning the 2025 edition before claiming his first Major championship at the 2026 US PGA Championship.
For Aldar, the title partnership creates a high-profile international platform connecting golf with its broader interests in destination development, tourism and leisure, while further positioning Yas Island as a major sporting and entertainment destination.
