The annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship returns to Yas Links every November, bringing with it a touch more glamour, exclusivity and prestige each year. And this year is no different. From 6 - 9 November, the world’s best golfers will converge on this world-class links course as part of the DP World Tour play-offs, allowing both residents and visitors the opportunity to see the planet’s best golfers go head-to-head for the right to advance in the Race to Dubai standings. Read on to learn everything you need to know about golf’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
History of the Tournament
The tournament first came about in 2006 as one of three European Tour events held on the Arabian Peninsula. Brought to the country as part of the UAE’s strategic investment in sport, the tournament was seen as a coup when it was first announced, and has gone from strength to strength ever since. It was hoped at the time that the tournament would help to promote Abu Dhabi as a world-class tourist destination, which, in hindsight, has almost certainly worked.
For the first 16 years of its existence, the event took place at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, which played a huge part in cementing the legacy of the competition. Since 2022, however, the tournament has called Yas Links Abu Dhabi home. Yas Island is known as the city’s leisure and entertainment hub, offering first-class hospitality, in addition to a range of stunning views and award-winning entertainment attractions.
Significance of the Event
While not one of the four golf majors (the most important tournaments of the year), the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship still holds relative significance and has ramifications for the end-of-season Race to Dubai. As part of the DP World Tour Play-Offs, the event functions as part of the season’s climax, with the top 70 players competing for a chance to play at the money-spinning Dubai event.
Only the top 50 players will make the cut, while the winner will go on to receive somewhere in the neighbourhood of $1.5 million. The tournament usually attracts the world’s best golfers, as entry into the Dubai tournament the following week offers players the chance to win a substantial share of the $10 million prize pot – significantly more than the winnings on offer at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Notable Past Winners
It might surprise you to learn that the only major winners to ever win the tournament are Ireland’s Shane Lowry and Germany's Martin Kaymer. Falling at the last hurdle on no fewer than four occasions, Northern Irish fan-favourite Rory McIlroy is yet to win the event, but following a strong showing in 2025 – in which he finally managed to complete the career grand slam – the pressure that follows him around the course closer than his own caddy has now been lifted somewhat. He could easily use that to his advantage over the coming years in Abu Dhabi.
Having won back-to-back events in 2017 and 2018, big things were expected of Tommy Fleetwood, but the man from northwest England is yet to claim his maiden major. English golfers have traditionally performed well in the UAE’s capital; Paul Waring, Lee Westwood, Tyrell Hatton, Robert Rock and Paul Casey (twice) have all taken home the top prize in various iterations of the event over the past two decades.
With other winners such as Victor Perez and Rickie Fowler, the tournament tends to bring out the best in the chasing pack for whatever reason; that is, the guys who are ranked just a touch below the very best in the world. And with the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele and JJ Spaun all set to appear at this year’s tournament, that second tier will again have to be on top form if they want to challenge the very best in the world.
Fan Experience
The event attracts thousands of visitors over the course of its four days, with upwards of 80,000 spectators making their way to the tournament in recent years. And it comes as no surprise considering the all-encompassing fan experience on offer.
With a whole host of facilities providing top-class hospitality services, a who’s who of the celebrity and high-net-worth community are poised to be in attendance. The Championship Chalet offers guests exclusive access to an air-conditioned enclosure which features sweeping views of the 18th green, the ideal spot to watch the action come to its crescendo.
The chalet provides a fantastic base from which to enjoy the tournament and includes a range of exceptional perks, such as premium dining and a fine selection of free-flowing ales and wines. Fast track access, priority parking, VIP admission and all three meals are included, in addition to live cooking stations, a big screen to take in the action of the day’s play and complimentary Wi-Fi; well worth the AED 1,600.
Where to Stay
Considering its status as a modern city with world-class facilities, there is no shortage of high-end hotels from which to base yourself if you are in town for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
The Hilton Abu Dhabi, based just a stone’s throw from the course itself, offers one of the most spectacular swimming pools in the city. The accommodations are also exquisite; the 4,000 sq.ft. Presidential Suite stands at the apex of the offerings, which features a private garden terrace, a hot tub, a spacious living room, dining room and kitchenette and executive lounge access. As an added perk, the room comes with access for all guests to one Yas Island Theme Park per day.
The W Abu Dhabi, located at Yas Marina and overlooking Yas Marina Circuit, offers another sophisticated option from which to base yourself. The hotel offers a range of suite options such as the Wow, E-Wow and Fantastic suites, each with its own uniquely opulent style.
Also located just a short distance from the course on Yas Island is the Radisson Blu Hotel and the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, each of which affords discerning visitors with a variety of elegant options.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is one of the city’s premier events. Given its position in the calendar – the tournament takes place in early November each year – visitors enjoy some of the best weather the UAE has to offer. Golf fans can also enjoy a range of on-site VIP experiences, all while staying in some of the most prestigious hotels on Yas Island. With the chance of rubbing shoulders with some of golf’s biggest hitters, make sure you don’t miss this prestigious event.
