Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship: The ADR guide to the golf, family fun, and live music

The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship returns to Yas Links from 5–8 November, with some big names on the course and plenty to keep you busy beyond the fairways.

Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, and defending champion Aaron Rai are among the players heading to Yas Island. Meanwhile, a full Family Weekend brings free golf lessons, kids’ activities, trick-shot shows, and live music into the mix.

Here’s what to know before you go.

Watch some of golf’s biggest names

For golf fans, there’s plenty riding on these four days. The championship opens the DP World Tour Play-Offs, bringing together the leading 70 available players in the Race to Dubai Rankings. Only the top 50 will progress to the season finale in Dubai the following week.

Rai returns to defend the title he won in a play-off against Fleetwood last November, this time arriving as the reigning US PGA Champion. McIlroy is chasing a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title, while two-time Major winner Rahm makes his tournament debut.

Fleetwood will be looking for a third Abu Dhabi victory after winning in 2017 and 2018. Fellow past champion Tyrrell Hatton and 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott also join the field, alongside Patrick Reed, rankings leader Eugenio Chacarra, and Casey Jarvis.

There’s no halfway cut, so the field plays all four rounds. That gives you the chance to follow your favourites whichever day you visit.

Make a family weekend of it

If your household has a mixture of golf obsessives and children who would rather be doing something else, start with the Championship Village.

There's a Family Weekend running on Saturday, 7 November, and Sunday, 8 November, in celebration of the UAE Year of the Family. Children aged 17 and under get free admission throughout tournament week.

Every ticket includes access to the Future Falcons Kids’ Zone, where games, face painting, bubble shows, and interactive activities give younger visitors plenty to get involved in. There are also free golf lessons for young players and live trick-shot shows, so children can have a go themselves as well as watch the professionals.

Elsewhere in the village, expect interactive golf challenges, sports and sponsor activities, roaming performers, and big screens.

Giving young golfers a place to start

The activities are part of a wider effort to get more young people playing. This year’s championship is set to take the number of children and young people introduced to golf through the tournament and Team Cup community programmes past 10,000.

The Future Falcons Programme introduces children aged four to 16 to swinging, chipping, and putting through school visits, coaching sessions, and community events. Its Skills Challenges grand final takes place during championship week at Yas Links, giving young competitors the chance to meet some of the players.

For teenagers thinking beyond playing, the Careers in Golf Programme explores jobs in coaching, event management, and course operations. The programme includes a workshop for 16 to 19-year-olds, alongside opportunities to see how a major tournament comes together behind the scenes.

Stay for the music

Once play finishes, the Championship Village stage takes over, with a different act each evening.

• Thursday, 5 November: Scottish singer-songwriter Greg Pearson.

• Friday, 6 November: Abu Dhabi-based trio Speed Wagon.

• Saturday, 7 November: Indie cover band Wet Grass.

• Sunday, 8 November: Ollie Chapman.

Live music is scheduled from 5.15pm to 6.30pm each day.

Choose your spot for the day

General admission gives you access to the golf and Championship Village, making it a good starting point if you want to explore the course and dip into the activities.

If you are looking for a more upgraded experience, Bar on Nine offers the tournament’s Ticket+ option, with tickets from AED 180, including an AED 100 food and drink voucher, whilst the Championship Chalet on the 18th puts you beside the final green. Prices start from AED 1,600, with access to an air-conditioned chalet, hospitality, and views of the closing-hole action.

Good to know before you go

Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the course, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Refill stations are available on-site.

Pushchairs are permitted, although parts of the ground are uneven. The event is cashless, and the DP World Tour app has tee times, live scores, a player locator, and an interactive course map to help you plan your visit.

Prices

For free entry: Visit on Thursday, 5 November, or Friday, 6 November, when general admission is free.

For a family outing: Saturday and Sunday bring the dedicated Family Weekend programme, with children aged 17 and under admitted free.

For the Golf finals: Head down on Sunday to see who takes the title and which players make it through to Dubai.

Weekend general admission is currently AED 90 per day when booked in advance, compared with AED 100 at the gate.

Where: Yas Links, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

When: Thursday, 5 November, to Sunday, 8 November 2026

Tickets: Free general admission on Thursday and Friday; Saturday and Sunday from AED 90 per day in advance; children aged 17 and under enter free throughout tournament week.

Booking: Visit the DP World Tour website for tickets and event information.