Rory McIlroy will return Abu Dhabi return for 2026 golf championship

The six-time Major champion, Rory McIlroy, has been confirmed for the Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links from 5 to 8 November.

Currently the Masters and Race to Dubai Champion, McIlroy has plenty of history with the tournament. He has finished runner-up four times but has never managed to take the Abu Dhabi title, something he hopes to change in 2026.

“I’ve finished runner-up here four times, so I’d obviously love to go one better and finally win it,” McIlroy said.

The tournament will bring together the leading 70 available players on the Race to Dubai Rankings, with the top 50 progressing to the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai the following week. For McIlroy, there is an added incentive, as he continues his pursuit of a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title.

There is also a new name for the Abu Dhabi event this year. Aldar has been announced as Title Partner, meaning the tournament will officially be known as the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship.

The partnership is deemed a natural fit for the event, with Aldar owning Yas Links, which has hosted the championship since 2022.

If you want to watch the action in person, general admission is free on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 November, with weekend tickets starting from AED 75. And it's fun for all the family, as the Championship Village hosts, games, activities, and more for a variety of ages.

Bar on Nine Ticket+ packages start from AED 170 at the promotional rate, including an AED 100 food and drink voucher, while the Championship Chalet overlooking the 18th green starts from AED 1,680.

When: 5 - 8 November 2026

Where: Yas Links, Yas Island

Tickets: Free Thursday and Friday; from AED 75 Saturday and Sunday

Get your tickets here