JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES PREPARES FOR 17TH DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP AS UAE HOSTS BACK-TO-BACK PLAY-OFF EVENTS
Dubai, UAE – 11 November 2026: Jumeirah Golf Estates is completing preparations to host the DP World Tour Championship for the 17th time, as back-to-back tournaments at two of Viya’s flagship venues reinforce the UAE’s position as one of the world’s leading golf destinations.
Taking place on the Earth Course from 12-15 November, the championship follows the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship at fellow Viya venue Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Together, the two events bring the DP World Tour Play-Offs to the UAE, with the season’s leading players competing for the prestigious Race to Dubai title.
Hosting two of the most significant tournaments on the international golf calendar provides a powerful platform to showcase the quality of the UAE’s championship courses, facilities and hospitality to a global audience. For Viya, the events strengthen the international profile of its venues, attracting golfers from around the world who aspire to experience the same courses as the game’s leading professionals.
The prestige associated with hosting elite professional tournaments also brings lasting value to club members, reinforcing the standing of their home venues and helping position Viya’s clubs among the most desirable golfing destinations in the region.
Daniel Naudo, General Manager of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: “Hosting the DP World Tour Championship for the 17th time is a tremendous source of pride for everyone at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Alongside the tournament at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, these two weeks provide an exceptional opportunity to showcase the quality of golf in the UAE to an international audience.
“The value of hosting tournaments of this calibre extends well beyond the championship itself. They strengthen the reputation of our clubs, inspire golfers from around the world to come and experience our courses, and reinforce the prestige of being a member at a venue that regularly welcomes the world’s best players.
“For our existing members, there is enormous pride in seeing their home course take centre stage on the international golfing calendar. That reputation is also an important part of what makes our clubs attractive to prospective members and visiting golfers.”
The international profile of Viya’s venues is complemented by continued demand across its wider portfolio. Membership at Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has grown by 30% in 2026, while Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club has recorded a 25% increase compared with the same period in 2025. Jumeirah Golf Estates continues to operate at full membership with an active waiting list.
Behind the scenes, extensive preparations are underway to ensure the Earth Course is presented to championship standards for the season finale.
Approximately 80 agronomy colleagues work across Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth and Fire courses, with significant resources redirected towards Earth during the final fortnight before the championship.
Earth moves to walking-only golf five weeks before the event to minimise wear, followed by a nine-day closure before players arrive. That dedicated preparation window allows the team to complete final refinements to course presentation, consistency and playing quality.
The programme builds on year-round maintenance, supported by investment in specialist machinery and equipment, with irrigation and water management central to maintaining conditions in Dubai’s climate. Craig Haldane’s return as Golf Course Superintendent adds further experience to the team supporting these preparations.
Across the wider venue, food and beverage, hospitality and operational teams are coordinating with the DP World Tour to welcome players, officials, partners and spectators.
Naudo added: “There is an enormous collective effort behind tournament week. Our agronomy, hospitality and operations colleagues all contribute to delivering an experience worthy of one of golf’s most prestigious season finales.
“The championship is an opportunity for their expertise and commitment to be recognised on an international stage, while demonstrating the standards that our members and guests can expect throughout the year.”