New figures across Viya portfolio highlight continued growth in participation and demand ahead of season-ending events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Preparations are underway in the UAE for the season-ending DP World Tour Play-Offs, withnew figures from across the Viya portfolio highlightingthe continued growth and strength of golf across the destination.
Tournament build and preparations have begun ahead of two of the biggest events on the international golf calendar, with the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship set to take place at Yas Links Abu Dhabi from 5–8 November, followed by the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates from 12–15 November.
The two Rolex Series events will once again bring some of the world’s leading players to the UAE for the culmination of the Race to Dubai, with the season’s champion ultimately crowned on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The DP World Tour Championship attracts more than 60,000 spectators each year, underlining the scale and appeal of tournament golf in the UAE.
The build-up comes against a backdrop of continued momentum for golf across both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with Viya clubs recording encouraging growth in 2026.
Across the Abu Dhabi portfolio, membership at Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has grown by 30%, while green fee revenue at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club has also increased.
In Dubai, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club has also continued to see strong demand, with a 25% increase in membership compared with the same period in 2025. At Jumeirah Golf Estates, the club continues to operate at full membership, with an active waitlist.
Together, the figures underline the sustained appetite for golf in the UAE among members, residents and visiting golfers,while continued investment across the portfolio is helping clubs respond to growing demand and enhancing the overall golf experience.
Christopher May, CEO of Viya, said: “Preparations for the DP World Tour Play-Offs always bring a sense of excitement, and this year they coincide with continued positive momentum for golf across the UAE.
“The strength of the game here is not only reflected in our ability to host some of the most important tournaments on the global calendar, but also in what we are seeing every day across our clubs – more people playing, strong membership demand, and continued engagement from members, residents and visiting golfers.
“Together with the continued investment across our portfolio, this gives us great confidence in the future of golf in the UAE. The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship and DP World Tour Championship provide an incredible showcase for golf in the region, and welcoming players of the calibre of Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, John Rahm, Aaron Rai and Patrick Reed this November only adds to that excitement. Their presence attracts global attention and gives fans the opportunity to see some of the biggest names in the game up close. We are proud to play our part in delivering these events and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading destination for golf.”
Hosting three Rolex Series events in 2026 reinforces the UAE’s significance within the international golf calendar. From the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club in January to the season-ending Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship at Yas Links Abu Dhabi and DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November, the country provides a stage for some of the season’s defining moments.
The continued growth in membership and demand across Viya’s clubs complements that tournament profile, demonstrating the strength of the game in the UAE beyond tournament weeks.