Second Edition of DP World Tour Play-Offs Launched with Waring as Star Guest
Wednesday 8th October 2025; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: With less than a month to go until the DP World Tour Play-Offs return to the UAE for their second edition, reigning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winner Paul Waring was among those in attendance to mark the countdown at the official launch event at the stunning Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Following a hugely successful inaugural Play-Offs last year – comprising the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship – which saw course records broken at Yas Links and record crowds at Jumeirah Golf Estates, the eyes of the golfing world will once again turn to the UAE next month.
The action begins with the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, celebrating its 20th edition from November 6-9, where the leading 70 players on the Race to Dubai Rankings will battle it out for the prestigious Falcon Trophy. The field will then be cut to the top 50 leading players the following week at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship (November 13-16), where the DP World Tour’s season-long Race to Dubai champion will be crowned.
Reigning Race to Dubai champion Rory McIlroy secured a Dubai double last season, winning the DP World Tour Championship for a record-equalling third time and claiming the Harry Vardon Trophy for a sixth time, matching the late, great Seve Ballesteros’ tally.
At Yas Links, it was today’s special guest, Paul Waring, who stole the spotlight, holding off a stellar field, including McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton, to claim his first Rolex Series title and the biggest win of his career.
“Winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship last season was one of the most memorable moments of my golf career,” said Waring.
“Having two back-to-back Rolex Series events to close out the season in the UAE was incredibly exciting, especially now that I’m based here. Although I won’t be competing this year due to injury, I’m really looking forward to watching the action unfold at both the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the DP World Tour Championship.”
Today’s launch was also attended by His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, General Abdullah Alhashmi, President, Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), Daniel Van Otterdijk, Chief Communications Officer, DP World and Richard Bunn, Chief Revenue and Content Officer, DP World Tour.
Race to Dubai leader McIlroy has already confirmed his attendance at both events as he aims to move a step closer to Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight season-long titles. It was also announced today that 2025 European Ryder Cup stars Ludvig Åberg and Rasmus Højgaard, Vice Captain Alex Noren and Nicolai Højgaard will join McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Hatton, and Robert MacIntyre at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Noren, Hatton, Fitzpatrick, Ramus Højgaard, MacIntyre and Justin Rose – all part of Europe’s triumphant 2025 Ryder Cup team that claimed a first away victory since 2012 – have also been confirmed for the DP World Tour Championship, along with 2023 champion Nicolai Højgaard.
His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome the world’s best golfers to Abu Dhabi and Dubai as part of the DP World Tour Play-Offs. The two events represent a platform that brings together elite golfers from around the world. The 20th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship highlights the incredible growth of golf in the UAE and our nation’s success in hosting major international tournaments. Hosting this milestone event in the Emirate reinforces its position as a global sporting destination, offering a world-class experience for both players and fans”
General Abdullah Alhashmi, President, Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), said: “Having worked alongside the DP World Tour for more than 30 years, we are proud of what has been achieved during that time. The launch of the DP World Tour Play-Offs last season reflected the trust the Tour has placed in the UAE, with this year’s second staging set to deliver two weeks of world-class golf that will once again showcase our country on the global stage.”
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive, UAE, HSBC Bank Middle East, concluded: “We are proud to be part of the DP World Tour Play-Offs, an iconic event that embodies excellence and brings together the best in sports and community. The UAE’s rise as a centre of sporting and economic excellence mirrors our own journey of growth and connectivity over nearly 80 years, and we are delighted to see the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship take centre stage with the DP World Tour Championship in such a thrilling highlight of both the UAE and global sporting calendar.”
Daniel Van Otterdijk, Chief Communications Officer, DP World, said: “The return of the DP World Tour Play-Offs to the UAE is an incredible opportunity to showcase sport at its very best. We are proud to help bring the world’s top players together for this year’s thrilling season finale. At DP World, innovation and progress are at the heart of everything we do, and our support for the Play-Offs reflects that spirit. By helping deliver a fresh, dynamic format, we aim to inspire fans and elevate the game not only across the region but around the world.”
Tom Phillips, Director of Middle East, DP World Tour, said: “After the hugely successful debut of the DP World Tour Play-Offs last year, we are thrilled to bring back two of the region’s most prestigious sporting events on consecutive weekends. This unique Play-Offs format creates a truly compelling finale to the season, combining world-class golf with the excitement and energy of the UAE. From record-breaking performances to unforgettable moments on and off the course, last year set a high standard, and this year we expect the eyes of the golfing world to be firmly fixed on Abu Dhabi and Dubai once again. It is a fantastic showcase for the UAE as a global hub for sport and an unmissable experience for fans both locally and internationally.”
Attendees at the launch event were also treated to a first look at an innovative CGI video celebrating the UAE’s role in the Play-Offs and the global reach of the DP World Tour, which this year features 42 tournaments across 26 different countries on multiple continents.
The video begins in Brisbane, where this year’s Race to Dubai journey started, following a giant golf ball as it travels through several of the Tour’s destinations, including China and Ireland, before arriving in the UAE, where golf fever takes over.
To explore all ticket options for both the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and DP World Tour Championship, visit dpworldtour.com.
Credit: DP World Tour
