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Home turf, global stage: Ahmad Skaik makes pro debut at HERO Dubai Desert Classic
A first-time professional, the UAE’s Ahmad Skaik takes on the world’s best at his home course, the Majlis at Emirates Golf Club, aiming to benefit from the experience
- PUBLISHED: Mon 19 Jan 2026, 8:38 PM
- By:
- Nick Tarratt, Guest Golf Writer
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UAE national golfer Ahmad Skaik is set to take a monumental step in his career this week, making his professional debut at the 2026 HERO Dubai Desert Classic, one of the UAE’s most prestigious sporting events and a cornerstone of the nation’s golf history.
Competing on the iconic Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, Skaik will test his skills against some of the world’s top golfers, including World No. 2 Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, on the prestigious DP World Tour.
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The Desert Classic, often referred to as the 'Major of the Middle East,' has a rich legacy in UAE sport, having been established in 1989 and serving as the oldest and most high-profile golf tournament in the region. Past winners have included golfing greats such as Sergio Garcia, Danny Willett, and Rory McIlroy, who have gone on to win majors later in the season, underlining the tournament’s significance on the global stage.
The 28-year-old talent has dominated UAE National golf for over a decade and has been a standout in the Arab golf scene. Last November, he made the pivotal decision to turn professional and join the paid ranks. He has since competed on the MENA Golf Tour and other regional tournaments, steadily building experience and preparing for the higher-pressure environment of the Rolex Series event.
Career-defining home challenge
This week, Skaik has a potentially career-defining opportunity: to test himself against elite international competition on his home course.
Despite having already played the Classic once as an amateur, Skaik admits that stepping on to the Majlis as a professional brings a whole new level of challenge.
“Playing here as an amateur and competing with the pros are completely different experiences,” he said. “The pace, the pressure, and the stakes are all higher. But it’s the kind of challenge that drives you to lift your game.”
Skaik calls the Majlis Course his 'home course,' having played it numerous times, including a standout performance at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), where he narrowly missed the top 10 with rounds of 68, 72, 70, and 71 for a seven-under-par total of 281. This result demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and gave him confidence heading into the Desert Classic.
Proud, ready and inspired
Commenting on turning pro, Skaik said: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a team over the last few years, but I feel ready for this next step. The support from my family, the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), and the entire UAE golfing community has meant everything to me. My goal now is to represent the UAE at the highest level in professional golf.”
The field this week is packed with global stars, presenting a significant challenge but also an extraordinary opportunity for learning and growth. Joining Skaik on the course are Ryder Cup stars Rory McIlroy, defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, Dubai-based Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, Victor Hovland, and last week’s Dubai Invitational champion Nacho Elvira.
Several top LIV Golf players are also participating in preparation for their season opener in Saudi Arabia next month, including former World Number One Dustin Johnson, Joaquin Niemann, Patrick Reed, Victor Perez, Adrian Meronk, and Tom McKibbin.
Access to this Rolex Series event is highly competitive. Last week’s Dubai Invitational had just 60 pros and 60 amateurs, and this week’s entry includes only five National Invitation spots, highlighting the challenge and prestige of participating.
For Skaik, being part of this field at his home course is not only an incredible personal achievement but also a boost for UAE golf as a whole, inspiring younger players and drawing attention to the nation’s growing presence in the sport.
Momentum could launch season
A strong start in the Desert Classic could provide momentum for the Race to Dubai and other global rankings, offering players a platform to launch a successful season.
History has shown that winners at Emirates Golf Club, including Sergio Garcia and Danny Willett, have used their victories as springboards to major championships later in the year, demonstrating the Dubai tournament's pivotal role in shaping a professional career.
We wish all players the best of luck, especially homegrown talent Ahmad Skaik, who will have the full support of the UAE golfing community as he competes on the world stage.
For further information, visit: www.DPWorldTour.com
