The Englishman claimed his second Rolex Series title at Yas Links last November, overcoming Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off. Since then, Rai has continued to build on that success, reaching a new milestone in his professional career.

From Yas Links to Major Champion

In May, the 31-year-old secured his maiden Major title with a composed performance at Aronimink Golf Club, becoming the first Englishman in 107 years to lift the Wanamaker Trophy after a superb back nine at the PGA Championship.

His Major campaign also included a 48th-place finish at the Masters, a tied 11th-place finish at the U.S. Open and a tied 79th-place finish at The Open. These results, combined with his PGA Championship victory, earned Rai the inaugural Rory McIlroy Award.

The award recognises the DP World Tour member who accumulates the most Race to Dubai points across the four Major Championships. Rai currently sits fifth in the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World.

“Winning at Yas Links last year was a really special moment for me, so I’m really looking forward to going back and defending the title. It is a tournament that has a lot of history and a golf course that I really enjoy,” said Rai.

“I always enjoy practicing and playing Abu Dhabi and fortunately, through playing well till date, I’m looking forward to finishing the year on the Race to Dubai.”

Race to Dubai Play-Offs Begin in Abu Dhabi

Rory McIlroy will also compete at the penultimate event of the DP World Tour season. The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship is staged by Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the DP World Tour, bringing together the leading available players at Yas Links for a pivotal week in the Race to Dubai.

The leading 70 available players in the Race to Dubai Rankings will compete in Abu Dhabi, with the top 50 progressing to the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai the following week.

With the season reaching its decisive stage, the championship will offer players an important opportunity to strengthen their standings ahead of the final event.

Tickets and Premium Experiences

Fans can attend the opening two days of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship with free general admission tickets. For the final two days, general admission tickets start at AED 75, offering spectators an accessible way to watch the action at Yas Links.

For a more elevated experience, Bar on Nine returns as a Ticket+ option following its popularity in 2025. A limited number of promotional-rate tickets are available from AED 170, including an AED 100 food and beverage voucher.

Spectators seeking a premium hospitality experience can choose the Championship Chalet on the 18th, positioned beside the 18th green with panoramic views of the final hole. Guests enjoy access to an air-conditioned chalet and five-star hospitality, with prices starting at AED 1,680.

With Rai returning as defending champion after a landmark year in his career, the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship promises an exciting start to the DP World Tour Play-Offs, combining world-class golf with a range of experiences for spectators.