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The UAE Cup returns this week to Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club for its second year and has quickly become the UAE’s premier international amateur championship, once again attracting elite players and national federations from across the Middle East and the globe.
Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club. Image supplied
This year’s UAE Cup, powered by Emirates NBD, welcomes players from 39 countries, creating one of the most diverse and competitive fields in the region. The championship is being played over three days of stroke play, from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th, with Men’s and Women’s Divisions, as well as a Team component, all in action.
Athletes are competing not only for trophies and national pride but also for a chance to earn a spot in two upcoming HotelPlanner Tour events for men and a Ladies European Tour event for women, offering a pathway to the professional stage. The leading junior boy and girl will gain invitations to the Junior Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club from 16–18 January 2026.
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With the strongest amateur field assembled in the UAE, featuring WAGR No. 66 Ella Scaysbrook, No. 67 Eliot Baker and No. 89 Louis Klein, there is also a prominent home contingent with Saif Thabet, Rayan Ahmed, Sam Mullane, Rashed Al Emadi, Mohammed Thabet and Jonathan Selvaraj in the Men’s Division. Lara El Chaib, Jamie Camero, Aasiya Saleem and Hamda Al Suwaidi will compete in the Ladies Division.
Palestine’s Yasmeen Thaher
There is a strong line-up from across the Arab region, along with more than 30 UAE residents. Those competing include Bahrain’s Khalifa Alkaabi and Khalifa Almaraisi, Daniel Thaher and Yasmeen Thaher from Palestine, Salim Zein of Lebanon, Sofia Cherif Essakali and Hugo Mazen Trommetter of Morocco, Mohib Al Kathiri of Oman, and Kamil Benrokiya and Francesco Mauro of Qatar.
The new team event will see each participating country’s federation or association nominate one male and one female amateur to represent their nation.
2024 UAE CUP Winners – Emirates Golf Federation.
“The UAE CUP represents the very best of what golf stands for, competition, friendship, and opportunity,” said General Abdulla Alhashmi, President of the Emirates Golf Federation.
“Through this event, we continue to open international pathways for players while showcasing the UAE’s unique culture and hospitality to the world.”
Part of the Arab Golf Federation, the UAE Cup continues to grow in prestige each year, highlighting the UAE as a key destination on the global amateur golf stage.
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Main Image: Emirates Golf Federation
