Driving the UAE forward with the Emirates Golf Federation

We spoke with Faycal Serghini, Head Coach of the Emirates Golf Federation’s elite squad, about the rapid growth of UAE golf. From player development to international success, he shares his perspective on how the Federation is shaping the future of the game in the country.

Faysal, it feels like the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) has really progressed on in the last few years. What do you put that down to?

I have only been with the EGF for three years and honestly, the growth has been very clear. It’s not just about results, it’s the whole structure, the mindset, the way everything is being approached now.

A lot of that comes from the leadership. General Abdullah Al Hashimi and his team have a very clear vision of where they want to take golf in the UAE. They’ve worked extremely hard to build relationships internationally and to bring big events to the country. That gives the players exposure and belief.

You can really feel that things are moving forward with purpose.

When you look at the national players coming through, both men and women, how much have you seen them develop since you started?

They’ve come a really long way. Technically, mentally, physically, you can see the improvement in every area.

But first of all, it’s down to them. The players are working hard, they’re committed, and they want it. As a coach, you guide them, you share your experience, but they are the ones putting in the work every day.

It always starts with the players, their discipline and how much they’re willing to push themselves.

At the same time, the structure around them has improved a lot. The training programmes are more organised, the tournament schedule is stronger, and the Federation is supporting them properly.

When you combine all of that, it creates a great environment for them to grow.

Ahmad Skaik turning pro is a big moment. What does that mean for him, and for golf in the UAE?

For Ahmad, it’s a big step. Turning professional is where things become very real. Now it’s about competing week in, week out and trying to earn your place on the big tours.

For UAE golf, it’s also very important. It shows the pathway is working. The goal is to have more Emirati players, both men and women, competing at that level. Ahmad is one of the first to take that step, and hopefully others will follow.

You’ve obviously worked closely with him, how proud are you of what he’s done and the journey you’ve been on together?

I’m very proud of him. From the beginning, you could see he had something a bit different. Not just talent, but also the mindset he has.

Winning the GCC Championship at 17-under was a big moment, and also when I was on the bag for him at the APGC at Emirates Golf Club, that was special for me.

You are able to see how he handles himself in those situations and those moments confirm the level he can reach.

Are there any performances or moments that really stand out to you from the past few years within the UAE National Players?

There have been quite a few, to be honest.

Ahmad winning the GCC Championship at 17-under stands out straight away. Then we also won the team title there in Saudi as well, that was a proud one for everyone.

Jonathan Selvaraj winning the Arab Professional Championship in Morocco was also very special.

Rayan Ahmed qualifying for the U.S. Junior Amateur was a big achievement, and as a team, when they finished second at the Pan Arab in Al Zorah, that showed a lot of character.

And of course, the girls winning the Pan Arab in Tunisia was huge. It shows the depth we are starting to build.

How’s this season looking for the national team, especially with a few events being pushed back?

The season was looking very good, but with what’s happening in the region, we’ve had to adjust our plans.

Like everyone, we hope things settle soon. For now, we stay ready. The players are still working, still preparing, and when the opportunities come again, we’ll be ready to compete.

You took the team out to Morocco for a training camp last summer. Is that something you’re looking to do again, and how useful are those trips?

That camp was very important for us. Morocco offers great conditions, good weather, and strong facilities.

We’re still deciding what to do this year, maybe Morocco again, maybe somewhere else, but these trips are always valuable. You step away from the usual routine and really focus on the work.

At the same time, it helps the group come closer together, and that’s something you see later in competition.

How do you see Arab golf as a whole right now? It feels like it’s in a strong place.

Yes, it’s in a very strong place right now. You can see more players from the region getting top results internationally, and that gives confidence to the next generation.

From the UAE, you’ve got Adrián Otaegui finishing third recently in South Africa on the DP World Tour. Then, as well Ahmad Skaik, Joshua Grenville-Wood, Jonathan Selvaraj, Mohamed Skaik and Rayan Ahmad are all making good progress and gaining experience. Within the UAE women’s programme, you have Sara Ali Abubaker, Aassiya Saleem, Intissar Rich, Jamie Camero, Hannah Alan, Lara El Chaib and Anca Mateiu all pushing forward.

Then from Morocco, you have players like Adam Bresnu, Hugo Trommetter, Ayoub Lguirati and Mehdi Fakori are all progressing very well, while on the women’s side Maha Haddioui and Ines Laklalech continue to perform at a high level. From Egypt, Issa Abou El Ela is another great example.

It’s improving throughout the whole Arab region. There’s more structure now, more opportunities, and most importantly, the players believe they can compete at that level.

Main image: Emirates Golf Federation

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This article was featured in the April 2026 issue of Golf Digest Middle East. Click here for a digital issue of the full magazine

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