As the Abu Dhabi Challenge tees off this week on the HotelPlanner Tour, eyes in the region will be on Egypt’s Issa Abou El Ela, one of the leading amateur talents representing the growing strength of Arab golf.

Hailing from Alexandria, Abou El Ela returns to the Garden City with fond memories. “I last played here a long time ago on the MENA Tour. It was a lot shorter back then, but I have some good memories, and I’m hoping to relive them. I’m very thankful to the Arab Golf Federation, the Emirates Golf Federation, and my own Egyptian Golf Federation for their support in helping me play here.”

Now 30, Abou El Ela is no stranger to international competition. A graduate of Oklahoma City University in the states, he continues to work closely with his American coach, despite the geographical location. “There weren’t many coaching options when I returned to Egypt, and Laurence and I just clicked. I can’t seem to get rid of him—I always find a way to go back!”

With a second coach, Phil, also in the mix, Issa values a mix of perspectives. “I’m not a technical player. I just need a quick look and a confidence boost. It’s more about reassurance than rebuilding.”

In 2023, Issu made headlines by making the cut on the Asian Tour’s PIF Saudi International, sinking a dramatic 30-foot birdie putt on the final hole. “It was such a stacked field, and to make the cut that way meant a lot.” Then just weeks ago, he came within touching distance of a title at the Red Sea Egyptian Classic on the Pro Golf Tour, finishing runner-up. He also claimed the Pan-Arab Championship title in 2023—one of his proudest achievements.

Issa Abou El Ela - Abu Dhabi Challenge - Getty Images / Octavio Passos

Issa Abou El Ela at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Challenge – Octavio Passos / Getty Images

Behind Abou El Ela’s rise lies strong institutional support from the Egyptian Golf Federation, who have backed his journey from junior golf to elite amateur status. “They’ve been nothing but great to me, both under the old and new leadership,” he says. “They’re helping grow the game, and I’m proud to represent Egypt.

“Arab golf is booming right now,” he says, citing the likes of the UAE’s Ahmad Skaik and Morocco’s Adam Bresnu, who made the cuts at last week’s UAE Challenge and the DP World Tour’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic, respectively, “These are all steps towards putting Middle Eastern golf on the global map.”

The rise has been aided by initiatives like the Arab Golf Series, which Abou El Ela believes is creating genuine unity and opportunity. “It’s not just about playing the Pan-Arabs and disappearing until the next one. Now there’s structure and continuity.

As golf investments increase across the Middle East and North Africa, he sees real potential for a homegrown champion to emerge. “With the climate, the infrastructure, and the ability to bring in top talent, golf just makes sense for this region,” he says. “Why can’t it be someone from here—whether me or another Arab player—who wins on a major tour?”

“It’s up to us and our federations to commit, to meet more often, and to play more events. I really believe we’re going to grow as a region—and I’m excited to be part of it from the start.”

Looking ahead to this week, Issa remains relaxed. “I’m just trying to have fun and make the cut,” he says. “There’s no point putting pressure on myself—I’m not playing for thousands of dollars. I just want to enjoy it.”

Main Image: Octavio Passos