Rory McIlroy hopes to be 14th time lucky at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
McIlroy, who has never won in Abu Dhabi, will return to Yas Links for the Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour, which will be played from November 6-9.
The Northern Irishman leads the Race to Dubai rankings once again this season and will attempt to go past Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros' mark of six Order of Merit crowns that he equalled last year. A third straight Race to Dubai crown will bring him one closer to Colin Montgomerie's all-time record of eight.
McIlroy targets Abu Dhabi victory
Staged by Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the DP World Tour, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is the first event of the Tour's end-of-season showpiece in the UAE. The top 70 available players at the conclusion of the prior event will gather in Abu Dhabi, from where the top 50 qualify for the DP World Tour Championship where the new Race to Dubai champion will be crowned.
The 36-year-old McIlroy became the first European to win the career Grand Slam earlier this year when he added a Green Jacket to his four previous Major victories at the 2011 US Open, the 2012 and 2014 US PGA Championship and The Open in 2014.
However, McIlroy has never won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in 13 previous starts, dating back to his maiden appearance in the capital in the 2008 edition. He does have a great record in the tournament, though, notching nine top 3 finishes, including a tied third place last year.
His Masters experience will give him plenty of confidence, having made one unsuccessful return after another to Augusta National after coming close to winning in 2011. He finally secured his Green Jacket in his 17th visit to the year's first major championship.
McIlroy, who will tee up in the third major championship of the year at the US Open next week, said: 'I love ending the season in the Middle East and I'm excited to return to Abu Dhabi again for the first of two big events later this year.
'I've started the year well and I've got a good record at Yas Links, so hopefully, I can continue doing what I'm doing and give myself a chance of finishing the season strongly and having a shot of getting another Race to Dubai under my belt.'
Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: 'Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as a world-class golfing destination by hosting internationally recognised tournaments that attract elite players from around the globe. We are proud to welcome Rory McIlroy – one of the sport's greatest talents – to the 2025 edition.
'Since its inception, the Championship has played a pivotal role in supporting sports tourism and generating tangible economic benefits for the region. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the DP World Tour in delivering another outstanding event befitting the prestige of the Rolex Series.
'Hosting global sporting events reflects Abu Dhabi Sports Council's commitment to enhancing both the local and international sports landscape. These events highlight the UAE's proven capabilities in organising large-scale tournaments and reinforce our reputation as a trusted destination for world-class sports competitions.'
England's Paul Waring is the defending champion of the tournament.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
31 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Gold prices rise a day ahead of Eid Al Adha
Gold prices slightly rose at the opening of markets in Dubai on Thursday ahead of key US economic data. The Dubai Jewellery Group data showed 24-carat trading at Dh406 per gram on Thursday morning, up from Dh404.5 per gram at the close of the markets on Wednesday. Among the other precious metal variants, 22-carat, 21-carat and 18-carat opened higher at Dh376, Dh360.5 and Dh309 per gram, respectively. Many gold jewellers and analysts expect gold to maintain its appeal as a safe haven and stay above Dh400 per gram in the medium to long term due to strong demand from central banks, geopolitical tensions and tariffs row. Gold jewellers in Dubai are expecting an increase in sales during Eid Al Adha holidays, which will be celebrated in the UAE from Friday to Sunday. Spot gold was trading at $3,367.62 per ounce, down 0.22 per cent amidst ongoing global economic and political uncertainties, while looking ahead to US payroll data for further economic cues. Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, said technically, gold has now broken above the downtrend from its April 22 record high at $3,500, with that former resistance line now turning into support near $3,325. 'Additional layers of support are seen at $3,280 and the 55-day moving average at $3,223. While we remain cautious about declaring an imminent charge to fresh all-time highs, the macro setup is shifting in favour of precious metals,' said Hansen. 'A potent mix of post-stimulus fiscal drag, tariff-induced supply shocks, waning consumer confidence, a weakening labour market, and deteriorating real spending power may soon warrant a dovish and potentially stronger-than-expected policy pivot from the US Federal Reserve, potentially then sending bullion prices higher towards $4,000,' he added.
Gulf Business
an hour ago
- Gulf Business
UAE SMEs remain optimistic amid economic pressures, reveals RAKBANK index
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE are maintaining a steady sense of optimism despite rising costs and economic headwinds, according to RAKBANK's latest SME Confidence Index. The 2025 report, compiled in partnership with RFI Global, reflects a confidence score of 57, signalling continued resilience in the sector. The findings are based on responses from over 1,200 SMEs across the UAE, surveyed between October and December 2024. While the Index score has declined from 61 in 2023 to 57 in 2024, it remains above the base level of 50, pointing to overall positive sentiment. Also, 68 per cent of SMEs view the future business environment as favourable, and over 60 per cent reported revenue growth in the past two years. 'Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of every thriving economy, and in the UAE, they play a central role in driving diversification and sustainable development,' said Raheel Ahmed, group CEO of Ahmed added that the bank launched the SME Confidence Index in 2024 to capture sentiment, challenges and growth outlook. In a major move to support the SME ecosystem, RAKBANK and Emirates Development Bank announced a strategic Dhs1bn co-financing partnership during the 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. Sector trends and challenges for SMEs Consumer and Retail Services emerged as the highest-performing sector, achieving a confidence score of 60, supported by increased consumer spending and expansion into new business channels. Construction and Manufacturing, Transport, and Trading sectors scored 57, 57, and 58 respectively, showing stable sentiment. However, confidence in Public Services and Professional Services dipped to 56, largely due to higher operating costs and concerns over debt servicing. While more than three in five SMEs recorded revenue increases over the past two years, over two-thirds experienced rising operational expenses. Only 39 per cent expressed confidence in meeting debt obligations, down from the previous year. The report found that smaller SMEs (with revenues up to Dhs30m) had a higher confidence score of 58, while larger SMEs (with revenues between Dhs30–100m) registered a lower score of 55. Digital and sustainable growth in focus Digital transformation continues to gain ground among UAE SMEs. Some 22 per cent now sell products or services online, while 45 per cent use digital banking channels monthly. In parallel, sustainability is becoming a growing priority, with 55 per cent of While navigating ongoing challenges — including the corporate tax regime introduced in 2024, demand for credit, and operational pressures — many SMEs are investing in technology, talent and market expansion to strengthen their competitive edge. 'The sector's forward-looking mindset is especially encouraging,' Ahmed noted. 'We're seeing increased focus on entering new markets, investing in talent, and modernising payment infrastructure. We see our role as a partner in that journey, providing not just financial solutions but also the advisory support needed to help them grow with confidence.'
Arabian Post
2 hours ago
- Arabian Post
UAE Pushes for Trade Deal to Counteract U.S. Metal Tariffs
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The United Arab Emirates and the United States are preparing to initiate negotiations for a potential bilateral trade agreement aimed at reducing or eliminating tariffs imposed during President Donald Trump's administration on UAE steel and aluminium exports. These tariffs include a baseline 10% duty and a specific 25% tariff on steel and aluminium—which the Trump administration plans to double to 50%. The UAE, whose steel and aluminium are significant non-oil exports and accounted for 8% of U.S. steel and aluminium consumption in 2024, is looking to leverage its history of swiftly concluded trade deals with nations such as India, Turkey, and Australia. While the U.S. may pursue a limited agreement rather than a full free trade pact, it is expected to be labeled a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement , consistent with the UAE's past trade deals. ADVERTISEMENT The UAE, Washington's largest trade partner in the Middle East with $34.4 billion in bilateral trade in 2024, is also a major U.S. investor and security ally, hosting American troops and planning $1.4 trillion in future U.S. investments. Both sides reportedly responded positively to the idea during Trump's recent visit to Abu Dhabi, though a timeline for formal talks remains unclear. The Trump administration's decision to double tariffs on imported steel and aluminium to 50% took effect on June 4, 2025, impacting nearly all trading partners except the United Kingdom, which has a preliminary trade agreement with the U.S. The policy significantly affects major U.S. trading partners like Canada and Mexico, with Canada being the leading exporter of aluminium to the U.S. and both countries ranking high in steel exports. UAE-based steel producers expect to escape major impact from the latest move by the U.S. to double tariffs on steel imports. The new tariffs apply to all trading partners except the UK, which struck a preliminary trade agreement with the U.S. last month. However, steel manufacturers in the UAE don't anticipate a hard hit. The U.S. decision to double steel import tariffs 'may have an indirect effect on market dynamics but is not expected to materially impact Emsteel's business,' said Michael Rion, chief commercial officer at Emirates Steel, part of Abu Dhabi-listed Emsteel Group. The company has a 'modest exposure' to the U.S. market, with exports accounting for less than 2% of total annual sales. The UAE's push for a trade agreement with the U.S. is part of its broader strategy to mitigate the impact of increased tariffs and strengthen economic ties. The potential agreement, discussed during President Trump's visit to Abu Dhabi, seeks to address the challenges posed by the new tariffs and reinforce the economic partnership between the two nations.
