Dubai is set to reaffirm its status as a top early-season golf destination with the 2026 Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort, taking place from January 15 to 18. This event will attract a stellar lineup that includes Major champions, Ryder Cup players, and emerging talents, kicking off the Race to Dubai’s International Swing.
Among the prominent competitors are Open Champions Shane Lowry and Francesco Molinari, enhancing an already impressive roster. Joining them are defending champion Tommy Fleetwood and five-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, alongside other noteworthy players such as Ryan Fox and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
Shane Lowry, a significant figure in recent Ryder Cup events, arrives in Dubai with a history of success in the region. He famously sealed the Ryder Cup victory for Europe at Bethpage Black and aims to translate this success into an effective start to his 2026 season. Lowry won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in 2019 and subsequently the Open Championship, highlighting his competitive edge in the UAE.
Francesco Molinari is also returning to the tournament with aspirations to improve upon his fifth-place finish at the inaugural Dubai Invitational in 2024. With an impressive track record that includes nine victories on the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR, his 2018 Open Championship win remains a career highlight. He played a pivotal role in Europe’s Ryder Cup success in Paris and has continued his contributions as a Vice Captain in recent tournaments.
Molinari expressed enthusiasm for returning to the Dubai Creek Resort, praising the venue’s appeal and the enjoyable nature of the Pro-Am format that characterizes the event.
The Dubai Invitational serves as a prelude to a busy early season of elite golf across Dubai and the wider UAE, where seasoned professionals and rising stars come together to initiate their competitive year. The tournament features a unique structure where 60 DP World Tour professionals compete alongside 60 amateurs in a three-day Pro-Am format, culminating in a professionals-only finale on Sunday. This combination of competition and accessibility has helped the event establish a distinct presence on the Race to Dubai calendar.
In addition to Lowry and Molinari, the entry list includes other well-known golfers such as Padraig Harrington, Danny Willett, Patrick Reed, and Matt Wallace, along with younger talents like Nicolai Højgaard and Eugenio Chacarra.
With free general admission and premium hospitality options available, the Dubai Invitational promises fans an exceptional viewing experience of top-tier golf, further solidifying Dubai’s position as a pivotal location for the global golf season. For additional event information, visitors can check the official DP World Tour website.