UAE’s Ahmad Skaik Makes Professional Debut as Mena Golf Tour Launches Historic New Season

The UAE’s top golfing talent Ahmad Skaik will begin the next chapter of his career this week, making his long-anticipated professional debut at the PGA Aroeira Challenge from November 25–27 as the Mena Golf Tour officially launches its 2025–26 season. The tournament is the first of 12 events, each carrying a $100,000 prize fund and offering Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, marking the Tour’s most ambitious relaunch to date.

Skaik, widely recognised as the UAE’s most decorated amateur golfer, chose the Tour’s historic return as the ideal moment to turn professional. His transition comes after a decade of representing the UAE internationally, capped by a gold medal at the 2025 GCC Golf Championship and a standout performance at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Emirates Golf Club, where he finished 13th and spent much of the event inside the top ten.

“I always wanted to turn pro, but I just waited for the Asian Pacific,” Skaik said. “That performance gave me the answer that I’m ready. I’ve had a good season some strong finishes and a win. My game is coming together, and it’s the right time.”

A Season of Opportunity-

The timing is particularly favourable for the Dubai-based 27-year-old. The Mena Golf Tour, spanning the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, provides a competitive pathway close to home as he seeks to establish himself in the professional ranks. Skaik is also targeting success at the Asian Tour Qualifying School final stage, where a top-35 finish would secure his tour card. “More tournaments for us to play around our area  that’s exciting,” he added. “Hopefully a win or two before Q School.”

Headline Matchup: Skaik vs Chris Wood-

Skaik’s debut will be tested immediately against experienced European star Chris Wood, who dominated last week’s Q School at Troia with a six-stroke, wire-to-wire victory. The former Ryder Cup player and three-time DP World Tour winner posted rounds of 66-72-72 to claim the top spot, showing sharp form as he begins his climb back toward elite competition.

Wood’s presence adds a compelling storyline to the season opener: an established champion sharing the fairways with the next generation of emerging pros.

Rising Contenders-

Joining the field are Q School standouts Sebastian Sandin (Scotland), Will Marshall (England) and Nicolas Calvet (France), who finished tied-second to earn Category 3 Tour cards for the full season. All three impressed in challenging conditions at Troia and will look to carry that form into Aroeira as the race for the Order of Merit begins.

Also in the field is French veteran Sébastien Gros, a two-time winner on the HotelPlanner Tour and former top contender on the European circuit. His experience and pedigree inject further depth and intrigue into the season’s opening event.

With emerging regional talent, established European winners and a refreshed 12-event schedule, the Mena Golf Tour’s return signals a powerful new chapter  and for Ahmad Skaik, the beginning of a professional journey long in the making.