Middle East catastrophe continues to impact golf and sport in the region

The United States of America and Israel attack on Iran, and Iran's retaliation against their allies in the region is continuing to impact professional golf in the region, with the Hotel Planner Tour postponing two upcoming events in the United Arab Emirates.

Buildings in Tehran damaged by US-Israeli strikes (Tasnim News Agency)

The Hotel Planner Tour released the following statement this morning: Given the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the decision has been made to reschedule back-to-back events in the UAE that were due to take place next month.

The RAKBANK UAE Challenge will remain at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club and will now take place from September 24-27, with the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club the following week, running from October 1-4.

These tournaments will now follow straight after the Open de Portugal and directly before back-to-back events in China. This change in the schedule prioritises the safety of all members, whilst also ensuring that playing opportunities are maximised, with 29 tournaments still on the Road to Mallorca schedule.

Whilst the two tournaments have been rescheduled, this is an evolving situation that we will continue to monitor very closely.

With no definitive end to the conflict apparent, there is a very real danger that these events may not take place in October, and the end of the DP World Tour season itself must be in doubt. The Abu Dhabi Championship and DP World Tour Championship are scheduled for 5-8 November and 12-15 November. The Asian Tour's PIF Saudi International also takes place 19-22 November.

Other sports have also been impacted severely with Formula 1 cancelling the upcoming Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, and its races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi must also be in doubt. F1 said: It has been confirmed today that, after careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April.

While several alternatives were considered, it was ultimately decided that no substitutions will be made in April.

The Formula 2, Formula 3 and F1 ACADEMY rounds will also not take place during their scheduled times.

The decision has been taken in full consultation with the FIA and respective promoters.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage considering the current situation in the Middle East.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so.”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “The FIA will always place the safety and wellbeing of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind. We continue to hope for calm, safety and a swift return to stability in the region, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events.

“Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow. My sincere thanks to the promoters, our partners, and our colleagues across the championship for the collaborative and constructive approach that has led to this decision.”

Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain International Circuit said: “We fully support the decision by Formula 1, and we are grateful to them and to the FIA for their support and enduring partnership. We look forward to welcoming fans from all around the world back to Bahrain when F1 returns. On behalf of all of us at BIC, I take this opportunity to offer our sincere thanks to all those in the F1 community who have taken the time to send us messages of support.”

HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and Chairman of the Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), said: “The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation respect the decision taken by Formula 1 regarding the 2026 race calendar. Fans across the Kingdom were once again looking forward to the Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this April, but we understand the considerations behind this decision and remain in close partnership with Formula 1."

Moto GP has also postponed its upcoming race in Qatar.

There are no upcoming major Boxing shows scheduled for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but the WBC World Heavyweight Championship bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven in Giza, Egypt on May 23 may be at risk if the conflict continues. So far Iran's retaliation has not expanded outside the traditional middle east, but with this being a high profile event all considerations for safety of fans, athletes and stakeholders must be made.

SHANK, by Matt Hooper