Tee Off at 'Mina Golf Tour': 12 Exciting Tournaments in the New Season

MENA Golf Tour Returns with Global Ambitions and Major Tour Partnerships

The MENA Golf Tour is staging a comeback for the 2025-2026 season with an expanded 12-tournament schedule and strategic partnerships that could reshape professional golf pathways in the Middle East. Led by former DP World Tour executive Keith Waters, the UAE-based circuit aims to provide direct qualification routes to major international tours, positioning itself as a crucial stepping stone for regional and global talent.

Strategic Relaunch Under Veteran Leadership

Keith Waters, former Chief Operating Officer of the DP World Tour and board member of the Official World Golf Ranking, has been appointed as President and Commissioner to spearhead the tour's revival. His appointment signals serious intent to elevate the circuit's profile and credibility within professional golf's ecosystem.

The tour will kick off with qualifying rounds in November, followed by the opening tournament in Portugal—a strategic choice that extends the circuit's reach beyond its traditional Middle Eastern and North African base.

Bridging Regional Talent with Global Opportunities

The MENA Tour's unique position as the only Official World Golf Ranking-recognized circuit headquartered in the Middle East gives it significant leverage in talent development. Since its 2011 launch, the tour has hosted tournaments across the UAE, Morocco, and Jordan, gradually expanding its global footprint.

Waters emphasized the tour's role as a vital pathway for golfers worldwide, citing success stories like Robert MacIntyre, who progressed from the MENA Tour to win prestigious titles including the RBC Canadian Open on the PGA Tour and the Genesis Scottish Open on the DP World Tour.

Direct Qualification Partnerships

The tour has revealed ongoing discussions with both the DP World Tour and Challenge Tour to establish direct qualification pathways. This development could eliminate traditional barriers that have historically limited Middle Eastern players' access to Europe's premier golf circuits.

Such partnerships mirror successful models in other regions, where developmental tours serve as official feeders to major circuits. The Asian Tour's relationship with the DP World Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour's role as the PGA Tour's primary pathway demonstrate the commercial and competitive value of these arrangements.

Market Implications and Regional Competition

The MENA Tour's relaunch comes amid intense competition for golf's growing Middle Eastern market. Saudi Arabia's LIV Golf has disrupted traditional tour structures with massive financial backing, while the UAE continues to host multiple DP World Tour events, including the season-ending championship.

The tour's success will largely depend on its ability to attract quality fields and secure meaningful prize funds. Unlike LIV Golf's disruptive model, the MENA Tour's integration with existing structures could prove more sustainable and appealing to players seeking traditional career progression.

Long-term Vision for Middle Eastern Golf

The circuit's expansion reflects broader regional investment in golf infrastructure and talent development. With the UAE hosting major championships and Saudi Arabia investing heavily in golf facilities, the MENA Tour could benefit from increased regional participation and government support.

The tour's ability to develop local talent while attracting international players will be crucial for its commercial viability. Success stories like MacIntyre provide compelling evidence of the pathway's effectiveness, potentially attracting both players and sponsors to the revamped circuit.

The 2025-2026 season will serve as a critical test of whether the MENA Tour can establish itself as a legitimate force in professional golf's increasingly complex landscape.