The 2026 Dubai Invitational kicks off the DP World Tour action for the year with just the second edition at Dubai Creek Resort from January 15-18.
The opening event of the International Swing of the DP World Tour season, it features a limited field of 60 players chasing a €2.75 million purse.
The invitational event is restricted to past Race to Dubai winners, DP World Tour winners, European Ryder Cup players and top performers from the 2024/25 season.
It is just the second addition following the inaugural tournament in 2024 which was won by Tommy Fleetwood in Dubai.
He is back to defend the title against a field that also includes tournament favourite Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry among the 60-strong line-up at Dubai Creek.
Current 2026 Dubai Invitational Betting Odds
| Player | Betting Odds |
|---|---|
| Rory McIlroy | 4.00 |
| Tommy Fleetwood | 5.00 |
| Shane Lowry | 13.00 |
| Jayden Schaper | 17.00 |
| Nicolai Hojgaard | 17.00 |
| Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen | 17.00 |
| Thorbjorn Olesen | 21.00 |
Dubai Invitational Leading Contenders
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy dominated 2025 with four worldwide wins, including The Masters to complete the career Grand Slam, The Players Championship, Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Irish Open.
He posted eight PGA Tour top-10s, a seventh Race to Dubai title after finishing runner-up at DP World Tour Championship, tied-third in Abu Dhabi and an unbeaten Ryder Cup contribution for Europe’s victory.
His elite game perfectly matches Dubai Creek, where he’s won previously, and he is the one to beat in the opening tournament of 2026.
Tommy Fleetwood
Tommy Fleetwood enters with solid momentum, highlighted by his DP World India Championship victory late 2025 and multiple top-5s.
His 72% GIR average and birdie-making prowess suit the par-72 Dubai Creek layout’s scoring conditions and that was highlighted when he won the inaugural Dubai Invitational in 2024.
Fleetwood’s course affinity and steady ball-striking position him well for another crack at winning on the DP World Tour.
Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry showed flashes in 2025 – including sealing victory for Europe in the Ryder Cup, though majors were mixed beyond a solid Open showing.
His elite putting and wind-play resilience – key for potential Dubai gusts – and past performances in the UAE make him a value contender at each-way odds if the Irishman brings his A-game.
Jayden Schaper
South Africa’s Jayden Schaper has a breakout 2025 courtesy of back-to-back victories to end the year in the Alfred Dunhill Championship and Mauritius Open in play-offs.
His improved SG: Approach rankings were key and Schaper’s upward trajectory and power off the tee make him a lively outsider in this elite field.
Nicolai Hojgaard
Nicolai Hojgaard didn’t have his best yet in 2025 but did show flashes, including when in Abu Dhabi contention in similar circumstances.
With his length off the tee fitting Dubai Creek’s par-5s, the big-hitting Dane can be contender this week if the flatstick cooperates.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.