Tiger Woods will make his debut in Abu Dhabi by confirming he will tee up in next January’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Woods has previously competed in Dubai but this will be the first occasion the former long-time World No. 1 will be seen in the UAE capital.

Tiger Woods turning his back on Dubai to compete next year in Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship for a first time.

Woods will join three reigning major winners heading Abu Dhabi’s 2012 lineup – Charl Schwartzel (U.S. Masters), Rory McIlroy (U.S. Open) and Darren Clarke (British Open) in the event being played from January 26th to 29th at the stunning Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Confirmation of Woods Abu Dhabi debut appeared on his website – www.tigerwoods.com.

“I have heard so much about Abu Dhabi and the Championship which is a favorite among many of the players who return each year,” Woods said.

“I’m looking forward to 2012 and what I hope will be a great year of golf for me. I’ve always enjoyed playing in HSBC events around the world, so I have been interested in including the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in my schedule for some time. I am also intrigued to spend time in Abu Dhabi. Visiting new places is one of the things I really enjoy about being a professional golfer.”

Woods will head to Abu Dhabi with a good Middle East record having captured the 2006 and 2008 Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Joining Woods, Schwartzel, McIlroy and Clarke in Abu Dhabi next January will be current World No. 1 Luke Donald along with Germany’s Martin Kaymer, the defending champion and three-time winner of the gleaming Falcon trophy plus Englishman Lee Westwood.

Also set to make his Abu Dhabi appearance is leading world ranked Australian Jason Day who with Woods and Schwartzel is contesting this week’s Presidents Cup in Melbourne, Australia.

“The giants of golf are coming to Abu Dhabi,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, events manager, ADTA.

“Traditionally, we have prioritized depth of field at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, and that has not changed for our seventh year. It is safe to say we are amassing the finest field to ever contest a Middle East tournament.

“Much loved by Abu Dhabi galleries, the ever-popular Martin Kaymer will be back; but to win a fourth title, he must overcome his sternest challenge yet. The collection of world-class contenders includes familiar faces and some new ones. We are confident that record crowds will gather to see Tiger Woods make his Abu Dhabi debut in what will be his only competitive Middle East appearance of the year.”