- Rory McIlroy to top bill at 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic after historic Grand Slam
- Event to be played from 22–25 January 2026
- Early Bird tickets now on sale for a limited time only
As he marks a history-making season where he finished the career Grand Slam at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy has announced he will be back at Emirates Golf Club to top the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which will take place from 22–25 January 2026.
The five Major champion, who is also at the top of the Race to Dubai Rankings and will be representing Europe in its Ryder Cup defence next week, will travel to Dubai in pursuit of a record fifth Dallah Trophy at the event commonly known as the ‘Major of the Middle East’.
The 2026 event is set to deliver a complete raft of new and innovative additions to treat fans of every age to an unforgettable day out, solidifying the event’s place as one of the top events on the UAE’s sporting and social calendar.
McIlroy’s return to Emirates Golf Club in 2026 will be 20 years after he made his tournament debut as an amateur in 2006. He then went on to win his first Hero Dubai Desert Classic title at the age of 19 in 2009 – his first professional title – before subsequent victories in 2015, 2023 and 2024.
That thriller of a comeback win in 2024 won him a record fourth title and served to reinforce his lasting bond with the tournament and its supporters. “It has been a very special year for me, and I’m looking forward to what’s yet to come,” World Number Two Olesen added. “The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has always been one of my favourite events, and I’m thoroughly looking forward to playing Emirates Golf Club again in January. Dubai is a second home for me – the hospitality there is always fantastic, and it’s the ideal place to begin the year.”
Aside from the first-class golfing action, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will again provide an unparalleled festival environment.
The Tournament Town will be the focal point of off-course entertainment, full of live music and performance, family fun, food trucks, arts and crafts, and interactive activities for everyone. From wellness activities and kids’ zones to family entertainment and interactive activities, it’s a day out for family and friends that will not be forgotten.
Early bird tickets are now on sale across all categories, allowing fans to purchase the best prices for a limited period.
General admission continues to be free on Thursday and Friday, with weekend entry starting at AED 75 during the early bird period (AED 100 advance, AED 125 on the door). Children aged 17 and under are free to attend for all four days.
Hospitality packages are also available with early bird rates for the Dallah Lounge and The Social on Sixteen.
The Dallah Lounge offers the ultimate premium experience, situated between the 9th and 18th greens with gourmet food throughout the day, drinks and private rooftop views of the skyline of Dubai. Prices begin at AED 1,890 on Thursday, going up to AED 2,655 on Friday, AED 2,880 on Saturday and AED 2,970 on Sunday, with a season ticket costing AED 9,875.
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Back by popular demand after an enormous debut year in 2025, The Social on Sixteen will again be overlooking the famous 16th hole, and this year will be twice the size! Patrons can indulge in four hours of complimentary flowing drinks, gourmet casual food and unmatchable views of the action. Early bird passes are now on sale at AED 625 for Friday and AED 710 for Saturday and Sunday.
Already GEO-certified for the third year in a row, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic remains the standard-bearer of sustainable golf tournaments. Organisers in 2026 will also enhance the tournament’s firm focus on health, wellness and mental fitness.
The specialist Mental Fitness Zone, initiated by the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and now back for its third year, will again provide players and entourage with a peaceful retreat to recharge their batteries during a hectic tournament week.
To align with its sustainability objectives, the 2026 tournament will give higher preference to greener modes of transport for visitors. Having the metro right at their doorstep and easy taxi connectivity, fans can have a hassle-free and green travel experience to Emirates Golf Club.
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, further commented: “Rory’s return is the ideal way to kick off our 2026 event.”.
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We never assume his involvement, and to have him return as the Masters Champion following what is arguably the best year of an already outstanding career only adds to the stature of this event. With the introduction of affordable weekend tickets, our strengthened sustainability commitments, and a greater focus on wellness, family experiences and entertainment in Tournament Town, we’re making the Hero Dubai Desert Classic not only one of the great tournaments on the DP World Tour, but also an unmissable highlight of Dubai’s sporting and social calendar.”
Now in its 37th edition, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic continues to be the Middle East’s oldest professional golf tournament and a Rolex Series flagship DP World Tour event, blending leadership in sustainability and world-class sport with unmissable fan experiences.
