Rory Mcilroy, Fresh Off a Milestone Season That Saw Him Complete The Career Grand Slam, is set to headline the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic This January. With eyes on a record fifth title at Emirates Golf Club, Mcilroy’s Return Marks The Center of What Promies to be a Packed, High-Stakes Tournament Weekend in Deubai, Blending Worlding Worlding Worlding Worlding With entertainment, sustainability, and family-friendly experiences.
Mcilroy eyes fifth Dallah trophy at dubai’s golf showpiece
Northern Irish Golfer Rory Mcilroy will return to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for Its 37th Edition, Taking Place from Chiursday, January 22 to Sunday, January 25, 2026, At Eminate Golf Claub. Mcilroy, currently world number two and leading the race to dubai rankings, joins the field just months after completing his carand slam at augusta national, Cementing his power among GOLF ‘ The five-time Major Winner Narrowly Missed out in the 2025 Edition, Finishing Fourth, and Now Returns with the Momentum of a Historic Season. Legendary Names Such as Tiger Woods, SEVE BALLESTEROS, and Ernie Els are among the past champions of the Dubai Desert Classic. That same calibre of elite competition is expected against in 2026. His 2026 appearance marks 20 years since his debut at the tournament as an amateur in 2006. 2023, and 2024, the last of which was a dramatic comeback win that earned Him a Record Fourth Dallah Trophy. “It’s been a very special year for me, and i’m excited about what’s stil to come,” said mcilroy. “The Hero Dubai Desert Classic Has Always Been One of My Favourite Tournaments, and I’m Really Looking Forward to Returning to Emirates Golf Club in January. Always incredible, and it’s the perfect place to start the year. “The 2026 Edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will feature a prize pool exceding aed 33 million (Approx. ₹ 79 Crore), Attracting some of the top-ranched golfers in the world. The Tournament, A Rolex Series Event on the DP World Tour, Continues Its Legacy as the oldest professional gof event in the middle East, NOW ENTERING its 37th year. Regarded as the “Major of the Middle East”, The Event Combines Elite-Level Golf with a Growing Focus on Sustainability, Wellness, and Fan Experience. The 2025 Winner Tyrrell hatton will return to definition his title, as part of a highly competitive field. First hand in 1989, The Dubai Desert Classic was the first-Eve Dp World Tour Event in the Gulf Region, Pioneing The Sport’s Expantion in the middle East. In 2023, it beCame, and remains, the first and only Geo Certified® Golf Event in the Region, Recognized for its Commitment to Sustainable Practices. In 2026, The Tournament Builds Further on this reputation with initiatives such as:
- Grener Transportation Options for Fans, Including Metro Access and Taxi Links.
- The return of the mental fitness zone, now in its third year, providing players and entouches a quint space to recharge.
- Continued Investment in Health and Wellness activations for all participants and visitors.
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, Highlighted mcilroy’s presence as a major milstone:“Rory’s return is the perfect way to launch our 2026 event. Masters champion After Perhaps the Finest Season of an alredy sensational career only reinforces the prestige of this tournament. “
Ticketing and Access: Everything you need to know
Ticketing is now live, with early bird discounts across general admission and hospitality options.
- Thursday and Friday: Free Entry
- Saturday and Sunday:
- AED 75 (₹ 1,795) during Early Bird
- AED 100 (₹ 2,394) Pre-Event
- AED 125 (₹ 2,992) on the day
- Children aged 17 and under: free access all four days
The Dallah Lounge – A Premium offering located between the 9th and 18th greens:
- Thursday: AED 1,890 (₹ 45,222)
- Friday: AED 2,655 (₹ 63,551)
- Saturday: AED 2,880 (₹ 68,707)
- Sunday: AED 2,970 (₹ 70,975)
- Season Ticket (All 4 Days): AED 9,875 (₹ 236,461)
Includes all-day gourmet food, beverages, and rooftop views of Dubai’s Skyline.The social on Sixteen – Returning after a successful 2025 debut and now doubled in size. Overlooking the 16th hole, guests enjoy four hours of:
- Free-Flowing Beverages
- Premium Casual Dining
- Top-tier views of the golf action
Ticket Prisis,
- Friday: AED 625 (₹ 14,962)
- Saturday & Sunday: AED 710 (₹ 17,001)
These price are valid during the Early Bird Window and Subject to Increase Closer to the event. Tickets can be purchased and the latest events can be found on the official Dubai Desert Classic Website.
More than just golf – a full festival experience
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic isn’t only about what happy on the Fairways. Tournament Town, The Event’s Entertainment Hub, Promies A Lively Festival Atmosphere with Attractions for all ages. Expect:
- Live Music and Performances
- Food Trucks and Artisan Stalls
- Arts and crafts zones
- Interactive Activities
- Wellness Experiences
- Dedicated Kids’ Zone
From family outings to social gatherings, the event aims to offer a complete day out that goes far beyond the sport itself.“With the introduction of affordable weekend tickets, our strengthed Said Corkill, “We’re making the hero dubai desert classic not only one of the great tournaments on the DP world tour, but also also an unmissable highlight of dubai’s sporting and social calendar.” With rory mcilroy returning to chase a fifth dubai crown, a record prize pool, enhanced fan experiences, and a deepened focus on sustainability and wellness, the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classicis Shaping up to be one of the most compeling editions. Whether you’re a lifelong golf fan or a first-time visitor, Emirates Golf Club from January 22-25 will be the place to be.
