And it’s set to be one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year
Golf fans, it’s time to start counting down the days as Rory McIlroy is officially coming back to Dubai.
The five-time Major winner and newly minted career Grand Slam champion has confirmed he will headline the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club, taking place from 22 to 25 January 2026.
It’s set to be one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year, and Rory’s return only adds to the buzz.
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It’s been twenty years since he first teed it up at the event as a teenage amateur in 2006, and the iconic Majlis course has played witness to some of his most memorable moments since.
He claimed his first professional victory here in 2009 at just 19, then came back to lift the Dallah Trophy again in 2015, 2023, and in dramatic fashion in 2024.
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A win this time would make it an unprecedented fifth title, and you can bet he’s hungry for it.
“The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has always been one of my favourite tournaments,” said McIlroy. “Dubai feels like a second home; the support is always incredible, and it’s the perfect place to start the year.”
And it’s not just about world-class golf. The tournament is promising an unforgettable festival-style experience off the course too.
Tournament Town will be buzzing with live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, and family activities throughout the week, transforming the event into a social highlight as much as a sporting one.
With Rory chasing history, the Majlis course ready to shine, and Dubai set to host four days of world-class golf and entertainment, the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic is shaping up to be unmissable.
22-25 January, Emirates Golf Club. General admission is free on Thursday and Friday, while early bird weekend tickets start from just AED 75, with children aged 17 and under going free all week. For further information, visit dubaidesertclassic.com
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