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Career Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy has confirmed that he will once again kickstart 2026 at the Middle East’s longest-running golf tournament, the 37th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
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The first Rolex Series event of the year on the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai will take place on the Majlis Golf Course at Emirates Golf Club from 22–25 January 2026, with the Northern Irishman marking 20 years since his first appearance in the tournament as an amateur in 2006.
Rory McIlroy 2009 Dubai Desert Classic – David Cannon – Getty Images
McIlroy claimed his maiden professional victory at the 2009 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, at just 19 years old, before adding further wins in 2015, 2023 and 2024. The former Dubai resident is looking to capture a record fifth Dallah Trophy at the tournament, widely regarded as the ‘Major of the Middle East’.
“I came to the Desert Classic as a teenager, following Tiger and soaking it all in,” said the World Number Two. “To later debut here and win it four times shows how much this tournament has been part of my journey from the very start.”
“Next year marks 20 years since I first played the Desert Classic as an amateur. The support in Dubai has been incredible from the start, which is why this event means so much to me. Having the chance to chase a fifth win in 2026 is hugely exciting and motivating.”
Liquid of life at Hero Dubai Desert Classic
Already GEO-certified for the third consecutive year, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic continues to set the benchmark for sustainable golf events. In 2026, organisers will also build on the tournament’s strong commitment to health, wellness and mental fitness. The dedicated Mental Fitness Zone, pioneered at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and now returning for its third year, will once again offer players and entourage a quiet space to recharge during a busy tournament week.
In line with its sustainability goals, the 2026 tournament will prioritise greener transport options for spectators. With the metro on the doorstep and convenient taxi links, fans can enjoy a smooth and eco-friendly journey to Emirates Golf Club.
2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am Golf Digest Middle East Team – Jorge Campillo (pro), Nathan Fisher, George Worth, Craig Vance
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, added: “Rory’s return is the perfect way to launch our 2026 event. We never take his participation for granted, and to welcome him back as the Masters Champion after perhaps the finest season of an already sensational career only reinforces the prestige of this tournament.
“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.”
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