As part of its commitment to help build a more sustainable future, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic (HDDC) is adopting many environmental measures for its landmark 35th edition of the tournament this week – the first GEO-Certified event in the Middle East, and the first in the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series.

Organisers have multiple sustainable practices implemented, that you will be able to see, to help make this Rolex Series event at Emirates Golf Club the most eco-friendly edition to date. GEO Certification is an industry-leading credibility standard that recognises leadership and action in environmental and social responsibility.

At the Sustainability Corner in this year’s new-look ‘Tournament Town’, dedicated workshops will take today and Sunday to provide visitors of all ages with a range of fun-filled, engaging activities to improve their understanding of the environment and their role in preserving the earth. 

Young fans will have the chance to create their own unique seed bombs, encouraging participants to plant in a fun way while giving a new second life to plantable pots. The pots – all made from upcycled materials such as newspapers, empty food cans or plastic bottles – now can be taken home and enjoyed as a permanent souvenir.

The Urban Farming workshop will see people learn about permaculture and the companion planting concept. You will be able to identify the right plant pairs and plant them in multiple layers and have the opportunity to take home the pot and see how they grow well together.

Further fun-filled activities include creating new eco-friendly products from neem trees including neem oil, neem scrub and neem soil conditioner, as well as learning how to recycle a shirt into tote bags!

In addition to the activities, high-quality filtered water dispensers, provided by Liquid of Life and Al Laith will be available around the venue. The installation of the dispensers aligns with Dubai Can’s sustainability initiative that aims to minimise single-use plastic bottle waste in Dubai.

The tournament organisers, Falcon & Associates, have again partnered with Dulsco following its successful initiatives in 2023 to divert the majority of waste from landfills across the tournament, while Aggreko returns to install over 400 solar panels that will power the tournament office, DP World Tour office and Media Centre.

Additionally, there will be a fleet of BMW electric vehicles that will transport the players to and from Emirates Golf Club while Hero, the title sponsor of this Rolex Series tournament, will display its Vida electric scooter bikes at Tournament Town. Furthermore, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the Founding Partner of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, has played a vital role in helping to elevating the event and promote its sustainability.

These practices are part of the HDDC’s ‘Go For the Green’ initiative, encouraging people to be more eco-friendly, and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the planet. It also reflects its recent official certification as the first GEO-Certified event in the Middle East, and the first in the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series.