Rory McIlroy will return to Emirates Golf Club in January in search of a record-extending fifth Dallah Trophy, after confirming his place at the 2027 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which takes place from 21–24 January.
The World Number Two and career Grand Slam winner is now a six-time Major champion, having successfully defended his Masters title at Augusta National in April. He became only the fourth player to win back-to-back Green Jackets, after Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods, and drew level with Faldo's tally of six Majors.
It capped a remarkable 12 months for the Northern Irishman. In that time he also won the Ryder Cup with Europe at Bethpage Black, the team's first away victory since 2012, and took his seventh Race to Dubai title to move past Seve Ballesteros. He heads into the final weeks of the 2026 season in contention for an eighth, which would equal Colin Montgomerie's record.
McIlroy is the most successful player in the history of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He made his debut as a 16-year-old amateur in 2006 and claimed his first professional victory at Emirates Golf Club three years later, aged 19. He added further titles in 2015, 2023 and 2024.
“It’s been another incredible year, and to win the Masters again, this time with my parents there to share it with me, was very special. A memory I’ll cherish forever,” said McIlroy. “I love coming to Dubai and the UAE, and I've always considered Dubai a second home. It's where my professional career really started, and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will always mean a lot to me. The support from the fans at Emirates Golf Club is always incredible, and I can't think of a better place to start the year."
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: "We never take Rory's participation for granted, and to have him return as a back-to-back Masters champion is the perfect way to launch our 38th edition. Alongside the world-class golf, we're giving fans more reasons than ever to join us, from Rooftop18 and an expanded Dallah Lounge to more entertainment, food and family activities in Tournament Town."
Tickets on sale now
Early bird tickets are available now for a limited period.
General admission remains free on Thursday and Friday with a registered ticket. Weekend tickets are available for AED 85 during the early bird window, rising to AED 110 pre-event and AED 135 on the day. Children aged 17 and under, as well as companions and carers, attend free of charge across all four days.
New for 2027, Rooftop18 replaces The Social on Sixteen and is open on all four tournament days. Overlooking the 18th, ninth and 16th greens, as well as the 17th tee, with the Dubai skyline as a backdrop, it offers a five-hour brunch package with a premium casual buffet and unlimited house beverages. Early bird tickets are priced at AED 595 on Thursday, AED 795 on Friday and AED 895 on Saturday and Sunday. Standard prices are AED 695, AED 895 and AED 995.
The Dallah Lounge, the tournament's signature premium fan experience offering, has been increased in size and redesigned for 2027, with more capacity and views of the, ninth and 18th greens. Early bird prices start at AED 1,980 on Thursday, AED 2,800 on Friday and AED 3,050 on Saturday and Sunday, with an early bird season ticket available for AED 10,500.
Clubhouse Hospitality is also available from AED 500.
Tournament Town and Eat Street
Tournament Town, open to all ticket holders, returns with a curated 2027 programme of live music, entertainment and family activities, including Family Friday. Eat Street, which made its debut in 2026, is also back with more international flavours and casual eats. The full entertainment line-up and Eat Street outlets will be announced closer to the event.
Health and Wellness
Health and wellness remain a key pillar of the tournament for players and spectators alike. The Mental Fitness & Recovery Zone, pioneered at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, returns for a fourth year, giving players and their teams a dedicated space to rest and recharge during a busy tournament week. Fans can take part in the Step FORE It Challenge, a fun way to get moving while enjoying the golf, as well as health checks and additional wellness activities to be announced soon.
Sustainability
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), a founding partner of the Dubai Desert Classic that has supported every edition since the first in 1989, takes on an expanded role as presenting partner for ‘Go for the Green’ sustainability initiative.
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic was the first golf event in the Middle East, and the first in the DP World Tour's Rolex Series, to achieve GEO Certification. It has now held that status for four consecutive years.
In 2027, the tournament will roll out the winning idea from its Green Incubator Challenge, run with Deloitte. The global competition invited innovators and start-ups to propose sustainable event solutions. Notpla, the winner, will introduce its seaweed-based packaging across all food and beverage outlets. Other new measures include more sustainable signage, a drive to reduce food waste and mangrove planting.
With Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station directly at the entrance to Emirates Golf Club, fans are encouraged to travel by metro.
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the oldest professional golf event in the Middle East and a flagship Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour.
To register for free general admission on Thursday and Friday, buy weekend and premium fan experience tickets, and for the latest event updates, visit www.dubaidesertclassic.com.
