The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the oldest golf tournament in the Middle East, is celebrating its 37th edition this week at Emirates Golf Club.
As part of this milestone year, the tournament is currently taking its iconic Dallah Trophy on a week long tour of Dubai’s schools, reinforcing its long standing commitment to inspiring young people and growing the game at the grassroots level.
The English College hosted the opening day on Monday 19th January and welcomed DP World Tour professional Nicolai Højgaard for a special meet and greet and Q&A session with students. Alongside the trophy display, the Emirates Golf Federation are delivering a golf taster session for each school introducing students to golf through a fun, inclusive and accessible format and ensuring they have the opportunity to experience the game first-hand.
This year’s Trophy Tour is being delivered in partnership with The R&A and the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) through The R&A’s Unleash Your Drive in Schools Programme. The initiative is designed to help students become more familiar with golf as a sport, increase awareness of its physical and mental health benefits, and introduce the game in an engaging and un-intimidating way.
Three schools have already taken part in the 2026 Trophy Tour. The tour continued after The English College, to Dubai Heights Academy on Tuesday 20th January, followed by a visit to Horizon English School on Wednesday 21st January. The final stop will take place tomorrow, Thursday 22nd January, at Bloom World Academy
Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Simon Corkill, said: “As the longest‑running golf event in the Middle East, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is proud to word with The R&A and the Emirates Golf Federation to continue inspiring the next generation of golfers. This year’s Trophy Tour and school taster sessions reflect our commitment to nurturing future talent and ensuring that golf is seen as an inclusive, enjoyable and healthy sport for young people.”
