His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, met today (Monday) with Northern Irish golf icon Rory McIlroy, a three-time DP World Tour Championship winner and one of the most successful players in Race to Dubai history.
During the meeting, His Highness congratulated McIlroy on his exceptional achievements, including topping the Race to Dubai Rankings six times (2012, 2014, 2015, 2022, 2023 and 2024), and wished him success ahead of this year’s season-ending event, taking place from 13–16 November at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
McIlroy on Dubai’s Vision for a Healthier, More Active City
McIlroy expressed his gratitude for His Highness’ encouragement and spoke of his ambition to secure a record-extending seventh Race to Dubai crown. He praised Dubai and the UAE for hosting world-class tournaments that consistently attract the game’s elite players.
The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications. Following the visit, McIlroy — the reigning Masters Champion — highlighted his admiration for Dubai’s ambition to become one of the world’s most active and healthiest cities through the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC).
“Dubai has always held a special place in both my career and my life,” McIlroy said. “I won my first professional title at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009, I’ve won more tournaments here than anywhere else in the world, and I even called the city home for several years. Dubai has been part of my journey from the very beginning.”
Making Dubai the most active city in the world
He added: “The vision behind the Dubai Fitness Challenge is truly inspiring. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan’s commitment to making Dubai one of the most active cities globally is exactly the kind of forward-thinking leadership that makes this place so special.”
Returning for his 14th DP World Tour Championship appearance, McIlroy reflected on almost two decades of competing in Dubai and witnessing its transformation into a global sporting and wellness hub. His longstanding relationship with His Highness has given him a unique perspective on the ambition driving the city’s development.
“What I love about the Dubai Fitness Challenge is that it’s not just aimed at elite athletes — it inspires everyone, of all ages and fitness levels, to get moving and improve their health,” said McIlroy, a four-time winner of the Dubai Desert Classic and three-time DP World Tour Championship champion.
Chasing a Seventh Race to Dubai Crown
McIlroy also highlighted golf’s growing presence within this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge, noting that the sport offers the perfect balance of physical activity, mental focus and outdoor lifestyle — making it ideal for anyone looking to stay active.
The five-time Major Champion arrives in Dubai leading the Race to Dubai Rankings and targeting a seventh season title. Fresh from his historic Masters victory at Augusta National — where he became the first European to win all four Major Championships — McIlroy begins the week as one of the headline stars of DFC 2025 and the DP World Tour’s season finale.
