Rory McIlroy will return to the Dubai Desert Classic in January 2027, chasing a record-extending fifth Dallah Trophy at Emirates Golf Club. The back-to-back Masters champion has confirmed his place in the 38th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which runs from 21 to 24 January 2027.
A record-breaking year for McIlroy
The world number two arrives in Dubai as a six-time Major champion. In April, he successfully defended his Masters title at Augusta National. As a result, he became only the fourth player to win consecutive green jackets, joining Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods. The win also drew him level with Faldo’s six Majors.
That victory capped a remarkable 12 months for the Northern Irishman. During that time, he helped Europe win the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, the team’s first away victory since 2012. He also claimed his seventh Race to Dubai title, moving past Seve Ballesteros. Moreover, he enters the closing weeks of the 2026 season in contention for an eighth, which would equal Colin Montgomerie’s record.
McIlroy’s history at the Dubai Desert Classic
No player has enjoyed more success at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic than McIlroy. He made his debut as a 16-year-old amateur in 2006. Three years later, aged just 19, he won his first professional title at Emirates Golf Club. He then added further victories 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, added: “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.”
Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2027 tickets
Early bird tickets are on sale now for a limited period.
- Thursday and Friday: free general admission with a registered ticket
- Weekend: AED 85 (early bird), AED 110 (pre-event), AED 135 (on the day)
- Free entry: children aged 17 and under, plus companions and carers, on all four days
Rooftop18: new premium experience
Rooftop18 replaces The Social on Sixteen for 2027 and is open all four days. It overlooks the 9th, 16th and 18th greens and the 17th tee, with the Dubai skyline behind. Guests get a five-hour brunch with a premium casual buffet and unlimited house drinks.
- Early bird: AED 595 (Thursday), AED 795 (Friday), AED 895 (Saturday and Sunday)
- Standard: AED 695, AED 895 and AED 995
Dallah Lounge and Clubhouse Hospitality
The Dallah Lounge, the tournament’s signature premium offering, has been enlarged and redesigned, with more capacity and views of the 9th and 18th greens. Early bird prices start at AED 1,980 on Thursday, AED 2,800 on Friday and AED 3,050 at the weekend. An early bird season ticket costs AED 10,500. Clubhouse Hospitality is also available from AED 500.
Tournament Town and Eat Street
Tournament Town is open to all ticket holders and returns with live music, entertainment and family activities, including Family Friday. Eat Street, which debuted in 2026, also returns with more international food options. The full line-up will be announced closer to the event.
Health, wellness and sustainability
The Mental Fitness & Recovery Zone, pioneered at this event, returns for a fourth year to give players and their teams space to rest. Meanwhile, fans can take part in the Step FORE It Challenge, along with health checks and further wellness activities.
On sustainability, founding partner Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), which has backed every edition since 1989, becomes presenting partner of the ‘Go for the Green’ initiative. The tournament was the first golf event in the Middle East, and the first in the Rolex Series, to achieve GEO Certification, and it has now held that status for four straight years.
In addition, 2027 will see the rollout of Notpla’s seaweed-based packaging across all food and drink outlets. Notpla won the tournament’s Green Incubator Challenge, run with Deloitte. Further measures include more sustainable signage, less food waste and mangrove planting.
Getting to Emirates Golf Club
Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station sits right at the entrance to Emirates Golf Club, so fans are encouraged to travel by metro.
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the oldest professional golf tournament in the Middle East and a flagship Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour. To register for free tickets or buy weekend and premium packages, visit the official Dubai Desert Classic website.
