- Six-Year partnership announced between Dubai’s oldest golf event in the Middle East and Emirates
- Airline first sponsored this tournament in 1989 and today supports 21 golf tournaments globally
Emirates continues to elevate Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for golf with its world-class courses and roster of tournaments
Dubai, UAE, 19 January 2026 – Emirates has announced a significant six-year partnership with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, further strengthening the airline’s long-standing commitment to supporting golf in Dubai.
As the region’s longest-running tournament and among the most anticipated events on the sporting calendar, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the kick-off event of the DP World Tour’s prestigious Rolex Series. Since its inception in 1989, it has brought together some of the biggest names in golf on the iconic Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club. The tournament has evolved into a marquee fixture, attracting global attention and reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a premier destination for championship golf and its passionate following.
As part of the partnership, Emirates will benefit from extensive branding at the tournament’s grounds, including course signage, logo placements on scoreboards and buggies, spectator touchpoints, and digital visibility, to name a few. The airline will also offer premium hospitality, opportunities to participate in the tournament’s Pro-Am events as well as exclusive, ‘money-can’t-buy’ experiences for its guests.
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said, “The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has long been a pillar of Dubai’s sporting calendar, showcasing the city’s premier golf courses to the world and attracting the sport’s biggest names. We’ve been part of that story since the tournament’s early days, helping elevate its reach and reputation. Today, the tournament draws thousands of visitors to Dubai, while golf fans around the world follow the action through international broadcasts and digital platforms, amplifying the city’s standing as a world-class sports destination. As we look ahead, we are committed to expanding the event’s international impact and delivering exceptional experiences for players and fans alike.”
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: ” We are delighted to welcome Emirates back as a partner of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic as this collaboration reflects the tournament’s continued growth and evolution as one of the most anticipated international annual sporting events. What began as a showcase of world‑class golf has grown into a much broader experience, defined by exceptional hospitality, entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to fans of all ages. These are values we proudly share with Emirates, and together we look forward to delivering an outstanding 37th edition for players, partners, and spectators alike. As we welcome an exceptional line‑up featuring Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Shane Lowry and Viktor Hovland, we are equally excited to see this partnership strengthen and flourish in the years ahead”
Through strategic partnerships, iconic courses, world-class facilities, and championship tournaments, Dubai has become a sought-after golfing destination that attracts both professionals and amateurs throughout the year. Emirates has played a pivotal role in this evolution for nearly four decades. Since becoming Official Airline Partner of the DP World Tour in 2014 and partnering with the DP World Tour Championship from its inception in 2009, the airline has helped bring the world’s most elite golfers to Dubai. Today, Emirates’ golf portfolio spans 21 tournaments across 26 countries.
The 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic is taking place from 22 to 25 January and will feature the world’s top players, including Grand Slam Champion and four-time winner of the event, Rory McIlroy, competing for a share of the USD $ 9 million prize.
About Hero Dubai Desert Classic:
The Dubai Desert Classic was founded in 1989 as the first DP World Tour event to take place in the Gulf, and the first and only GEO-certified golf event in the Middle East, highlighting the event’s continued dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainable golf events. Regarded as one of the most significant events on the DP World Tour, and part of the prestigious Rolex Series, it has been credited with paving the way for golf’s presence in the Middle East, as well as creating some of the most iconic moments in golfing history.
Promoted and organised by Falcon and Associates, the tournament played on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club, is fondly referred to as the ‘Major of the Middle East’, due to its legacy and world-class players drawn to the tournament every year. The 37th edition of the event will take place 22–25 January 2026 in Dubai.
To learn more about the tournament, visit www.dubaidesertclassic.com and follow Hero Dubai Desert Classic on Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook, (@dubaidcgolf), or download the new app (Desert Classic) for all the latest event information.
About the Rolex Series
The Rolex Series is the premium category of events on the DP World Tour, comprising five tournaments in 2026, staged in a variety of world-class golfing locations around the globe, each with a minimum prize fund of US$9 million.