Rory McIlroy has confirmed his place at the 2027 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which takes place from 21 to 24 January at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai. He will be in search of a record-extending fifth Dallah Trophy.
The World Number Two and career Grand Slam winner is now a six-time Major champion after retaining his Masters crown at Augusta National in April. Only three players before him, Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods, had won consecutive green jackets, and his sixth Major put him level with Faldo’s total.
Over the past 12 months the Northern Irishman also won the Ryder Cup with Europe at Bethpage Black, the team’s first away victory since 2012. He took his seventh Race to Dubai title, moving past Seve Ballesteros, and 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 tournament. 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.”
Early bird tickets are on sale for a limited period. General admission stays free on Thursday and Friday with a registered ticket, while weekend tickets cost AED 85 in the early bird window, rising to AED 110 before the event and AED 135 on the day. Children aged 17 and under, as well as companions and carers, attend free on all four days.
Rooftop18 is new for 2027, replaces The Social on Sixteen and is open on all four days. It overlooks the 18th, ninth and 16th greens and the 17th tee, with the Dubai skyline as a backdrop, and offers a five-hour brunch package with a premium casual buffet and unlimited house beverages. The Dallah Lounge has been increased in size and redesigned for 2027, with more capacity and views of the ninth and 18th greens.
Tournament Town, open to all ticket holders, returns with live music, entertainment and family activities, including Family Friday. Eat Street, which made its debut in 2026, comes back with more international flavours and casual eats. The full entertainment line-up and Eat Street outlets will be announced closer to the event.
On wellness, the Mental Fitness & Recovery Zone returns for a fourth year as a space for players and their teams to rest and recharge. Fans can take part in the Step FORE It Challenge and health checks, with additional wellness activities to be announced soon.
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), a founding partner that has supported every edition since the first in 1989, takes on an expanded role as presenting partner for the ‘Go for the Green’ sustainability initiative. The event was the first golf event in the Middle East, and the first in the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series, to achieve GEO Certification, and has held it for four consecutive years.
In 2027 the tournament will roll out the winning idea from its Green Incubator Challenge, run with Deloitte, a global competition that invited innovators and start-ups to propose sustainable event solutions. The winner, Notpla, will introduce 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.
