A practical guide to enjoying the “Major of the Middle East”
With 37 days to go, the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic will return to Emirates Golf Club from 22 to 25 January 2026. The Rolex Series event continues to grow beyond golf, combining top-level sport with live music, food, family activities and outdoor entertainment during Dubai’s winter season. The tournament offers something for golf followers, families, and visitors looking for a full day out.
The 2026 field brings several leading names back to the Majlis Course. Masters champion Rory McIlroy returns as he targets a fifth Dallah Trophy and marks 20 years at the event. Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton will compete alongside FedEx Cup winner and World Number Three Tommy Fleetwood. Major winners Dustin Johnson and Shane Lowry are also confirmed, as well as Ryder Cup player Viktor Hovland, winner of the 2022 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Further player announcements are expected.
Families will see major updates this year, with the kids’ zone in Tournament Town now twice its previous size. On Family Friday, DJ Julie will lead Family Beatz. Across the weekend, children can take part in activities such as sustainability workshops, including Mosaic and Glo & Go sessions, along with seed-bomb making, soil painting, DIY stations and face painting by the Glitter Box. The programme also includes roaming performers, parades and juggling shows. The expanded Kids Zone by Double Decker adds a bungee trampoline, larger soft play areas, more games, a VR zone and the Big Red Slide.
Adult visitors can enjoy a new evening music programme in Tournament Town, running from 5:30pm until late. The line-up includes live bands, vocal acts and DJ sets. Skyline and Sweet Chilli Jam Band will perform acoustic cover sessions, followed by DJ Rainier, who will close the evening with mainstream dance and pop tracks.
Food takes centre stage this year with the launch of Eat Street, a new area dedicated to casual dining. The space brings together well-known Dubai-based brands and international names in one location. Visitors can choose from food trucks and seating areas while watching live coverage of the tournament on a large LED screen. The line-up includes MrBeast Burger, Salt, Topgolf favourites, Hangry Joes Hot Chicken & Wings, Yalla Mahalla and Vietnamese Foodies.
The Social on Sixteen also returns, offering a brunch-style experience overlooking the 16th hole. The package includes four hours of drinks and a selection of casual dining options. Tickets are priced at AED 695 for Friday, and AED 790 for Saturday and Sunday, with demand expected to remain high.
Core features of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic remain in place for 2026. Fans can access public viewing platforms, watch the final moments on Championship Sunday, and see Major champions compete at close range on the Majlis Course.
Dallah Lounge hospitality packages are available on Thursday and Friday. Prices start from AED 2,100 and include views of the 9th and 18th holes, drinks, dining and live cooking stations.
General Admission is free on Thursday 22 January and Friday 23 January. Adult weekend tickets for Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January cost AED 100 when purchased in advance, or AED 125 at the gate. Children under 17 can attend free on all days when registered and accompanied by an adult. With attendance reaching capacity last year, early registration is advised.
Tickets and further event information are available at www.dubaidesertclassic.com or through the Hero Dubai Desert Classic app on Android and Apple devices.
