10 days to go: Here are 10 things to look forward to at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Sponsored: Family-fun, food, fabulous entertainment, and some fantastic golf too…

There’s just 10 days to go until the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, arguably the biggest and best sporting event that kicks off the Dubai calendar each year. Now in its 36th year, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic returns to Emirates Golf Club from January 16 to 19.

You can look forward to a stellar line-up of superstar golfers, an all new F&B experience, and even a mini-festival that all ages will love.

Here are 10 great reasons to get your tickets. 

It’s free entry

For several years now, tickets for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic have been free, making the tournament accessible for all. You just need to register via dubaidesertclassic.com.

But there’s also an all-new ticket option

New for 2025, there’s an elevated ticket option – Social on 16 – for the real golf fans to secure their spot right in the heart of the action. Situated overlooking the 16th green of the iconic Majlis Course, it offers fun, food and drinks all for Dhs695, with unlimited drinks and a selection of food included. You can get your tickets here.

There’s also the traditional hospitality option at the fabulous Dallah Lounge, priced at Dhs2,000 and available to buy here.

Of course, there’s some all-star golfers coming to town

Defending champion Rory McIlroy will tee off against some of the biggest names in the business, as he seeks to secure a record fifth Dallah Trophy. He’ll be joined by European Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood and double Major champion Jon Rahm, who will be making his tournament debut. Additionally, the field will include notable players such as Akshay Bhatia, Tyrrell Hatton, Adam Scott, and Robert MacIntyre.

There’s prime viewing spots all the way around the course

Begin at the Grey Goose Bar, where a viewing terrace over the driving range allows you to watch the players practice. Then head to one of the well-positioned grandstands at the 1st, 15th or 18th holes to watch the golfers battle it out.

There’s also a bar and viewing terrace on the back of the 14th green, with views of 14 green, and tees 6, 12 and 18.

Away from golf, there’s lots of fun to be had at tournament town

The ever-popular Tournament Town promises something for everyone. Think live music, entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting and workshops, plus loads more.

Families are taken care of with Family Friday

Family Friday is always a brilliant way to ease into the weekend, and all ages are invited for a fun-filled day on the gloriously sun-soaked greens.

… Which this year includes a family-friendly rave

Another exciting addition for 2025 is FamilyBeatz on Friday January 17, a unique family-friendly rave from 3pm to 6pm. Promising all the best bits from an old school night out – a live DJ, entertainment, and a dancefloor to get your groove on – but safe and inclusive for all ages, it’s one families won’t want to miss.

And so are foodies, with lots of great names to look forward to

To keep you fuelled up, there’s an array of beloved food trucks offering sweet, savoury and healthy dishes, with a strong focus on homegrown favourites. Alongside the all-star golfing, an all-star array of restaurants will include Pickl, Vietnamese Foodies, Salt, Allo Beirut, Switch, and Yorkshire Burrito.

There’s a tournament you can take part in too

If you’re already on a fitness kick this January, then get involved with Step Fore It, a new step challenge that will dish out prizes for the tournament-goers who amass the most steps throughout the event.

Sign up from 7am daily at Tournament Town, and submit your final count by 6pm on Thursday to Saturday and 4pm on Sunday. Each day, the top three participants with the highest step counts will win exclusive prizes.

There’s a green edge to the Desert Classic, which you can learn all about

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 21: Tournament Town Sustainability on day four of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 21, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)

The GEO-Certified tournament in 2023 and 2024 is the only Middle Eastern golf event to attain the status the last two years, recognised for its commitment to sustainability. And you can learn all about its green edge on the fringes of the er, greens, with sustainability workshops on Saturday and Sunday designed to provide visitors with fun-filled, engaging activities to improve their understanding of the environment and their role in preserving the earth.

And getting there is oh, so easy

Guests are encouraged to use public transport, taking a taxi to Emirates Golf Club, or take the metro and get off at Al Khail station, situated right outside the club’s main entrance.