Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy will be looking to secure a record-extending fifth victory when he returns to Emirates Golf Club for the 2027 Hero Dubai Desert Classic from 21-24 January.
The world No.2 and career Grand Slam winner is now a six-time major champion after defending his Masters title at Augusta National in April. He became only the fourth player to win back-to-back green jackets, after Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.
It capped a remarkable 12 months for McIlroy, who was also part of the European team which won the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and took his seventh Race to Dubai title to move past Seve Ballesteros.
McIlroy is the most successful player in the history of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. 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, 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.”
Tickets on sale now
Early bird tickets are available now for a limited period. General admission remains free on Thursday and Friday with a registered ticket.
Weekend tickets for the Saturday and Sunday of the tournament are available for AED85 during the early bird window, rising to AED110 pre-event and AED135 on the day. Children aged 17 and under, as well as companions and carers, attend free of charge across all four days.
New for 2027, Rooftop18 replaces The Social on Sixteen and is open on all four tournament days. Overlooking the 18th, ninth and 16th greens, as well as the 17th tee, with the Dubai skyline as a backdrop, it offers a five-hour brunch package with a premium casual buffet and unlimited house beverages. Early bird tickets are priced at AED595 on Thursday, AED795 on Friday and AED895 on Saturday and Sunday. Standard prices are AED695, AED895 and AED995.
The Dallah Lounge, the tournament’s signature premium fan experience offering, has been increased in size and redesigned for 2027, with more capacity and views of the ninth and 18th greens. Early bird prices start at AED1,980 on Thursday, AED2,800 on Friday and AED3,050 on Saturday and Sunday, with an early bird season ticket available for AED 10,500. Clubhouse hospitality is also available from AED500.
Tournament Town and Eat Street
Tournament Town, open to all ticket holders, returns with a curated 2027 programme of live music, entertainment and family activities, including Family Friday. Eat Street, which made its debut in 2026, is also back with more international flavours and casual eats. The full entertainment line-up and Eat Street outlets will be announced closer to the event.
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the oldest professional golf event in the Middle East and a flagship Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour.
To register for free general admission on Thursday and Friday, buy weekend and premium fan experience tickets, see dubaidesertclassic.com