Having competed in Dubai for almost 20 years, Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy returns this week for his 14th DP World Tour Championship appearance, having witnessed firsthand the city's remarkable transformation into a global sporting and wellness capital. His relationship with His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has given him unique insight into the vision driving this evolution.
"What I love about the Dubai Fitness Challenge is that it's not just for elite athletes; it's about inspiring everyone, at every age and fitness level, to get active and improve their health," said McIlroy, a four-time Dubai Desert Classic and three-time DP World Tour Championship winner.
McIlroy also acknowledged the significant role golf is playing in this year's Dubai Fitness Challenge. He commended Dubai and the UAE for hosting major tournaments that draw the world's top golfers.
Following a meeting with His Highness, the 2025 Masters Champion expressed his admiration for Dubai's vision to become one of the world's most active and healthiest cities through the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC).
"Dubai has always held a special place in both my career and my life. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, met with Northern Irish golf superstar Rory McIlroy, three-time winner of the DP World Tour Championship. During the meeting, His Highness congratulated McIlroy on his remarkable achievements, including topping the 'Race to Dubai' Rankings six times, and wished him continued success in the upcoming tournament scheduled in Dubai from November 13-16.
Meanwhile, McIlroy thanked His Highness for his encouragement and shared his hope of a seventh championship win. He said that golf is the perfect activity for people looking to stay active as it combines physical movement with mental challenge, gets you outdoors, and can be enjoyed at any age or fitness level.
Grand Slam winner McIlroy heads into the DP World Tour Championship— one of several prestigious international events taking place during DFC 2025 - leading the Race to Dubai Rankings as he aims to secure the title for a seventh season. The five-time Major Champion arrives in Dubai fresh from his historic Masters triumph at Augusta National earlier this year, which saw him become the first European to win all four of golf's Major Championships.
"The vision behind the Dubai Fitness Challenge is truly inspiring. His Highness's commitment to making Dubai one of the most active cities in the world is exactly the kind of forward-thinking leadership that makes this city so special. I won my first professional title here at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009, I've won more tournaments in Dubai than in any other city in the world, and I even called it home for several years. One of my earliest commercial partners was Jumeirah, so in many ways, Dubai has been part of my journey from the very beginning," said McIlroy.
