Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, met with Rory McIlroy, Northern Irish golf icon and three-time DP World Tour Championship winner. This event is the highlight of the ‘Race to Dubai’ and a prestigious part of the Rolex Series.
During their meeting, Sheikh Hamdan praised McIlroy for his outstanding achievements, including topping the ‘Race to Dubai’ Rankings six times: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2022, 2023, and 2024. He also wished McIlroy success in the upcoming tournament in Dubai from November 13 to 16.
McIlroy expressed gratitude to Sheikh Hamdan for his support and shared his ambition for a seventh championship win. He applauded Dubai and the UAE for hosting top-tier tournaments that attract leading golfers worldwide.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, attended the meeting. McIlroy, a 2025 Masters Champion, admired Dubai’s vision of becoming a global hub for activity and wellness through the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC).
“Dubai holds a special place in my career and life. I won my first professional title here at the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic and have won more tournaments in Dubai than anywhere else. Dubai has been a part of my journey from the start,” McIlroy said.
He added, “The vision of the Dubai Fitness Challenge is inspiring. Sheikh Hamdan’s dedication to making Dubai one of the most active cities showcases forward-thinking leadership.”
Having competed in Dubai for nearly 20 years, McIlroy returns for his 14th DP World Tour Championship, witnessing the city’s transformation into a global sports and wellness center.
His connection with Sheikh Hamdan has offered him unique insights into this evolution.
“The Dubai Fitness Challenge isn’t just for athletes; it inspires everyone 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 highlighted golf’s vital role in this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge, describing it as the perfect blend of physical activity and mental challenge, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
McIlroy enters the DP World Tour Championship, one of DFC 2025’s prestigious events, leading the Race to Dubai Rankings and aiming for his seventh title.
The five-time major champion arrives fresh from his historic Masters win at Augusta National, becoming the first European to win all four Major Championships.
