Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, met with Northern Irish golf superstar Rory McIlroy. McIlroy is a three-time winner of the DP World Tour Championship, the season-ending event of the ‘Race to Dubai’ and part of the prestigious Rolex Series.
According to Emirates News Agency, during the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan congratulated McIlroy on his achievements, including topping the ‘Race to Dubai’ Rankings six times in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2022, 2023, and 2024. He wished McIlroy continued success in the upcoming tournament scheduled in Dubai from November 13 to 16. McIlroy expressed gratitude for the encouragement and shared his hope of securing a seventh championship win. He praised Dubai and the UAE for hosting major tournaments that attract the world’s top golfers.
Following the meeting, attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Dig
ital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, McIlroy, the 2025 Masters Champion, expressed admiration for Dubai’s vision to become an active and healthy city through the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC). McIlroy highlighted his personal connection to Dubai, recalling his first professional title win at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009, and how Dubai has played a significant role throughout his career and life.
McIlroy commended the vision behind the Dubai Fitness Challenge and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan’s commitment to making Dubai one of the most active cities globally. Having competed in Dubai for almost two decades, McIlroy returns for his 14th DP World Tour Championship appearance, witnessing the city’s transformation into a global sporting and wellness capital. His relationship with H.H. Sheikh Hamdan has provided insight into the vision driving this evolution.
McIlroy emphasized that the Dubai Fitness Challenge is not just for elite athletes but aims to inspire everyone to get active and improve their health. He
acknowledged the role of golf in this year’s challenge, highlighting it as an activity that combines physical movement with mental challenge, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
As a Grand Slam winner, McIlroy heads into the DP World Tour Championship, leading the Race to Dubai Rankings, aiming to secure the title for a seventh season. The five-time Major Champion arrives in Dubai after his historic Masters triumph at Augusta National earlier this year, becoming the first European to win all four of golf’s Major Championships.