This festive season, trade traditional gifts for an experience that leaves lasting memories. From 22 to 25 January, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic returns to Emirates Golf Club as one of the city’s most anticipated sporting and social events. Combining world-class golf with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant festival atmosphere, it’s an ideal way to celebrate with friends, family, or colleagues.
There are three ways to experience the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, depending on your mood (and budget). Choose General Admission for a casual day out from AED 100 in advance (AED 125 on the door) and enjoy all the action, entertainment, and atmosphere across Tournament Town and Eat Street. For a social upgrade, The Social on Sixteen offers a lively four-hour food and beverage package with prime views of the 16th hole from AED 695. Or for the ultimate gift for the true golf fan, indulge in Dallah Lounge Rooftop hospitality, complete with gourmet dining, premium beverages, and skyline views, starting from AED 2,100.
Here are five reasons to gift the experience this season for the perfect festive surprise:
1. Enjoy a fun-filled festival weekend under the winter sun
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic isn’t just about world-class golf; it’s a full four-day festival at the picturesque Emirates Golf Club, set against Dubai’s perfect winter skies. With free general admission for adults on Thursday and Friday and weekend tickets starting at AED 100 per day when paid for in advance, or AED 125 at the door, Tournament Town will be buzzing with live music, food trucks, family-friendly entertainment, and multiple viewing areas, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy an action-packed day outdoors with friends and family.
2. Cherish a special family day out
Give the gift of cherished family time this festive season. Children under 17 receive free entry on all four days with a registered ticket and an accompanying adult, making this one of the most family-friendly events on the calendar. With open-air spaces, interactive kid zones, and plenty to keep little ones entertained, it’s the ideal occasion to enjoy a weekend outdoors together. Think engaging hands-on creative zones, including arts and crafts, seed-bomb making, soil painting, DIY workshops, and face-painting with a touch of sparkle from the Glitter Box. Little ones can also look forward to roaming performers, colourful parades, and spectacular juggling acts throughout the day. The dedicated Kids Zone by Double Decker will feature a 2-in-1 bungee trampoline, bouncy castles, soft play, carnival games, a VR game corner, the Big Red Slide, and a variety of lawn games. Just remember, although entry is free, registration is required to secure access and avoid disappointment.
3. Invite golf fans to watch their heroes live in action
Give the golf lover in your life an experience they’ll remember forever. Few experiences come close to seeing some of the world’s best players, including Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, and Tommy Fleetwood, compete at a Rolex Series event in Dubai. The tournament brings together Major champions and rising stars in an atmosphere that’s both competitive and celebratory, with a rare chance to see championship-level golf up close on an iconic course.
Also Read: Top 7 Lebanese Dining Spots in Dubai
4. Delight in a glorious alfresco brunch experience at The Social on Sixteen
Returning after a hugely successful debut in 2025, The Social on Sixteen brunch will once again overlook the stunning 16th hole, and this year it’s double in size. Designed for fans who love to mix sport with a lively social vibe, it includes four hours of free-flowing beverages, premium casual dining, and unbeatable views of the action. With a fun, easy-going atmosphere and one of the best vantage points on the course, it’s the perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon with friends. Tickets are priced at AED 695 for Friday, and AED 790 for Saturday and Sunday, but are very limited, so make sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
5. Savour the most luxurious spectator experience at the Dallah Lounge
The Dallah Lounge offers hospitality between the ninth and 18th greens, with gourmet dining, premium beverages, and panoramic Sky Deck views of Dubai Marina. It’s a relaxed yet elegant way to experience the tournament, whether for a special day out or to treat someone who appreciates the finer details. Although Saturday and Sunday are now sold out due to high demand, Thursday and Friday hospitality tickets are still available, priced at AED 2,100 and AED 2,950 respectively, with a season ticket from 22–25 January available at AED 10,975
As one of Dubai’s most anticipated events, Hero Dubai Desert Classic blends sport, culture, and community in a way few experiences can. With the tournament taking place from January 22–25 at Emirates Golf Club, it’s the perfect opportunity to give a festive gift that lasts far beyond the wrapping paper.
Tickets available at www.dubaidesertclassic.com.