Post by : Maya Rahman

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, welcomed renowned Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy on Monday. Notably, McIlroy has triumphed at the DP World Tour Championship three times, part of the esteemed Rolex Series. This meeting epitomized the joint dedication of Dubai and the global sports community to foster excellence, health, and wellness.

During their conversation, Sheikh Hamdan applauded McIlroy for his remarkable contributions to golf. With six titles in the ‘Race to Dubai’ rankings—2012, 2014, 2015, 2022, 2023, and 2024—McIlroy ranks among the sport’s all-time greats. Sheikh Hamdan wished him luck for the upcoming DP World Tour Championship, scheduled for November 13 to 16, 2025, commending McIlroy’s unwavering discipline and sportsmanship that motivate fans and athletes alike.

In gratitude, McIlroy thanked Sheikh Hamdan for his backing and acknowledged Dubai's stellar facilities that allow golfers to excel. Eagerly anticipating his return, he aims for his seventh ‘Race to Dubai’ title and hailed the UAE's leadership for hosting significant international events that attract global talent while promoting the sport in the region.

Post-meeting, attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, McIlroy expressed admiration for Dubai’s long-term vision. The 2025 Masters Champion praised the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), inspired by Sheikh Hamdan, for encouraging residents toward healthier, more active lifestyles. He emphasized how Dubai’s quest to become one of the leading cities in fitness reflects its progressive leadership and commitment to community health.

Reflecting on his unique bond with Dubai, McIlroy shared how pivotal the city has been to his professional and personal life. He recalled claiming his first professional win at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009 and noted that he has secured more tournament victories in Dubai than anywhere else globally. McIlroy previously resided in the city, beginning a commercial partnership with Dubai-based Jumeirah.

McIlroy applauded the vision of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, remarking that it serves to engage everyone, not just professional athletes. He highlighted Sheikh Hamdan’s role in fostering a fitness culture that encourages all individuals to enhance their health and maintain active lifestyles. According to McIlroy, the DFC exemplifies how sports unite communities and inspire transformative habits, positioning Dubai as a global model for wellness.

Additionally, McIlroy noted the elevated prominence of golf within this year’s Dubai Fitness Challenge. He emphasized golf as an excellent means of staying active, blending physical exercise, mental engagement, and outdoor enjoyment, making it suitable for various age groups and fitness levels. This aligns with Dubai's broader goal of promoting health and active participation within society.

As he readies himself for his 14th appearance at the DP World Tour Championship, McIlroy leads the Race to Dubai Rankings once again, aiming for a record seventh title to further solidify his status in the golf world. His arrival in Dubai follows a historic win at the Masters Tournament this year, marking him as the first European golfer to achieve a career Grand Slam by winning all four Major Championships.

Having competed in Dubai for nearly 20 years, McIlroy has seen the city evolve into a global center for sports, wellness, and tourism. He credited Sheikh Hamdan's leadership as pivotal in this transformation, positioning Dubai as a beacon of active living and sports excellence. McIlroy described his close relationship with Sheikh Hamdan as enhancing his deep appreciation for Dubai’s ambitions as a leading destination for sports enthusiasts.

The meeting reaffirmed the mutual passion for sports, fitness, and excellence shared by Sheikh Hamdan and Rory McIlroy. Both leaders recognize the ability of sports to unite people, inspire aspirations, and promote healthier lifestyles. Their dialogue underscored the strong connection between Dubai’s leadership and the international sports community. As McIlroy looks forward to competing again in Dubai, the city is prepared to embrace yet another chapter in its legacy as a thriving hub of champions and a symbol of global sporting achievement.

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