Sheikh Hamdan Meets Golf Star Rory McIlroy in Dubai

His Highness 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 Northern Irish golf superstar Rory McIlroy on Monday. McIlroy is a three-time winner of the DP World Tour Championship, the season-ending event of the “Race to Dubai,” which is part of the prestigious Rolex Series. The meeting reflected the shared commitment of Dubai and the global sports community to promoting excellence, health, and fitness.

During their meeting, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan congratulated Rory McIlroy for his outstanding achievements in the sport of golf. McIlroy has topped the “Race to Dubai” rankings six times — in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2022, 2023, and 2024 — a record that places him among the greatest golfers of all time. Sheikh Hamdan wished McIlroy continued success in the upcoming DP World Tour Championship scheduled to take place in Dubai from November 13 to 16, 2025. The Crown Prince praised McIlroy’s consistency, discipline, and sportsmanship, which continue to inspire both athletes and fans around the world.

In response, Rory McIlroy expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan for his encouragement and support. He thanked Dubai for providing world-class facilities and opportunities for golfers to perform at the highest level. McIlroy also expressed his excitement about returning to Dubai, where he aims to win his seventh “Race to Dubai” title. He praised the UAE’s leadership for hosting major international tournaments that attract top talent from across the globe and for promoting the sport’s growth in the region.

After the meeting, which was also attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Rory McIlroy shared his admiration for Dubai’s long-term vision. The 2025 Masters Champion praised the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), launched under the leadership of Sheikh Hamdan, for inspiring residents to live healthier and more active lives. McIlroy said Dubai’s goal of becoming one of the world’s most active and healthiest cities shows the city’s forward-thinking leadership and strong commitment to community well-being.

Rory McIlroy reflected on his deep connection with Dubai, saying the city has always held a special place in his career and life. He recalled that his first professional victory came at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009, and that he has won more tournaments in Dubai than in any other city in the world. McIlroy also lived in Dubai for several years, and one of his earliest commercial partnerships was with Jumeirah, a Dubai-based brand. He described Dubai as a key part of his journey in golf, both personally and professionally.

McIlroy highlighted how impressed he is with the vision behind the Dubai Fitness Challenge. He said the initiative is not just for professional athletes but for people of all ages and fitness levels. He praised Sheikh Hamdan’s leadership in promoting a culture of fitness that motivates everyone to improve their health and stay active. According to McIlroy, the DFC demonstrates that sports can bring communities together and inspire positive lifestyle changes, making Dubai a model for wellness worldwide.

Rory McIlroy also acknowledged the growing role of golf in this year’s edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. He explained that golf is an ideal sport for those who wish to stay active, as it combines physical movement, mental focus, and time spent outdoors. McIlroy added that golf can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels, making it a valuable part of Dubai’s broader goal to encourage healthy living and sports participation across society.

As he prepares for his 14th appearance at the DP World Tour Championship, McIlroy arrives in Dubai leading the Race to Dubai Rankings once again. He hopes to secure the title for a record seventh season, further cementing his legacy as one of golf’s all-time greats. McIlroy’s arrival in Dubai follows his historic victory at the Masters Tournament earlier this year, where he became the first European golfer to win all four Major Championships — a career Grand Slam achievement.

Having competed in Dubai for nearly two decades, McIlroy has witnessed the city’s remarkable transformation into a global hub for sports, wellness, and tourism. He credited Sheikh Hamdan’s leadership for driving this evolution and for making Dubai a symbol of active living and sporting excellence. McIlroy said that his close relationship with Sheikh Hamdan has given him a deep appreciation for the vision and determination behind Dubai’s growth as a leading destination for athletes and sports enthusiasts.

The meeting between Sheikh Hamdan and Rory McIlroy reflected a shared passion for sports, fitness, and excellence. Both leaders believe in the power of sport to unite people, inspire ambition, and promote healthier lifestyles. Their conversation symbolized the strong bond between Dubai’s leadership and the international sports community. As McIlroy prepares to compete again in Dubai, the city stands ready to welcome another chapter in its growing legacy as a home for champions and a beacon of global sporting success.