The Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the oldest golf tournament in the Middle East, is celebrating its 37th edition from January 22 to 25 at the Emirates Golf Club. This significant milestone includes a week-long tour of Dubai’s schools featuring the iconic Dallah Trophy, aimed at inspiring youth and promoting grassroots golf.
The inaugural day kicked off at The English College, where DP World Tour professional Nicolai Højgaard participated in a meet and greet, engaging with students through a Q&A session. This initiative seeks to foster a connection between young people and the sport, highlighting the excitement of golf.
In addition to the trophy display, students are experiencing golf through engaging taster sessions organized by the Emirates Golf Federation. These sessions are designed to introduce the game in a fun and accessible manner, allowing participants to explore golf firsthand.
The Trophy Tour is being executed in collaboration with The R&A under their Unleash Your Drive in Schools Programme. This initiative plays a crucial role in familiarizing students with golf, promoting its physical and mental health benefits, and ensuring that the game is presented in a welcoming environment.
So far, three schools have joined the 2026 Trophy Tour. After The English College, the tour proceeded to Dubai Heights Academy on Tuesday, followed by Horizon English School on Wednesday. The final destination for the tour will be Bloom World Academy on Thursday.
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, expressed pride in working alongside The R&A and the Emirates Golf Federation. He emphasized the tournament’s commitment to nurturing future golfers and promoting golf as an inclusive and enjoyable sport for young people.