The DP World Tour Play-offs are set to witness an exciting new chapter with Emirates NBD stepping in as the Official Banking Partner for two major upcoming events. This partnership highlights the bank’s commitment to enhancing the profile of golf in the region, particularly as they sponsor the 2025 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and the 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship.
The DP World Tour Championship, positioned as the finale of the Race to Dubai, will occur from November 13 to 16, 2025. This prestigious event, held at Jumeirah Golf Estates’s Earth Course, serves as a pinnacle of the golf season, offering not just trophies but significant ranking points and historical significance. Last year, the tournament was recognized as Major Event of the Year, highlighted by Rory McIlroy’s thrilling last-minute victory.
Emirates NBD’s expanded involvement extends beyond just these two tournaments, as it also continues its partnership with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. This move signals a deeper engagement with a region that has become a major player in the world of golf. The upcoming Abu Dhabi Championship, hosted at Yas Links, promises to enhance the bank’s visibility with on-course branding and premium hospitality outlets, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a sought-after golf destination.
Marwan Hadi, the Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, emphasized the bank’s dedication to celebrating the UAE’s position as a global hub for sports and culture. This partnership aims to connect with customers and communities, offering world-class events that reflect shared values of ambition and achievement.
Moreover, this collaboration brings fresh energy to the DP World Tour, which has already been successful in attracting significant international attendance and a wide broadcast audience. Tom Phillips, the Director of Middle East at the DP World Tour, acknowledged the importance of partnering with influential regional brands like Emirates NBD, noting that it strengthens the tour’s connections to key local businesses.
The DP World Tour Championship, alongside the Abu Dhabi Championship and Hero Dubai Desert Classic, is designed to deliver an experience on par with the most significant global sporting events. The continued support from Emirates NBD is anticipated to amplify these experiences, fostering golf’s ongoing growth in the UAE.
With these two high-profile events now backed by Emirates NBD, the expectation for the upcoming DP World Tour season has never been higher. Golf enthusiasts are looking forward to another thrilling year, particularly with Rory McIlroy expected to lead a stellar lineup in Dubai, setting the stage for potential memorable moments in the sport.