Hero Dubai Desert Classic // A Winter Day Out With Serious Style

This weekend (22–25 January 2026) the Hero Dubai Desert Classic takes over the world renowned Emirates Golf Club blending world-class golf with all the energy of a festival.

So, whether you’re planning a girls’ day out, a family-friendly afternoon, a foodie meet-up or a laid-back date, there’s something for everyone.

Think sunshine, music, food trucks, family fun and socialising – even if golf isn’t your thing.

Tournament Town and the Kids Zone

Tournament Town is the social heart of the event and the outdoor Kids Zone is now double the size. Think hands-on activities for children and festival vibes for adults.  

Families can explore creative zones featuring arts and crafts, seed-bomb making, soil painting and DIY workshops, alongside hands-on activities such as playdough making, Fluid Bear painting using ceramic bear statues, and Build-a-Bear sessions, all finished with a touch of sparkle from the Glitter Box.

Throughout the day, roaming performers, including The Tee Time Troupe, The Par-tee Players and The Garden Floaters, will bring constant movement and surprise, while airbrush calligraphy artists and caricaturists create personalised keepsakes for visitors of all ages.

The Kids Zone also now features a 2-in-1 bungee trampoline, larger soft play areas, an enhanced VR corner, the Big Red Slide and a variety of lawn games.

Eat Street: A New Foodie Destination

You'll find all your favourite food trucks from homegrown concepts to international names at the brand-new Eat Street which launches for 2026. There's lots of comfortable, casual seating and a giant LED screen streaming the live tournament.

Expect crowd-pleasers from Switch, SALT, Pret, Pizza Express, Vietnamese Foodies and so much more. We're talking gourmet burgers, shawarma, coffee, pho and comfort food – designed for sharing, socialising.

Family Friday at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Family Friday includes a DJ-led family rave with Family Beatz from 3pm to 6pm and the best thing is entry is free! Let's the party commence.

Hospitality options worth the splurge

Social on Sixteen is back and now twice the size, delivering a lively social atmosphere overlooking the iconic 16th hole. Expect enjoy four hours of free-flowing beverages from 12pm to 4pm with delicious food including burgers, crispy chicken and pizzas from The Westin’s Bussola. Lighter bites are also available. Tickets are priced at AED 695 on Friday, and AED 790 on Saturday and Sunday. 

Or, if you're more about enjoying the tournament and the day at your own pace, go for hospitality at the Emirates Golf Club Clubhouse, which combines access to premium dining, comfortable lounges and views of the course and sweeping fairways. Tickets are AED 250 on Thursday and Friday and AED 350 on Saturday and Sunday. 

The best spots if you want to get close to the action

There are lots of public viewing areas across the course and the best vantage points for the 2026 edition include the 1st Tee Grandstand, where fans can watch players tee off, and the 15th Green Grandstand, offering front-row views of one of the Majlis Course’s most exciting holes. 

The 18th Green is now home to a public viewing deck with an integrated bar, creating a lively, standing-only environment as the tournament reaches its climax. Nearby, the Public Bar & Viewing Deck is a two-tier terrace with panoramic views across the 6th, 12th and 14th tees, making it an ideal spot to follow multiple points of play at once. 

Spectators can also enjoy views from the Emirates Deck overlooking the 11th green.

Good to know...

• There's no designated or paid parking at this year's event so public transport is a great option with Al Khail Metro Station just outside the venue.

• General Admission is free for everyone on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 January. Weekend access for adults on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 January is AED 100 with advance purchase (book here) or AED 125 at the door.

• Children under 17 enter free across all four days when registered and accompanied by an adult.

• The event sells out fast so book before you visit to make sure you'll get in!

//