Greening the greens: How Hero Dubai Desert Classic champions sustainability

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is back in Dubai from January 16-19, celebrating its 36th edition.

With a renewed focus on environmental sustainability, the tournament continues to showcase its dedication to both world-class golf and eco-conscious initiatives.

Every year, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic announces a number of innovative solutions to reduce its carbon footprint.

The tournament’s sustainability journey began in 2022 with the “Go for the Green” initiative, which emphasized carbon reduction, resource efficiency, and reducing single-use materials.

By 2023, the event became the first GEO-certified golf tournament in the Middle East, a status it has maintained for two consecutive years.

Green Incubator Challenge

This year, building on its reputation as a leader in sustainable sports, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic launched the “Green Incubator Challenge,” a new initiative inviting individuals and local businesses to propose sustainability-focused ideas.

The challenge provides a platform for innovative solutions, with winning concepts set to be implemented at the 2027 tournament, aligning with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030.

Eco-friendly golf

Green initiatives introduced by the Hero Dubai Desert Classic since 2022 include:

• Generators running on pure biodiesel, supported by Aggreko.
• 270 solar panels installed across viewing areas on the Majlis Course, the Media Centre, and the on-site DP World Tour office.
• A 500kW battery, a new piece of equipment in the region, placed in the players’ lounge.
• Spectators encouraged to use the Dubai metro, with the red line taking them to Al Khail metro station, located just outside Emirates Golf Club.
• An AED 50 parking fee, with funds directed toward planting mangroves locally through the “Park and Plant” initiative.
• Free water refill stations in cooperation with Water for Life, contributing to the elimination of 150,000+ plastic bottles.
• An increased use of BMW electric vehicles, with 50% of the fleet dedicated to player transportation.
• Around 40% of the catering options being vegetarian or vegan, offered by Emirates Catering.
• Last year’s tournament increased waste avoidance from landfills to 95%.

About Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Founded in 1989, the tournament is celebrated as the oldest golf competition in the Middle East.

The 2025 tournament will see 15 players make their Rolex Series debuts on the DP World Tour. A world-class field will compete for a $9 million prize pool at the opening event of the International Swing.