As the world's best golfers prepare to tee off for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship from 13-16 November at Jumeirah Golf Estates, 2025 Masters Champion Rory McIlroy has expressed his admiration for Dubai's vision to become one of the most active and healthiest cities in the world through the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC).
The DFC, launched in 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, encourages residents and visitors to commit to 30 minutes of physical activity for 30 consecutive days throughout November.
Grand Slam Winner McIlroy heads into the DP World Tour Championship – one of several prestigious international events taking place during DFC - leading the Race to Dubai Rankings as he aims to secure a seventh season-long title. The three-time winner of this season-ending event arrives in Dubai fresh from his historic Masters triumph at Augusta National earlier this year, which saw him become the first European to win all four of golf’s Major Championships.
Having had the privilege of meeting His Highness Sheikh Hamdan on several occasions during his visits to Dubai, the Northern Irishman spoke warmly about the leadership's commitment to promoting health and wellness across the emirate.
“Dubai has always held a special place in both my career and my life. I won my first professional title here at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009, I’ve won more tournaments in Dubai than in any other city in the world, and I even called it home for several years. One of my earliest commercial partners was Jumeirah, so in many ways, Dubai has been part of my journey from the very beginning,” said McIlroy.
"The vision behind the Dubai Fitness Challenge is truly inspiring. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan's commitment to making Dubai one of the most active cities in the world is exactly the kind of forward-thinking leadership that makes this city so special."
Having competed in Dubai for almost 20 years, McIlroy returns for his 14th DP World Tour Championship appearance this week after witnessing first-hand the city's remarkable transformation into a global sporting capital. His relationship with His Highness Sheikh Hamdan has given him unique insight into the vision driving this evolution
“What I love about the Dubai Fitness Challenge is that it’s not just for elite athletes — it’s about inspiring everyone, at every age and fitness level, to get active and improve their health,” said McIlroy, a four-time Dubai Desert Classic and three-time DP World Tour Championship winner.
This year, golf is playing a central role in the Challenge through the Golf is Good x Dubai Fitness Challenge initiative. Supported by The R&A and the Emirates Golf Federation, the programme is bringing more than 100 free golf activities across ten venues throughout November, making the sport accessible to participants of all abilities.
Newcomers and seasoned golfers alike can experience a wide range of activities – from golf lessons and simulator sessions to fitness workouts and a Walk to Win step challenge at Jumeirah Golf Estates during the DP World Tour Championship. Free lessons will be available throughout the tournament, offering fans the chance to learn from professional instructors while watching the world's best compete.
"Golf is the perfect activity for people looking to stay active – it combines physical movement with mental challenge, gets you outdoors, and can be enjoyed at any age or fitness level," said McIlroy.
To register for Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025 and learn more information about 'Golf is Good' activities and schedules, visit www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com.
About Dubai Fitness Challenge
An initiative of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) was created to support His Highness’ vision of making Dubai one of the most active cities in the world. Now in its ninth edition, DFC offers an action-packed calendar of free sporting events and activities, bringing friends, families, visitors, colleagues, and communities together as they commit to 30 minutes of exercise for 30 consecutive days.
Organised by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Sports Council (DSC), DFC 2025 runs from 1 to 30 November with highlights being flagship events Dubai Run, Dubai Ride, Dubai Stand Up Paddle, Dubai Yoga, along with three Fitness Villages, 30 Fitness Hubs and thousands of events, classes and activations across the city. For information go to www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com.
