The 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic tees off this Thursday 22nd of January, and runs all weekend until Sunday 25th January. It’s four whole days of world-class golf, family fun, live entertainment and foodie highlights. If you’re wondering what’s on for families – here’s a little guide – with a very brief introduction on the golf-aspect 🙂

Here’s what’s on for families at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in Emirates Golf Club.

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The Golf : A Star Line-Up Worth Seeing Live 

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic remains the oldest professional golf tournament in the Middle East, and in 2026 it’s serving up one of the strongest player fields yet. 

Fans can look forward to seeing Masters winner Rory McIlroy compete with former World No.1, Dustin Johnson, and defending 2025 champion, Tyrrell Hatton. Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, Patrick Reed, Nicolai Højgaard, Ryan Fox are all returning to Dubai to tee it up on the iconic Majlis Course, with the kind of up-close access you don’t get at most global tournaments. 

For local golfing fans Emirati Ahmad Skaik will make his first performance as a professional golfer.

Tournament Town : The Kids’ Area in Hero Dubai Desert Classic

This year’s biggest update at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is Tournament Town, with the kids’ area is now double the size, offering activities designed to keep children entertained all day, while adults enjoy the festival atmosphere around them. 

Creative Zones : Arts and Crafts by Toddle

Families can explore creative zones with a host of paid activities for the little ones. There will be face-painting, arts and crafts like slime making, money pot decorating and canvas painting. Look out for hands-on favourites including playdough making, Fluid Bear painting, and Build-a-Bear, topped off with sparkle from Glitter Box.

Price : Varies, from 30 to 70 AED

Roaming Performers

Throughout the day, roaming performers including The Tee Time Troupe, The Par-tee Players and The Garden Floaters bring surprises across the grounds, while airbrush calligraphy artists and caricaturists create personalised keepsakes. 

Price : Free

Play Area : Welcome to the Jungle by Double Decker

The upgraded Kids Zone by Double Decker is also expanded. There will be a 2-in-1 bungee trampoline, bouncy castle, larger soft play and more carnival games for little and big kids. Look out for the bigger VR Game Corner, a Big Red Slide, and lawn games. It’s essentially a playground dream for younger visitors. 

On Friday 23rd January between 3pm to 6pm – Families can join FamilyBeatz, Dubai’s first family-friendly rave with teen sensation DJ Julie on the decks alongside live acts and kid-approved party energy. 

Price : Free

Kids Show : Saturday Performance from Wicked  

On Saturday 24th January, a surprise WICKED performance from Broadway Entertainment Group will enchant Tournament Town from 3:00pm to 3:30pm. This is followed by a 3:30pm–3:45pm meet and greet with Elphaba and Glinda, where children and families will be guided onstage for photos.

This special appearance offers a taste of the global phenomenon that has captivated over 65 million theatregoers, with its iconic musical moments like “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good.” Centred on the powerful story of two extraordinary young women whose friendship shapes their destinies, WICKED brings its spellbinding themes of sisterhood, identity, and empowerment to life in a once-in-a-lifetime moment of pure magic. 

Price : Free

Note : WICKED will be on at Dubai Opera from the 28th January to 15th February. Tickets are available at dubaiopera.com. USE CODE : DFG20 for 20% OFF all tickets.

See Tournament Town’s Daily Schedule

The Important Information

What to wear & bring

There will be a lot of walking involved, so please remember to come prepared, with :

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Refillable Water Bottle [ There will be water dispensers throughout the course ]

Getting There

• Location : Emirates Golf Club – See location
• Parking : Not available at Emirates Golf Club
• How to get there : Public transport
  • Metro : Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station – Directly outside Emirates Golf Club’s Main Entrance
  • Taxis
  • Bus : Route 83 stops at Al Fardan Exchange Metro Station

Prices

General Admission

• Adults
  • Free with registration | Thurs 22nd & Fri 23rd Jan
  • 100 AED Online, 125 AED At the Door | Sat 24th & Sun 25th Jan
• Kids under 17
  • Free with registration & accompanying adult

Get General Admission Tickets Here

Note that there are other hospitality packages available ie Social on Sixteen – a 4-hour brunch, Dallah Hospitality Lounge, and Clubhouse. See www.dubaidesertclassic.com for more details