Dubai set to host Middle East’s largest creator-led golf event
Influencers compete across Faldo and Majlis courses at Emirates Golf Club
DUBAI – The Creators Dubai Desert Classic (CDDC) is set to return for its second edition on 17 and 18 January, reinforcing Dubai’s growing reputation as a global hub for sport, culture and digital storytelling.
Expanding from a one-day showcase to a full weekend competition, the event will bring together 16 of the world’s leading sporting content creators for a unique tournament staged alongside one of the DP World Tour’s flagship events. Organisers say the expanded format is designed to deliver deeper storytelling and richer digital content while highlighting Dubai’s world-class golfing credentials.
The two-round strokeplay competition will once again be staged at Emirates Golf Club, mirroring the stages used by elite professionals just days later. The opening round on 17th January will take place under the lights on the Faldo Course, with the Dubai Marina skyline forming a dramatic night-time backdrop. The second round follows on 18th January on the iconic Majlis Course, the same layout that will host the world’s top golfers competing for the historic Dallah Trophy.
Weekend format
The expanded schedule marks a significant evolution from the inaugural edition, which generated strong engagement across social platforms. Round one’s night golf setting is expected to deliver visually striking content, while the move to the Majlis Course for the final round places creators on one of the most recognisable stages in international golf. The format aims to blend competition with access, allowing creators to capture behind-the-scenes moments that resonate with younger and non-traditional golf audiences.
The Creators Dubai Desert Classic is positioned as a parallel experience to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, transforming the tournament week into a broader digital content engine. Organisers say the initiative reflects changing consumption habits, with audiences increasingly engaging with sport through short-form video, social storytelling and creator-led narratives.
Digital reach
The event builds on the success of its debut edition, which delivered 13.3 million views from a single hero video. When combined with the wider Hero Dubai Desert Classic influencer programme, the campaign generated an estimated 192 million impressions. These figures have helped establish the CDDC as the first, only and largest creator-led golf event of its kind in the Middle East.
By leveraging the reach of established creators, the tournament aims to extend the Hero Dubai Desert Classic’s global footprint beyond traditional broadcast audiences. The approach blends elite sport with lifestyle and travel content, positioning Dubai as both a premier golfing destination and a city built for major international events.
Global lineup
The 2026 lineup features creators from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and across Europe. Confirmed participants include Mac Boucher, Sara Winter, Jay Bark, ForeBrothers, Georgia Ball, Ellie Skoog, Temps, Max & Harry, Owen “Hoyzie”, Caitlinn Mazza, Mei Brennan, Zaire Olde and Tyler Hamilton.
Mac Boucher said returning for the second edition was an easy decision, describing the inaugural event as a special experience and highlighting Dubai’s role in shaping golf’s future through meaningful creator integration. Georgia Ball said the expanded format allows for more authentic moments and stronger storytelling, offering greater opportunities to showcase both the sport and the destination.
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said the event was created in response to a clear shift in how golf is consumed globally. He noted that while traditional broadcast remains vital, the fastest-growing audiences are engaging through digital creators who shape sport and culture in real time. He added that the inaugural results exceeded expectations, prompting organisers to provide greater access and time to help creators connect with new audiences worldwide.
Main tournament
The Creators Dubai Desert Classic leads into the 37th Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which takes place from 22 to 25 January 2026 at Emirates Golf Club. Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton will return to headline a world-class field that includes reigning Masters champion and four-time Dubai Desert Classic winner Rory McIlroy, FedEx Cup champion Tommy Fleetwood, 2022 winner Viktor Hovland, former world number one Dustin Johnson, Open champion Shane Lowry, global star Joaquín Niemann and World Golf Hall of Fame member Pádraig Harrington.
Away from the fairways, Tournament Town will offer live music, entertainment, the new Eat Street food village, and a range of children’s activities and workshops. General admission remains free on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 January. Weekend access for adults on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January is priced at Dh100 with advance purchase or Dh125 at the gate. Children under 17 receive free entry across all four days when registered and accompanied by an adult.
Hospitality options include The Social on Sixteen, overlooking the 16th hole, starting from Dh695, and The Dallah Lounge with all-day inclusive gourmet dining from Dh2,100.
The Creators Dubai Desert Classic highlight video is scheduled for release on 20th January across the Hero Dubai Desert Classic social media channels.