All-star line-up expands at Hero Dubai Desert Classic

With one month to go until the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, five more stars have been added to the line-up for the highly anticipated tournament at Emirates Golf Club from January 22-25.

Rolex Series champion and two-time PGA Tour winner Ryan Fox, multiple Major winner Pádraig Harrington, 2023 Ryder Cup star Nicolai Højgaard and DP World Tour winners Tom McKibbin and Joaquín Niemann will join an already stellar field for the first Rolex Series event of the 2026 Race to Dubai.

The quintet will compete alongside defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, reigning Masters Champion and four-time Hero Dubai Desert Classic winner Rory McIlroy, reigning FedExCup Champion Tommy Fleetwood, 2022 Hero Dubai Desert Classic winner Viktor Hovland, 2019 Open Champion Shane Lowry and former World Number One Dustin Johnson.

New Zealand's Fox enjoyed a breakthrough year on the PGA Tour in 2025, claiming victories at the Myrtle Beach Classic and the RBC Canadian Open within weeks of each other.

The 38-year-old, who won his fourth DP World Tour title at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in 2023, will tee it up on the Majlis Course for the 10th time.

"I enjoy playing in Dubai, and particularly at an event like the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, with such an incredible history," said Fox. " I'm looking forward to teeing it up at Emirates Golf Club again and hopefully getting the 2026 season off to a strong start."

Ireland's Harrington, the World Golf Hall of Fame inductee, won back-to-back Open Championships in 2007 and 2008, the latter followed up with a PGA Championship victory later that summer to become the first European to claim consecutive Major titles since 1930.

The 54-year-old, who captained Europe at the 2021 Ryder Cup, continues to compete at the highest level, winning two senior Major championships in 2025.

"Playing in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic helps get my season off to a good start and it is always a really enjoyable week. Playing golf in Dubai has been a key part of my career spanning three decades, and I'm looking forward to going back once again in 2026," said Harrington.

Denmark's Højgaard, who was part of Luke Donald's victorious European Ryder Cup team at Marco Simone in 2023, knows how to win in Dubai, having claimed the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates with a stunning back-nine birdie blitz later that same year.

The 24-year-old and his twin brother Rasmus made history in 2025 by becoming the first twins to compete at The Masters together.

"Dubai holds great memories for me after winning the DP World Tour Championship," said Højgaard, who also enjoyed success in the UAE when he secured the second of his four DP World Tour titles at the 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Championship.

"The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is one of the biggest events on tour and it's always a fantastic way to start the season. I'm excited to compete against such a strong field."

McKibbin, 23, won the Porsche European Open during his rookie season on the DP World Tour in 2023, and the Northern Irishman, who hails from the same town as McIlroy, impressed with a tied-sixth finish at the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

"The 2025 tournament was an excellent week for me. The Majlis Course is a superb test of golf, and as a Dubai resident, it’s always special to compete in my adopted home. I’m already looking forward to competing again at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in January," McKibbin said.

Chile's Niemann returns to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic for his second appearance, after impressing with a tied-fourth finish on his debut in 2024.

"I really enjoyed my first experience at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and I'm looking forward to coming back," said Niemann.

"The Majlis Course suits my game and with such a strong field, it's the perfect way to start the year. I have great memories of Dubai and I'm excited to compete again."

1 month to go. ⏳

The countdown is on and the field is getting even stronger. 👀

Now announcing…#HeroDubaiDesertClassic #HDDC2026 pic.twitter.com/cl2vKLDXUt

— Hero Dubai Desert Classic (@DubaiDCGolf) December 22, 2025

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: "With one month to go, the excitement is building for what promises to be an exceptional 37th edition of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Ryan, Pádraig, Joaquín, Nicolai and Tom represent the very best of the modern game – from established champions to rising stars who are redefining what's possible on Tour. Combined with the world-class names already confirmed for January, we're set to deliver a week of outstanding golf and entertainment for our fans."

Beyond the global golfing competition, the tournament transforms into the must-attend event on the January Dubai social calendar, blending world-class golf with live entertainment, fun family activities, and exceptional dining experiences.

Fans can look forward to Tournament Town, featuring a packed calendar of events and activations for adults and children alike.

With live bands and DJs performing into the night, there is something for everyone. The Family Zone is now double the size for 2026 due to high demand, offering exciting hands-on activities such as sustainability workshops, a 2-in-1 bungee trampoline, expanded soft play and a VR corner, plus a dedicated family-friendly rave on Family Friday for toddlers to teens from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

This year, the brand-new Eat Street foodie destination will bring together Dubai's most celebrated homegrown food vendors alongside international favourites.