Hamdan bin Mohammed meets Rory McIlroy, six-time DB World Tour champion

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, met today with Northern Irish player Rory McIlroy, ranked second in the world in golf, and the title holder of the sixteenth edition of the DB World Tour Championship, the concluding golf season of the “Race to Dubai” season, and the “Rolex Series” of elite tournaments that were held in Dubai last year.

His Highness congratulated McIlroy on his great achievements in the sport of golf, with him topping the “Race to Dubai” standings six times in the years: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2022, 2023 and 2024, wishing him success with his participation in the next round of the tournament, whose competitions are scheduled to be held in Dubai in the period 13-16 November.

For his part, the Northern Irish player expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his pride in the words of encouragement that he heard from His Highness, as McIlroy confirmed his hope of winning the championship title for the seventh time, noting the great position that Dubai and the UAE enjoy in the world of golf, with the major tournaments it organizes and hosts in which the most important champions of this sport compete for their titles.

During the meeting, which was attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, Rory McIlroy praised Dubai’s ambitious vision to be one of the most active and healthy cities in the world, through the “Dubai Fitness Challenge” initiative, praising the leadership’s continued support to enhance community health and establish a culture of active life in Dubai.

Rory McIlroy said: “What distinguishes the Dubai Fitness Challenge in my opinion is that it is not limited to professional athletes, but rather focuses on establishing a community culture that encourages all members of society, regardless of their ages and fitness levels, to participate, be active and improve their health.”

McIlroy expressed his admiration for the major sporting and community events witnessed in Dubai, stressing that they represent a true source of inspiration, pointing out that His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s interest in stimulating society and making Dubai one of the most active cities in the world embodies an ambitious leadership vision that enhances the city’s distinguished position on the global stage.

McIlroy, winner of four titles in the Dubai Desert Classic and three titles in the final tournament of the DB World Tour, appreciated the prominent role that golf plays within the activities of the Dubai Fitness Challenge this year.

McIlroy is preparing to compete in the final tournament of the DB World Tour – one of the most prominent global tournaments held during the Challenge activities – topping the “Race to Dubai” classification, and looking forward to winning his seventh title in his career full of achievements.