Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 16 January 2024: As part of its commitment to help build a more sustainable future, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic (HDDC) is adopting a number of environmental measures for its landmark 35th edition of the tournament this week – the first GEO-Certified event in the Middle East, and the first in the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series.
Taking place from 18th to 21st January, organisers have confirmed sustainable practices that will be implemented to help make the Rolex Series event at Emirates Golf Club the most eco-friendly edition to date in its milestone year. GEO Certification is an industry-leading credibility standard that recognises leadership and action in environmental and social responsibility.
At the Sustainability Corner in this year’s new-look Tournament Town, dedicated workshops will take place on Saturday and Sunday to provide visitors of all ages with a range of fun-filled, engaging activities to improve their understanding of the environment and their role in preserving the earth.
Young fans will have the chance to create their own unique seed bombs, encouraging participants to plant in a fun way while giving a new second life to plantable pots. The pots – all made from upcycled materials such as newspapers, empty food cans or water waters – can be taken home and enjoyed as a permanent souvenir.
The Urban Farming workshop will see people learn about permaculture and the companion planting concept. They will be able to identify the right plant pairs and plant them in multiple layers and have the opportunity to take home the pot and see how they grow well together.
Further fun-filled activities include creating new eco-friendly products from neem trees including neem oil, neem scrub and neem soil conditioner, as well as learn how to recycle a shirt into tote bags.
For more information on this year’s sustainable activities in Tournament Town, visit: https://dubaidesertclassic.com/tournament-town-schedule
In addition to the activities, high-quality filtered water dispensers, provided by Liquid of Life and Al Laith will be available around the venue. The installation of the dispensers aligns with Dubai Can’s sustainability initiative that aims to minimise single-use plastic bottle waste in Dubai.
The tournament organisers have again partnered with Dulsco following its successful initiatives in 2023 to diverted the majority of waste from landfills across the tournament, while Aggreko returns to install over 400 solar panels that will power the tournament office, DP World Tour office and Media Centre.
Additionally, there will be a fleet of BMW electric vehicles that will transport the players to and from Emirates Golf Club while Hero, the title sponsor of the Rolex Series tournament, will display its Vida electric scooter bikes at Tournament Town. Furthermore, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the Founding Partner of HDDC, has played vital role in helping elevating the event and promoting sustainability.
These sustainability practices are part of the HDDC’s ‘Go For the Green’ initiative, encouraging people to be more eco-friendly, and reaffirm its commitment to protecting the planet. It also reflects its recent official certification as the first GEO-Certified event in the Middle East, and the first in the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series.
This year’s tournament has attracted a stellar field headlined by World No.2 and defending champion Rory McIlroy who will be bidding for his fourth HDDC title. Joining the Northern Irishman are reigning Open Champion Brian Harman, six-time DP World Tour winner Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and American Cameron Young.
The illustrious tournament will also feature European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald, Rolex Series winner Ryan Fox and Major Champions Pádraig Harrington, Francesco Molinari and Adam Scott.
Spectators can look forward to a wider variety of options off the course than ever before with something for fans of all ages to enjoy across the tournament.
Visitors are being encouraged to travel by the Dubai Metro with Al Khail Metro Station right outside the Club’s entrance, while those driving can pay AED 50 to park with all parking fees will be used to plant mangrove trees in Dubai.
With free general admission tickets, fans can visit the all-new Hero Dubai Desert Classic app available on App Store or Google Play or visit www.dubaidesertclassic.com to secure their tickets and or more information.