Hero Dubai Desert Classic Leads Sustainability Efforts with Green Incubator Challenge

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has reinforced its commitment to sustainability with the introduction of the Green Incubator Challenge, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering individuals and businesses to present innovative solutions for environmentally responsible events. This challenge is set to position the UAE as a global leader in sustainability within the sports industry.

The initiative was revealed during the ‘Beyond the Green’ roundtable at Emirates Golf Club, hosted by Falcon & Associates in partnership with the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation. The event brought together over 40 stakeholders, including key partners and rights holders, to explore ways of reducing environmental impact, enhancing community benefits, and leveraging events as drivers of sustainable change across supply chains.

Expert Insights on Sustainability

Notable speakers at the roundtable included Paul Bush OBE, former Director of Events at VisitScotland; David Stubbs, former Head of Sustainability for the London 2012 Olympics; and Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director of the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation.

The Green Incubator Challenge invites innovators with a focus on sustainability to pitch their ideas during the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The winning concepts will receive investment and be implemented at the 2027 event. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030, building on the tournament’s previous achievements, including its GEO Certification, a distinction it has maintained for two consecutive years as the only GEO-certified golf event in the Middle East.

Sustainability in Action

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has been a pioneer in incorporating eco-friendly practices into its operations. Some key achievements include:

• 95% of waste diverted from landfills through recycling and upcycling efforts.
• 150,000 plastic bottles eliminated through free water refill stations.
• Event energy powered by 270 solar panels and biodiesel, supporting Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050.
• A fleet of 50% electric vehicles for player transportation.
• 40% vegetarian and vegan catering options offered.
• Emissions offset through Gold Standard programs.

The tournament has also engaged spectators in sustainable initiatives such as the ‘Park and Plant’ program, where parking fees are invested in mangrove tree planting, alongside community-focused projects like food bank donations and collaborations with Heroes for Hope.

Commitment to Sustainability

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director at Falcon & Associates, emphasized the significance of the initiative:
"The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is about more than just world-class golf; it’s about driving positive change. The Green Incubator Challenge reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation, offering a platform for local talent to shape a greener future for the UAE."

A Blueprint for the Future

Looking ahead, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic has set ambitious sustainability goals, including the integration of sustainable practices across its operations and the continuation of roundtable discussions and incubator series to foster long-term positive impacts.

Jonathan Smith, CEO of the GEO Foundation, praised the tournament’s leadership:
"The Hero Dubai Desert Classic sets a benchmark for sustainability in sports. Its efforts to reduce environmental impacts and enhance positive outcomes highlight the power of collaboration and leadership in creating meaningful change."

A Storied Legacy

As the oldest golf tournament in the Middle East, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic has played a pivotal role in popularizing golf in the region since its inception in 1989. The 2025 edition, part of the prestigious DP World Tour Rolex Series, will feature a stellar lineup of players, including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, and Viktor Hovland.

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic continues to serve as a beacon of sustainability, innovation, and excellence within global sports.