Press Release
The DP World Tour today announced a new partnership with Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region, who have become an Official Partner, and the Official Banking Partner, to two more flagship tournaments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – the 2025 DP World Tour Championship, and the 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship.
Both tournaments are premium Rolex Series events that sit within the DP World Tour Play-offs – the climax of the season-long Race to Dubai. Emirates NBD will now become the Official Banking Partner of the 2025 DP World Tour Championship, which takes place from 13-16 November at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. This is the final event on the DP World Tour schedule and boasts a stellar line-up of world class golfers, including recent Grand Slam winner and 2024 champion, Rory McIlroy. The tournament was named Major Event of the Year at the 2025 Middle East Sport Industry Awards.
Emirates NBD will then become the Official Banking Partner of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship, which takes place from 5-8 November 2026 at Yas Links Golf Club, Abu Dhabi. As part of the partnership, Emirates NBD will enjoy a prominent brand presence across both tournaments, including on-course signage, as well as premium hospitality opportunities. This new agreement builds on Emirates NBD’s existing relationship with the DP World Tour, where it is already an Official Partner of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Emirates NBD Group is a leading financial services brand in the Middle East and North Africa. The Group employs more than 30,000 people, representing more than 90 nationalities, making it one of the largest and most culturally diversified employers in the UAE. The company provides a wide range of financial services, including retail, corporate, and investment banking, and has a significant international presence.
Both the DP World Tour Championship and the Abu Dhabi Championship, together with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, deliver significant economic impact to the UAE each year, welcoming thousands of overseas visitors and helping to promote the Emirate as a world-class golf tourism destination. As leading bank committed to fostering growth across the region, Emirates NBD are well placed to support the continued growth of these tournaments, and the game of golf, across the Middle East.
Marwan Hadi, Group Head, Retail Banking and Wealth Management, at Emirates NBD, said: “As a leading national bank, Emirates NBD is committed to celebrating the UAE’s role as a global hub for sport and culture. Expanding our partnership with the DP World Tour, from one Rolex Series event to three, allows us to further connect with our customers and communities through world-class events that embody the same spirit of ambition and achievement.”
Tom Phillips, Director of Middle East at the DP World Tour, added: “We’re proud that our partnership family, which already includes several of the UAE’s most prominent businesses, includes one of the region’s most influential banking groups. As Rolex Series tournaments, the DP World Tour Championship, the Abu Dhabi Championship and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic provide fans, players, partners and media with an elevated experience that can rival any major sporting event. Emirates NBD’s support will further enhance the experience, while also contributing to the continued growth of golf in the region.”
