Emirates NBD, one of the Middle East’s leading banking groups, has deepened its footprint in professional golf by becoming the official banking partner of two flagship DP World Tour Play-Off tournaments, the 2025 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and the 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship.
The partnership marks a significant expansion of Emirates NBD’s association with global golf, building on its current role as an official partner of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Through the new agreement, the bank will gain prominent on-course branding, hospitality access, and exclusive fan engagement activations across both tournaments, reinforcing its growing influence within the sport’s top competitive tier.
The DP World Tour Championship, to be held from November 13–16, 2025, at Jumeirah Golf Estates, serves as the grand finale of the season-long Race to Dubai, featuring the Tour’s top 50 players. Meanwhile, the 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links Golf Club will continue its position as a Rolex Series event, known for its elevated prize money, global TV reach, and strong participation from the world’s best golfers.
Speaking about the partnership, 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.”
The alliance reinforces the UAE’s ambition to position itself as a global epicenter for sport and tourism, showcasing world-class venues and attracting international audiences. It also aligns with the DP World Tour’s broader strategy of strengthening its footprint in the Middle East through strategic commercial partnerships.
Beyond golf, Emirates NBD has established a robust sports marketing portfolio that includes its partnership with the DP World International League T20 and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, underlining its commitment to advancing the UAE’s sporting landscape and promoting the country’s global influence through elite sport.
