Hero Dubai Desert Classic Launches Global Sustainability Challenge

Dubai, UAE: The Hero Dubai Desert Classic (HDDC), in partnership with Deloitte, has launched the Green Incubator Challenge, a global initiative inviting entrepreneurs, start-ups, students, and companies to submit innovative sustainable solutions for events. The winning idea will be implemented at the 2027 DP World Tour and Rolex Series tournament.

The challenge aims to accelerate sustainability innovation across the sports and entertainment industries. Participants can submit both new concepts and ready-to-use solutions to help events reduce their environmental impact and address climate change challenges.

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is already a leader in sustainability, being the first golf event in the Middle East and in the DP World Tour Rolex Series to achieve GEO Certified® Tournament status for three consecutive years. It is now the first golf tournament worldwide to launch a global challenge crowdsourcing sustainable event solutions.

Winning teams will receive professional support from the tournament organizers and Deloitte, the event’s strategic Knowledge Partner. Deloitte, a global leader in sustainability and climate change consulting, will provide mentoring, guidance, and evaluation to ensure ideas are both visionary and practical.

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said:
"We’re proud to launch the Green Incubator Challenge as golf’s first initiative of its kind, promoting sustainable innovation in sport and entertainment. We hope to find bold ideas that will shape the future of sustainable events globally."

Daniel Gribbin, Sustainability Leader at Deloitte Middle East, added:
"The Challenge shows how collaboration between the sports industry and innovators can accelerate greener events. We are excited to support this initiative and help bring these solutions to life."

Maria Grandinetti-Milton, Director of Sustainability at the DP World Tour, said:
"As part of our Green Drive programme and our commitment to be net zero carbon by 2040, we encourage tournaments to embrace sustainability. The Green Incubator Challenge is another example of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic leading the way."

A shortlist of submissions will be announced on 18 November 2025, with three finalists revealed on 19 December 2025. Finalists will present their solutions during the 2026 tournament.