World No 2 Rory McIlroy kick-started his quest to defend his Dubai Desert Classic title with an impressive stunt on top of the Atlantis The Royal, Dubai.
The Northern Irishman bids for a fourth Dallah trophy when the Rolex Series event tees off at Emirates Golf Club on Thursday.
McIlroy's audacious drive not only set the stage for an epic week but also delivered a jaw-dropping hole-in-one, setting the golfing world ablaze with anticipation.
"I'm thrilled to be back on the Majlis this weekend, a course filled with cherished memories, especially from last year's triumphant finish," said McIlroy, referring to his wins in 2009, 2015 and 2023.
"Dubai holds a special place in my heart, and the dynamic evolution of the city is truly awe-inspiring. The view from where we stand is a testament to that, and I am really looking forward to this weekend's event."
The four-time major winner will face competition from an elite field of golf’s top talents, with major winners Padraig Harrington and Francesco Molinari, world No 9 and reigning Open Champion Brian Harman, as well as fellow Ryder Cup winning teammates Luke Donald, Tyrrell Hatton, and Tommy Fleetwood – who pipped McIlroy to the inaugural Dubai Invitational title last week – among the star-studded names set to take part this weekend.
Free general admission tickets are still available but limited, get yours now on dubaidesertclassic.com. For more information, please visit www.dubaidesertclassic.com.
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Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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