The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first golf event in the Middle East to attain the prestigious GEO Certified Tournament status.

The award, which also marks the first tournament within the DP World Tour Rolex Series to achieve it, affirms the Dubai Desert Classic‘s quest to become a sustainable golf event.

Earning GEO Certified status places the Hero Dubai Desert Classic among the ranks of some of the world’s most renowned and sustainable golf venues and tournaments.

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “We are thrilled to be the first golf event in the Middle East to receive this significant recognition and milestone.

“It speaks volumes about our unwavering dedication to addressing environmental and social priorities.”

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), also commented in a statement.

He added: “As the UAE celebrates the Year of Sustainability in 2023 and prepares to host COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, the Dubai Desert Classic’s certification is a commendable achievement and a meaningful step towards our national Net Zero objectives.”

What is the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf?

GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf is an esteemed international non-profit organization.

It awards and guarantees this distinction based on the event’s strong commitment, comprehensive actions, and measurable impacts across various sustainability initiatives.

The certification criteria encompass a wide range of sustainability themes and action areas, supported by detailed best practices that are weighted and scored.

Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, said: “Over the last three years, they have developed a comprehensive sustainability strategy and implemented it across all areas of the event with determination, creativity, and collaboration.”

Dubai Desert Classic Sustainability Features

Some of the notable sustainability actions undertaken during the Hero Dubai Desert Classic include:

• Utilization of solar power, with the Media Centre and 80% of the fan area between 11th and 15th holes powered by solar energy.
• Implementation of free water refill points, leading to the diversion of 80,000 single-use plastic bottles from landfill since 2022.
• Exclusive use of 100% biofuel in temporary generators throughout the event, contributing to Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 with up to 92% fewer carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel generators.
• Extensive recycling and composting initiatives to minimize waste sent to landfill.
• Introduction of digital ticketing and programs to reduce paper waste.
• “Park and Plant” initiative, where participants who traveled by car contributed to tree planting efforts, with three trees planted for each car.
• Renewable energy event partner, Aggreko, was honored with the ‘best sustainability initiative’ award at the Middle East Event Awards in June 2023.