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Rory McIlroy will kick off his 2024 season headlining a new event on the DP World Tour.

McIlroy will spend consecutive weeks in the United Arab Emirates, first competing in the inaugural Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort from January 11-14, before defending his title at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club.

The Dubai Invitational is new event on the DP World Tour’s reimagined schedule and is the first tournament played on the ‘International Swing’.

“I’m really excited to start my year at the Dubai Invitational,” McIlroy said. “I’ve always enjoyed coming back to Dubai to set up my season and with a pro-am format, this tournament is going to be an enjoyable week.

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“Dubai Creek Resort is a fantastic course and given the support we get in Dubai from the fans, I’m sure they are going to make it another great week on the golfing calendar.”

The Dubai Invitational will be played biennially from 2024 onwards, and will include a three-day Pro-Am team event alongside the traditional 72-hole strokeplay format.

McIlroy is the star name in the 60-strong DP World Tour field, who play alongside 60 amateurs.

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But before that, the four-time major champion is bidding to top the season long Race to Dubai Rankings for a record fifth time.

He is well on course to finish top of the European-based circuit’s money list once more, with a 2,000 point lead over Masters champion Jon Rahm in the season-long standings.

The Ryder Cup teammates will battle it out in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in two weeks’ time.