The European Tour's season finale will take place from 12-15 November at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.
The seven-time Race to Dubai champion sits second in the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World, with leader Patrick Reed, who is also confirmed in the world-class field bound for Dubai, firmly in his sights.
The Northern Irishman more than halved the gap to the American at last month's BMW PGA Championship, where a closing 68 at Wentworth Club earned him a share of second in the prestigious event.
McIlroy to Dubai on the back of a historic Masters defence earlier this year. Having completed the career Grand Slam at Augusta National last year, he successfully defended the Green Jacket in April to become only the fourth back-to-back Masters champion, after Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.
The 37-year-old also boasts a formidable record on the Earth course, having won the DP World Tour Championship on three occasions in 2012, 2015 and 2024.
"I've always loved coming to Dubai and I've had some great days on the Earth course, so I'm really looking forward to being back for the DP World Tour Championship," said McIlroy, a 21-time winner on the DP World Tour.
"Getting to eight and drawing level with Monty would mean a lot. He was an amazing player to watch when I was growing up, and the Race to Dubai is something I've always taken a lot of pride in. To have the opportunity to win it again, and potentially match Monty's record, would be a pretty special way to finish the season."
Rory McIlroy has defended his decision to compete at the DP World India Championship after PGA Tour pro Kevin Kisner accused him of being motivated only by a reported $10 million appearance fee.
Rory McIlroy feels that the LIV Golf concept was originally a good idea that was "executed poorly" as the breakaway tries to relaunch after filing for bankruptcy.
Rory McIlroy is eager to catch up to Patrick Reed in the Race to Dubai as the DP World Tour heads to the BMW PGA Championship this week.
Rory McIlroy is ready to begin his run into the DP World Tour season finale at the Amgen Irish Open this week.
