Best Golf Courses in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most famous golfing destinations. The States inherent need to keep its infrastructure bigger and better than the rest of the world has filtered through to its’ golf courses. Now a regular stop on the European Tour, courses don’t come much more striking than Abu Dhabi Golf Club, which has been the spearhead for the continuous growth of golf in the Middle East.

The year round sun, unbelievable hotels and truly magnificent golf courses have put Abu Dhabi on the map as one of the great all round places to play golf. Whatever you are looking for, the largest state in the U.A.E is bound to have it.

Read on to discover the courses our experts have played and consider the best in the UAE or check out some of the best golf holiday deals in the UAE >>.

If you could combine the dramatic scenery of seaside links golf with guaranteed sunshine then surely you would have the perfect course? Well this is exactly what Yas Links offers you! Having created high calibre courses such as Dundonald and Kingsbarns in Scotland, Kyle Phillips has drawn upon all of his golfing knowledge to sculpt a true golfing masterpiece out of arid desert.

The course features all the staples of some of the best UK links courses including deep bunkers, wispy rough and tantalising drop offs. Yas Links is the first of its kind in the Middle East and is a must play for any golfer lover.

More info on Yas Links >>

"Where there were rolling dunes and wasteland, there's now a collection of rolling verdant fairways, deep bunkers, wispy rough and inviting, sloping greens with their traditional heartbreaking run-offs."
Simon (Long Haul Team: Handicap 7)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Simon about playing this course.

Ranked inside the world’s top 100, the Majlis is the Emirates Golf Club’s flagship course. The course’s perfectly manicured fairways wind their way through sandy wasteland and palm trees to make a truly spectacular sight.

Measuring in at just over 7,200 yards the course is by no means the longest out there making it a great place for golfers of all abilities to enjoy a round in the sun. The course’s pedigree as one of the world’s best is backed up each January as the European Tour’s best players flock to the area to compete in one of the calendar year’s first events.

More info on Emirates Golf Club, Majlis Course >>

"The Majlis Course will leave you overwhelmed by how phenominal the views are, with the backdrop of the Dubai Marina on the signature 8th hole, this was most certainly the highlight of my Dubai trip and can only be seen to be believed!"
Simon (Long Haul Team: Handicap 7)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Simon about playing this course.

Host of the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship, Abu Dhabi Golf Club is one of the most desirable courses to play in the region. The course has been carved out of the incredible natural desert and is a pocket of perfectly manicured grass in what is otherwise barren wasteland.

The undulating fairways wind their way through groups of palm trees and skirt 7 stunning lakes making it imperative that players are accurate off the tee. The famous falcon clubhouse is the perfect setting to relax and discuss what was sure to be an excellent round of golf despite how you played.

More info on Abu Dhabi Golf Club >>

"Playing a golf course where the pros have done battle is something that everyone should do. The course is every bit as impressive as you see on tv. Water comes into play on numerous holes and the condition of the course is as good as any I've played. Walking up the 18th hole with the Falcon clubhouse framing it is a truly memorable experience."
Oliver (Marketing: Handicap 1)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Oliver about playing this course.

Dubai Creek Golf Club provides golfers with a truly unforgettable round of golf as the pristine fairways are set alongside a number of shimmering lakes which creates a incredible setting for a round of golf.

The course only measures in at 6,857 yards and boasts a variety of different tee boxes meaning it provides an appropriate challenge for both the more skilled golfer and the social player depending on where you play from. With one of the most striking clubhouses in Asia, there aren’t many better spots to enjoy some afternoon sun and refresh yourself after a round of golf.

More info on Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club >>

"The course is renowned for its perfectly manicured fairways and greens. Internal lakes are prominent, while the salt water creek stretches all along the right hand side of the awe-inspiring 9th hole."
Simon (Long Haul Team: Handicap 7)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Simon about playing this course.

The ‘Big Easy’ has created a true modern day monster in the heart of Dubai. Measuring in at over 7,500 yards from the tips, the course has been designed with the intention of testing the likes Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson one day.

The course is reminiscent of the West Course at Wentworth as pinpoint accuracy off the tee is needed in order to find the undulating fairways whilst a tidy short game is a must if you wish to score well. However, despite its extravagant length from the championship tees, there are a variety of other tee boxes which can make the courses as short as 6,200 yards and a great challenge for the more average players.

More info on Els Club Dubai >>

"Try to stay on the fairways, it sounds obvious but playing from the sand all the time really will dent your score and you will love the challenge of the Lion's Den, Ernie's answer to Amen Corner."
Rick (Marketing: Handicap 12)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rick about playing this course.

Victorious 2010 Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie is renowned not only for his 31 European Tour wins but also for designing some of the Europe’s best golf courses.

The relatively new course sympathetically merges the much loved resort style lay out with Monty’s favoured links set up to create a unique golfing experience. The course has been created in such a way that it will provide a fair challenge to all golfers making it a must play on any golf tour of Dubai.

More info on Montgomerie Golf Club >>

"The site here is huge and had some very unique features including the 13th hole where the green is the shape of the UAE - it's really is in the details here. The Montgomerie also has one of the best driving range backdrops I have ever experienced... don't forget your camera here!"
Thomas (Long Haul Team: Handicap 6)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Thomas about playing this course.

Greg Norman has designed one of the modern wonders of the European Tour as it took no less than a year for it to become the host of European Tour’s Race to Dubai, an event still played there to date. Measuring in at a goliath 7,706 yards it is probably wise to leave the tips to the pros (even if you have had your weetabix) and play from one of the other tee boxes that make the courses accessible for all levels of golfers.

The course features undulating greens that make an accurate approach a necessity or the much sought after two putt can be kissed goodbye. Designed to bring the best out of the world’s greatest players there are few better places to test your skills than the Earth Course.

More info on Jumeirah Golf Estate, Earth Course >>

"Fairways are generous so big hitters will enjoy giving it a rip with the driver, however, natural undulations on the course make for some tricky iron shots into huge, audaciously sloping greens. The rough and white sandy bunkers bordering the fairways and greens are fair and, if you stray even further off line, attractive redwood chippings make finding your ball easy while adding a degree of difficulty to your next shot."
Thomas (Long Haul Team: Handicap 6)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Thomas about playing this course.

Skirting the stunning coastline of Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Club provides golfers with unforgettable views of the crystal blue waters and white sand beaches of the Arabian Gulf. Designed by the great Gary Player, the course is a jewel in the Middle East’s golfing crown with 18 unique golf holes that are designed to test even the best golfers.

With the chance to catch a glimpse of the humpback dolphins or hawksbill turtles that inhabit the coastal waters, a round at Saadiyat is an unmissable opportunity.

More info on Saadiyat Beach Golf Club >>

"With stunning views across the Arabian Gulf, golfers can enjoy a range of luxury nearby hotels to enjoy as part of their stay which overlook part of the course as it winds around the beach and stunning dunes that contribute to this being such a memorable experience."
Simon (Long Haul Team: Handicap 7)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Simon about playing this course.

Managed by the world renowned Troon Golf and designed by the famous Nicklaus group, it is no wonder that Al Zorah has slotted right into the top as one of Dubai’s leading golf courses. Situated away from the hustle and bustle of the high rise buildings, the course is a pocket of tranquility in what otherwise is a buzzing region.

With one of the finest collection of par 3s in Dubai, the firm and fast greens provide an alternative challenge to other courses in the region as correct club selection is imperative to avoid the treacherous drop off areas.

More info on Al Zorah Golf Club >>

"Tee shots scamper down the fairways and poorly struck approaches can wander into the swales and run-offs that protect Al Zorah’s greens. It’s not a links course but, in places, it plays like one."
Thomas (Long Haul Team: Handicap 6)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Thomas about playing this course.

The ‘Big Easy’ has created a true modern day monster in the heart of Dubai. Measuring in at over 7,500 yards from the tips, the course has been designed with the intention of testing the likes Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson one day.

The course is reminiscent of the West Course at Wentworth as pinpoint accuracy off the tee is needed in order to find the undulating fairways whilst a tidy short game is a must if you wish to score well. However, despite its extravagant length from the championship tees, there are a variety of other tee boxes which can make the courses as short as 6,200 yards and a great challenge for the more average players.

More info on Arabian Ranches Golf Club >>

"The two loops of nine reflect the natural character of the landscape as much as possible with pristine fairways and greens."
Rick (Marketing: Handicap 12)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rick about playing this course.

Handicap: +3
Favourite Course: Pinehurst
My 'Expert' areas: Turkey, Portugal, USA & South Africa
Best trip I've done: Scotland playing Royal Dornoch & Gleneagles
Where my next trip is to: Costa Navarino

Give Matthew a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.