Where can golfers find the best courses in UAE?

The United Arab Emirates has rapidly ascended to become a premier global golfing destination, boasting an extraordinary collection of meticulously designed championship courses that offer unparalleled experiences for golfers of all skill levels.

Emirates Golf Club: The Icon of Dubai Golf

When discussing golf in the UAE, the Emirates Golf Club inevitably takes center stage. It’s often referred to as the “Home of Golf in the Middle East” and for good reason. This prestigious club features two championship courses:

• The Majlis Course: Designed by Karl Litten, this legendary 18-hole, par-72 course was the first all-grass championship course in the Middle East, opening its greens in 1988. It’s famous for its challenging layout, impressive desert flora, and the iconic Bedouin tent-shaped clubhouse. The Majlis Course hosts the annual Hero Dubai Desert Classic, a significant event on the DP World Tour, attracting golf’s biggest names. Playing here means walking in the footsteps of champions.
• The Faldo Course: Opened in 1996 and redesigned by Sir Nick Faldo in 2006, this 18-hole, par-72 course offers a different challenge, characterized by its undulations, clever bunkering, and a more strategic play. What makes the Faldo Course truly unique in Dubai is its floodlit capability, allowing for enjoyable night golf rounds even during the warmer months, offering a completely different perspective of the course and the shimmering Dubai skyline.

Both courses at Emirates Golf Club are maintained to impeccable standards, offering pristine fairways and fast greens, complemented by world-class practice facilities, including a state-of-the-art academy and driving range.

Jumeirah Golf Estates: Home of the DP World Tour Championship

Jumeirah Golf Estates is another jewel in Dubai’s golfing crown, globally recognized as the host of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, the climax of the Race to Dubai. This exclusive residential golf destination features two distinct Greg Norman-designed championship courses:

• The Earth Course: Inspired by the classic parkland courses of Europe and North America, the Earth Course is famous for its immaculate fairways, vibrant foliage, and distinctive white bunkers. It offers a challenging yet fair test for golfers, culminating in a stunning finish with a natural creek running alongside the final holes. The course is a visual masterpiece, providing a serene and scenic golfing experience.
• The Fire Course: A more links-inspired design, the Fire Course features a more natural, rugged landscape with strategically placed bunkers and native grasses. It demands precision and strategic thinking, offering a contrasting experience to its sister course. Both courses are renowned for their environmental sustainability practices and excellent playing conditions. Jumeirah Golf Estates provides a truly immersive golf experience, from the moment you step onto the property to the final putt.

Abu Dhabi’s Premier Golfing Destinations

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, offers equally impressive golf courses that draw international acclaim:

• Yas Links Abu Dhabi: Often hailed as the first true links golf course in the Middle East, Yas Links, designed by Kyle Phillips, offers a unique coastal golfing experience on Yas Island. With dramatic views of the Arabian Gulf and a challenging layout that requires precision and strategy, it feels like a piece of Scotland transported to the desert. The course is characterized by its rolling fairways, deep pot bunkers, and the prevailing winds from the sea, making every round an exciting challenge. It’s a truly memorable course that consistently ranks among the world’s best.
• Abu Dhabi Golf Club: Famous for its iconic Falcon Clubhouse, the Abu Dhabi Golf Club is a prominent venue that hosts the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, another key event on the DP World Tour. Designed by Peter Harradine, the club boasts 27 holes, including the championship 18-hole National Course and a floodlit 9-hole Garden Course. The National Course is known for its lush fairways, strategic water hazards, and challenging bunkers, providing a demanding test for professional and amateur golfers alike. The floodlit option on the Garden Course allows for cooler evening rounds, a popular choice during the warmer months.

Coastal Charm and Desert Delights: Other Notable Courses

Beyond the major championship venues, the UAE offers a diverse range of golf courses that cater to various preferences:

• Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi: Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, this is the first beachfront golf course in the Arabian Gulf. It offers stunning panoramic views of the turquoise waters and pristine white sands of Saadiyat Island. The course weaves its way through natural dunes and features several holes directly along the beach, creating a truly picturesque and unique golfing backdrop. It’s known for its challenging design and immaculate condition.
• Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club: This iconic course, located along the historic Dubai Creek, offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the creek itself. Designed by Thomas Bjorn, it’s a par-71 course known for its challenging water hazards and lush fairways lined with date palms. The par-4 6th hole, with its tee box perched on stilts over the creek, is particularly famous. It previously hosted the Dubai Desert Classic and remains a favorite for its unique setting and excellent facilities.
• Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah: Located in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, this Peter Harradine-designed course is a fantastic option for those seeking a tranquil yet challenging round away from the bustle of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It beautifully integrates natural lagoons and desert landscapes, offering a scenic and enjoyable experience. The club is a central part of the Al Hamra Village development, providing a resort-style golfing getaway.
• Al Zorah Golf Club, Ajman: This Nicklaus Design course is a hidden gem in Ajman, the smallest emirate. Opened in late 2015, its distinguishing feature is its setting amidst a natural mangrove forest, offering unique challenges and stunning natural beauty. The course’s design allows for a strategic game, with water features and natural obstacles playing a significant role.

World-Class Facilities and Accessibility

UAE golf clubs are renowned not just for their courses but also for their world-class facilities. These often include:

• State-of-the-art golf academies: Featuring advanced technology like Trackman launch monitors, GCQuad systems, and indoor swing studios for performance analysis and coaching.
• Extensive practice facilities: Including driving ranges, chipping areas, and putting greens.
• Luxurious clubhouses: Offering fine dining restaurants, pro shops stocked with leading golf brands, locker rooms, and lounges.
• Night golf: Several courses, like the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club and Trump International Golf Club Dubai, offer floodlit courses, allowing golfers to play during cooler evenings.

While golf in the UAE can be a premium experience, green fees vary significantly based on the course, time of day, and season. Booking tee times in advance, especially during the peak winter months (October to April), is highly recommended due to high demand. Many clubs offer special rates for twilight rounds or during the hotter summer months.

The Grandeur of Golf in the Emirates

The UAE has cemented its position on the global golfing map, not merely through its impressive roster of championship courses but by consistently delivering an unparalleled golfing experience. From the iconic fairways of Dubai to the stunning coastal links of Abu Dhabi, each course offers a unique blend of challenge, luxury, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, the Emirates promises a golfing adventure that is as unforgettable as it is world-class. This comprehensive insight into the UAE’s golf scene has been meticulously compiled by the www.few.ae team, ensuring you’re ready to tee off in style.