If you are looking for that perfect golfing holiday with lush green grass under your feet and views of stunning skyscrapers as you swing across a scenic golf course, Dubai is a dream destination for every golfer.
With each golf course offering something different, including nighttime golfing, it’s easy to see why Dubai has become a hit sensation golfing destination.
Why should you have a golf holiday in Dubai?
Having a golfing getaway in Dubai has become an appealing proposition for avid golfers. And it’s not just for the scenic world-class golf courses.
The city is blessed with sunny weather all year round, and during the cooler months of the year, ranging from October to April, it feels even more pleasant to be outside.
When not golfing, you can make the most of this intriguing destination with all it offers. From luxury hotels to fine dining, and retail therapy at the large shopping malls to the pristine beaches and beach clubs, it’s a city bursting with attractions.
Dubai promises to be an all-inclusive destination for luxury golf.
The Top Golf Courses in Dubai
So, where can golfing enthusiasts play in Dubai? For a city that’s grown out of the desert, you’ll be surprised by just how many rolling greens you’ll find – enough to keep you busy for a fortnight or so, plus a few side trips to other cities thrown in!
- Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
- Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club
- Faldo Course, Emirates Golf Club
- The Els Club, Dubai Sports City
- Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates
- Fire Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates
- The Montgomerie Golf Club
- Dubai Hills Golf Club, Dubai
- Arabian Ranches Golf Club
- The Track, Meydan Golf
- Trump International Golf Club
- Topgolf Dubai
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
If you want to find yourself at a golf course as soon as you land in the city, it’s only a short journey from DXB to reach the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Located next to Dubai Creek, this 18-hole championship course is known to be one of the best golf courses in Dubai.
The golf course has fairways like carpets, bunkering positions that will leave you challenged, tropical shrubbery and some of the most memorable holes. With the creek on one side and sand and trees on the other, the fairways on each hole are narrow, which means making accurate tee shots is key.
Dubai Creek Club is 6,857 yards long and has previously been a two-time host of the Dubai Desert Classic.
STAY: None other than neighboring Park Hyatt Dubai, a terrific 5-star offering on the banks of Dubai Creek offering spa facilities in addition to a huge range of popular creek-front dining options, one of our favourite sundowner spots in the city.
Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club
You can’t visit Dubai and not play at the first-ever grass course built in the Middle East, the Emirates Golf Club. When the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club opened for play in 1988, it was called the ‘Desert Miracle’. It is a par-72, 18-hole course stretched out to over 7,300 yards.
The Majlis has sand dunes surrounding the perimeter, lush fairways, and various salt and freshwater lakes coming into play on several holes. The landscape provides you with a delightful yet challenging round of golf.
The signature clubhouse at the Emirates Golf Club is modelled on a Bedouin tent, sitting behind the 8th green. Playing here, you cannot fail to be impressed by the backdrop of glistening skyscrapers. The course’s best feature must be the greens’ large, fast surfaces and the difficult pin positions, sure to challenge you.
The Majlis course is host to the Dubai Desert Classic Tour event, hosted in February (or early March). The event attracts some of the biggest names in golf, and therefore important to note its closure from around early February until after the tournament.
STAY: You are near the heart of the action here for staying anywhere in the JLT/Dubai Marina/JBR area of the city. Nearest luxury offerings you can try Vida Emirates Hills or Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
Faldo Course, Emirates Golf Club
The Emirates Golf Club is also home to a second championship golf course. Originally opened in 1996, this course was redesigned by golf legend and six-time major winner Nick Faldo. This new course re-opened in 2006 and since then re-named ‘The Faldo’.
Stretching across 7052 yards, this par- 72 course is just as popular with golfers as the Majlis course. With cleverly placed lakes and bunkering, accuracy and shot placement are important when playing through the spacious fairways and vast greens.
Added bonus is the LED floodlights throughout the course, which allow golfers to continue playing late into the night.
The Els Club, Dubai Sports City
Located in Dubai Sports City, The Els Club is the number one attraction, especially as the course is designed by the South African golfing champion Ernie Els.
This 18-hole championship golf course features broad and gently rolling fairways, snowy white sand bunkers and beautifully designed sloped greens.
Golfers of all abilities will enjoy this 7,538-yard course, with a choice of four sets of tees, making it a popular destination for advanced as well as beginner players.
STAY: Around Dubai Sports City you are largely looking at serviced apartments. For a unique experience you could try 5-star Five Jumeirah Village with a terrace pool in every room of this high rise tower! Be warned it can be party central at weekends – this can be a good or a bad thing depending on what you’ve come to Dubai for!
Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates
Proud host to the DP World Tour, and a course designed by the professional golf legend Greg Norman, the Earth Course at Jumeriah Golf Estate presents an exclusive experience that will exceed your expectations.
Measuring 7,706 yards from the tees, the Earth Course is made up of 18 holes with spectacular views of white, deep bunkers and numerous water hazards. It easily rivals some of the best golfing destinations in the world.
Also present is a world-class clubhouse complete with modern facilities, including dining and entertainment options, a swimming pool and more.
Fire Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates
Inspired by the best parkland courses in Great Britain and Australia, the Fire Course is the second course at Jumeirah Golf Estate. With a links-like feel to it, this course is framed by the native grass, which gives off a golden glint in the sunlight and large deep terracotta bunkers. This course requires some tactical play, so your short game and lay-up abilities need to be your best.
What starts off as a straightforward 1st hole, quickly turns challenging with a par-3 of over 200 yards followed by two well-protected par-4s. This course is sure you test your level of perception, club selection and your tee shot placement. Designed by Greg Norman, the Fire course is set to be a fiery challenge for golfers of all abilities.
STAY: Head to nearby Dubai Marina for a great range of hotel options, try the Address Dubai Marina or experience a great range of serviced apartments for longer stays
The Montgomerie Golf Club
Built on 265 acres of terrain within the globally recognised Emirates Hills, the Montgomerie is an expansive 18 holes course. It was designed in collaboration between golfing champions Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead. This links-land style course features 14 glistening lakes and 81 bunkers, sure to challenge golfers of all levels.
Knowing that you are in Dubai, you must be prepared for the unexpected, and that’s exactly what you will find at the 13th hole. The green here is shaped to look like the UAE, an imaginative touch by the late Desmond Muirhead. As you head to the 18th hole, which is a mammoth 650 yards, you must keep track of the wind to avoid any disappointing scores.
Views of the championship golf course, the Dubai Marina skyline and the amenities of the clubhouse, which include 20 guest rooms and a pool, are absolutely spectacular and will meet the expectations of a complete luxurious experience.
STAY: None other than the luxury Address Montgomerie a beautiful boutique hotel overlooking the course.
Dubai Hills Golf Club, Dubai
Located in the heart of Dubai Hills Estate, the Dubai Hills Golf Club is one of the newest courses in the city. Established in 2018, this 18-hole par-72 championship course is set up against the backdrop of the iconic Burj Khalifa, making your golfing experience on a clear day, a true visual treat.
This world-class course is built to a championship standard with a layout that uses the natural topography of the UAE. Designed by Gary Johnston, the course measures 7220-yards and features waterways, strategically placed bunkers, wide fairways and stunning greens.
With the silhouette of the iconic Downtown Dubai skyline in the background, it’s easy to see why golfers of all levels love playing here and return back for more. The facilities at the clubhouse are exceptional too, which include restaurants and a shop for golfing accessories.
STAY: Nearby you can look for Golf Club private villa rental options if you want some space and a pool, or make the short commute to stay in the Business Bay area for stunning city views and access to luxury shopping – try newly-opened SLS Dubai Hotel & Residence if modern rooftop infinity pools are your thing, or classic and elegant The Oberoi Dubai
Arabian Ranches Golf Club
You can find the Arabian Ranches Golf club at the heart of the Arabian Ranches Community, which used to be nothing but the desert at one point. Located not too far from the city’s iconic attractions, this link-style 18-hole, par -72 course is designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design, and opened its doors in early 2004.
The course has incorporated the wonderful desert landscape with shrubs and bushes surrounding the fairways, similar to those is Scottsdale, Arizona. The entire 7658 yards of this course, with tee complexes of varying distances, proves to be a true test to golfers of all abilities.
The Spanish Colonial-style clubhouse includes guest rooms, a restaurant and leisure facilities.
STAY: Arabian Ranches Golf Club has a small attached hotel for convenient access to the course. Just 11 exclusive rooms with access also to The Ranches Restaurant & Bar and a spa.
The Track, Meydan Golf
Designed by the renowned architect Peter Harradine, experience what 3,700 yards of The Track golf course has to offer. Located next to The Meydan Racecourse, home to Dubai’s World Cup, the richest horserace, this is one more course that has the backdrop of Dubai’s beautiful skyline.
This 9- hole course features six natural lakes positioned to give a unique playing experience. There are five tee box options on each hole, two Par 5s, five Par 4s and two Par 3s, offering the players varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. What’s even more appealing is that if you do not need a membership to play but simply avail the the ‘Pay and Play’ option
The Track comes with a fully equipped clubhouse featuring a restaurant, sports bar and a golf shop.
STAY: Luxury on your doorstep, along with many exclusive dining and nightclub venues staying at The Meydan Hotel. A modern 5-star offering, overlooking the Meydan Racecourse (think Dubai Cup) with rooftop pool, gym and spa.
Trump International Golf Club
The Trump International Course sits over 500 acres of what was previously flat, barren desert.
The 18-hole link-style course was designed by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. A cavernous barranca is the backbone of the course, strategically changing elevations and providing excellent water hazards. This course offers opportunities for all skill levels and regularly receives acclaim as one of the best golf courses in Dubai.
STAY: The area immediately surrounding the course is quite residential. You could look for Airbnb/VRBO villa options with a pool if you’re brining the family out, or nearby you can try Radisson Dubai DAMAC Hills
Night Golf Courses in Dubai
Although blessed with sunshine all year round, Dubai can get very hot during the summer months to play golf. In that case, you can make the most of the golf courses offering play after sunset on their flood-lit greens.
The nighttime golfing venues include:
- The Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club
- Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
- The Montgomerie Club
- Arabian Ranches Golf club
- The Track
- The Dubai Hills Golf Club
Topgolf Dubai
Popular competitive target sport Topgolf can also be found in Dubai! Battle against friends and earn points aiming for targets while eating and drinking with mates.
A popular nighttime activity Topgolf Dubai is situated in Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills and is open to 1:00 AM on weeknights, 2:00 AM at weekends.
Golf in the UAE
Beyond Dubai, there are many outstanding courses in the other Emirates of the UAE that you may also want to consider when planning a golfing holiday in the Middle East. They equally offer access to sensational courses to enjoy on a winter break. Why not try:
- Yas Links (Yas Island, Abu Dhabi) – Adjacent to the Yas Marina Circuit, this 7,450-yard, 18-hole course managed by Troon Golf makes the perfect pair for attending the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from DXB, 5 minutes from AUH. Stay at the W Abu Dhabi
- Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi) – Sensational Par 72 18 hole Championship course designed by Gary Player, managed by Troon Golf. Enjoy the sensation Gulf views at the country’s first beachfront course. Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to DXB, 25 minutes from AUH. Stay at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Golf Course (aka The National, Abu Dhabi) – an 18-hole course home to the prestigious European Tour event the HBSC Championship every January. Very near to AUH airport, about 1 hour and 10 minutes from DXB . Stay at the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa
- Al Zorah Golf Club (Ajman) – also part of the Troon Golf network in the UAE, a stunning waterside course of international acclaim – perfect if you don’t want to base yourself in the big city, only 45 minutes from DXB. Stay nearby at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah
- Al Hamra Golf Club (Ras Al Khaimah) – Heading further north along the Gulf, the beautiful par-72 Al Hamra Championship course designed by Peter Harradine snakes its way around lagoons, marinas and 5-star beachfront hotels. Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from DXB. Stay at the Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah
More Frequently asked questions about Golf in Dubai
With great weather, world-class golf courses offering luxurious amenities at their clubhouse, and spectacular tournaments, all located within minutes from the top city attractions, Dubai is a top destination for playing golf.
There are more than a dozen courses in Dubai, with several ranked in the World’s Top 100 golf courses.
Dubai offers the flexibility to purchase an annual membership, seasonal membership deals, or even pay-as-you-go. You can also choose from short academy courses, 9-hole layouts, or full 18-hole championship course experiences to fit your budget.
Prices usually peak during the winter season and more so during the busy weekends (Friday and Saturday). You can expect 18-holes off-peak to set you back around $100 / 350 – 400AED. Some charge extra for carts, while others include this in the price.
Annual memberships depend on the golf club you choose. They start from 24,000 AED p.a. for the cheaper clubs and up to 54,000 AED p.a. for Championship courses.
The best time for a golfing holiday to Dubai has to be during the cooler winter months, from October to April. However, all golf courses are kept in immaculate conditions all year round, welcoming you whenever you plan to arrive. We’d strongly suggest avoiding peak hours of the day in summer.
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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