Mini-majors: Golf can be fun in the UAE even if you can’t swing a thing
Top mini-golf venues in Dubai for players of all ages and skill levels
Fancy having a few putts in between your shopping? Why not? The UAE has several places that allow you to indulge in your passion, or even if you’ve never hit a golf ball before.
Golf can be fun and frustrating at the same time and no better place to find out if it’s your cup of tea than at one of the mini-golf outlets around the UAE?
So, let’s take a look at some the best places where you could show off your putting skills to friends and onlookers or even try to enjoy some beginner’s luck with the putter.
In Dubai you can find mini-golf facilities in Wafi Mall, Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali and Jumeirah Lakes Towers. These are great places for young families because they offer a complete entertainment package. Here’s a round-up of the best places to play mini-golf in Dubai.
3D Blacklight Mini-golf Dubai
Jumeirah Beach Residence
3D Blacklight Mini-golf Dubai offers a unique golfing experience as it transports you to a black-light indoor mini-golf setting. The floor, walls and ceilings of the facility are illuminated with bright and colourful images which are hand-painted by some of the world’s best 3D artists. This state-of-the-art leisure activity sits in the middle of Dubai Marina at JBR, Bahar Plaza Level.
Located over 10,000 sq ft, the rooms are illuminated by 3D effects and neon lighting, making for a unique golfing experience. Players are given ChromaDepth glasses to use during their game and each room has a different theme, be it an ocean or a desert.
It’s also worth exploring other recreational spots in the area such as The Walk and The Beach to discover more fun-filled activities for the family and kids.
Price (per person): Dh110
Timings: Open daily 2pm to 1am
Location: Dubai Marina at JBR
Contact: 04 565 7621
Dubai Creek Par 3 Golf Course
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, which is located bang in the middle of the emirate, features two golf courses — an 18-hole championship golf course which has also hosted the Dubai Desert Classic and a delightful Par 3 Course.
Although it may be shorter than the main course the Par 3 course offers its own unique challenges and scenic views of the Dubai Creek.
In many ways it is a lot similar to the Championship course with its rolling fairways and challenging water hazards. It also offers a driving range and practice facilities.
Price (per person): Dh55
Timings: Monday to Saturday 6.30am to 10pm
Location: Baniyas Road
Contact: 04 295 6000
JA The Resort
Jebel Ali Beach Hotel
Dubai’s largest experience resort boasts an exciting golf course flanked by the sea. The course is designed to provide a variety of fun activities for guests residing at the hotel.
While the more seasoned golfers may head to the internationally acclaimed 9-hole, par 36 main golf course, which in the past has hosted some of the world's best players as part of the official curtain raiser to the PGA Tour's Dubai Desert Classic, the mini golf course section features beautiful flowers, exotic trees and interesting desert shrubs. The course is open exclusively to hotel guests.
JA The Resort also offers residents various beach and pool memberships that provide complimentary mini golf facilities.
Timings: Open daily 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Location: JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Beach Hotel
Contact: 04-8145555
Emirates Golf Club Par 3 Course
Emirates Golf Club
Emirates Golf Club is the home for the European Tour’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Besides the two well-maintained 18-hole courses, EGC’s Par 3 Academy Course offers plenty of challenges for all, whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced player.
The course encourages players to sharpen their short-game skills. Set against the backdrop of the attractive Dubai Marina skyline, the course is designed around nine short yardage holes and features six progressive tees on each hole and two hole locations including a 15 ins hole on each green to cater for all levels of golfer.
Price: Dh145 (including golf, burger and beverages)
Timings: 6pm onwards
Location: Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road
Contact: 04 417 9999
Tee & Putt
Wafi Mall
There are several mini-golf facilities but one of the most exciting is the Tee & Putt at Wafi Mall. The glow-in-the-dark show features ultraviolet lights and even aliens from outer space which makes for a fun environment. It is one of the most sought-after spots to visit at night with kids and also offers a puzzle-themed course. Visitors can also explore the Egyptian-themed Wafi Mall.
Price (per person): Glow in the Dark: Dh50, Puzzle: Dh80
Timings: Saturday to Wednesday 10am to 10pm, Thursday & Friday 10am to midnight
Location: Level 1, Wafi Mall
Contact: 04 357 3290
The Bunker
Topgolf Dubai
No age or experience is needed to play at Topgolf’s testing mini-golf course at the iconic Emirates Golf Club.
The Bunker features a sports-themed course and allows kids to indulge in a pinball-style round.
Youngsters can sign up for Topgolf’s Junior Classes, which are the perfect platform to learn the fundamentals of golf or improve their all-round game in a fun and social environment with certified pros.
Parents can watch and enjoy breakfast and a coffee while their kids play.
Price: Dh60 per group (maximum six people per group).
Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10am to 1am, Friday & Saturday 9am to 1am.
Location: Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road
Contact: 04 371 9999