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Golf in UAE Course Reviews

Your guide to the golf courses around the UAE

Find out about the golf facilities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah



Tiger Woods on the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club.
Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
Welcome to your full A-to-Z of the golf courses in the UAE
1. Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
2. Abu Dhabi Golf Club
3. The Address, Montgomerie, Dubai
4. Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club
5. Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai
6. Al Dhafra Golf Club, Al Ruwais, Abu Dhabi
7. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
8. Dubai Hills Golf Club
9. The Els Club, Dubai
10. Emirates Golf Club, Dubai
11. Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah
12. JA The Resort, Jebel Ali, Dubai
13. Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai
14. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi
15. Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club
16. Tower Links Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah
17. The Track, Meydan, Dubai
18. Trump International Golf Club, Dubai
19. Yas Links, Abu Dhabi
20. Al Zorah Golf Club

Image Credit: Abu Dhabi City Golf Club

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club

Designer Ian Scott Taylor

Location Abu Dhabi Equestrian Centre, Al Mushrif

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Highlights
This grand old venue in the UAE's capital began life as the Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club in 1976.
For 22 years it was an 18-hole sand course with ‘browns’ as greens and ‘fairways’ lined by stakes and portable mats to play your ball from. In 1998, it was transformed into Abu Dhabi’s first all-grass golf course.
A nine-hole floodlit golf course is located within the Abu Dhabi horse racetrack. The par 35 course has one par 5, six par 4s and two par 3s.
The oldest golf course in the UAE, it is affectionately known as ‘The People’s Golf Course’.
No matter your handicap or distance off the tee is, you will face a good balance between challenging and inviting holes here.
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club have invested in a two-tiered driving range with session analysis and immersive multiplayer games using cutting-edge technology.

Facilities
• Nine-hole floodlit golf course including night golf
• Restaurant with panoramic views of both the racetrack and course.
• During the horse racing season, the club hosts the famous Race Night BBQ, the perfect way to spend your Sunday with family and friends while watching the action live from the track.

Price 18 holes from Dh200

Food & Beverage
19th Street Bar and Restaurant


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Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
Image Credit: Abu Dhabi City Golf Club

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Designer Peter Harradine

Location Al Maqasid Street, Abu Dhabi

Highlights
Opened in 1992 and designed by UAE-based architect Peter Harradine, ADGC's National Course is host to the annual European Tour Rolex Series event — the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The competition has now established itself as one of the flagship events on the Tour. Former winners of the famous Falcon Trophy include Chris DiMarco, Tommy Fleetwood, Martin Kaymer, Rickie Fowler, Shane Lowry, Lee Westwood and 2021 champion Tyrrell Hatton.
The tournament was first played at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in 2006 and has had the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, Vijay Singh, Bryson DeChambeau and Jordan Spieth competing.
The National was originally designed as a resort course, so significant upgrading was required to establish it to tournament level and to host a European Tour event.
The 162-hectares of ADGC also features the floodlit nine-hole Garden Course.

Facilities
• 18-hole Championship course, The National
• Nine-hole floodlit course, The Garden Course
• Abu Dhabi Westin Hotel
• Falcon Clubhouse, one of the top 10 most famous clubhouses in the world

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Price 18 holes from Dh370

Food & Beverage
• Cafe 28
• The Championship Lounge
• The Grille Steakhouse
• Dip N’ Sip


The Address, Montgomerie
Image Credit: The Address, Montgomerie

The Address, Montgomerie

Designer Colin Montgomerie in association with Desmond Muirhead

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Location Emirates Hills community opposite Dubai Marina

Highlights
Built in 2002, managed by Troon Golf and Emaar Hospitality, this course is set in the heart of Emirates Hills. It is a design collaboration between Scottish golfing great Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead, and stretches over a links-land style oasis of 265 acres. It has 14 lakes and 81 bunkers which will challenge players of all levels.
This course is ideal for first-timers, but still provides a challenge from the back tees.

Facilities
• 18-hole championship course
• Floodlit driving range
• Nine-hole floodlit par 3

Price 18 holes from Dh195

Food and Beverage
• Nineteen
• Monty’s
• Poolside Snack Bar
• Monty Cristo

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Arabian Ranches Golf Club
Image Credit: Arabian Ranches Golf Club

Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai

Designer Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design

Location Arabian Ranches, Dubai

Highlights
At a lengthy 7,658 yards, this course provides a true test for golfers.
In 2014, a two-year golf course enhancement programme was completed, adding improved vistas while maintaining the integrity of the original design.
The golf course is a true test for the best low handicappers as well as all standards of golfers through various tee decks.

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Facilities
• 18-hole golf course
• Floodlit nine-hole par 3 course around the driving range
• Clubhouse with 11 guest rooms

Price 18 holes from Dh295

Food and Beverage
• Ranches Restaurant & Sports Bar
• Birdies Sports Bar


Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club
Image Credit: Supplied

Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club

Location Al Maqam Area, Near Tawam Hospital, Al Ain

Highlights
Opened in 2007, this was the first nine-hole grass course in Al Ain. A further nine as well as a nine-hole par 3 Academy course were added to the quality facility in the Oasis City.
The leisure club also offers a pool, gym, beauty salon, tennis, football, basketball and climbing wall. Professionals are on hand to help with practice or competitive tweaks.

Facilities
• 18-hole golf course
• Nine-hole par 3 golf course
• Clubhouse

Academy
Nine-hole Academy Course plus PGA Qualified Golf Professionals to provide golf lessons for all standards of golfers as well as beginners.

Price 18 holes from Dh230

Food and Beverage
• Ocean Waves Restaurant
• The Palm Greens Restaurant
• Al Rikab Restaurant
• The Amblers Restaurant


Al Dhafra Golf Club
Image Credit: Al Dhafra Golf Club

Al Dhafra Golf Club

Location Al Ruwais

Highlights
This unique venue is located in Al Ruwais, nearly 250km from Abu Dhabi. The course was built in 1988 — the only course in the Western Region and is still a draw, with its 'brown' greens and dust fairways.
Visitors can see Sir Baniyas Island, the home to rare wildlife.

Facilities
• 18-hole golf course
• Located near Al Dhafra Beach Hotel

Price N/A

Food and Beverage
N/A


Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Image Credit: Supplied

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Designer Karl Litton, redesigned by Thomas Bjorn in association with European Golf Design

Location Dubai Creek

Highlights
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club first opened in 1993 and showcased the first Golf Academy in the Middle East. The par-71 course measures 6,967 yards, with undulating fairways, date and palm trees and many water hazards. Apart from the Creek, which comes into play on at least four holes, several other lakes add to the beauty of the trek.
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club hosted the Dubai Desert Classic in 1999 and 2000, with David Howell and Jose Coceres the respective champions.
Included in the golf elements of the club are a par 3 course, Mini-Golf and floodlit Driving Range.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club also hosts a Peter Cowen Academy.

Facilities
• 18-hole Championship Course
• Nine-hole floodlit par 3 course
• Clubhouse
• Mini-Golf
• Driving Range

Price 18 holes from Dh330

Food and Beverage
• Lakeview International
• Boardwalk
• Jones The Grocer Express
• QD’s BBQ and Grill
• Casa de Tapas
• Cielo Sky Lounge


Dubai Hills Golf Club, Dubai
Image Credit: Dubai Hills Golf Club

Dubai Hills Golf Club, Dubai

Designer Gary Johnston

Location Dubai Hills

Highlights
An 18-hole par-72 course located 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai, this is a challenge to golfers of all levels. Designer Gary Johnston has achieved this scenario by creating wide, contoured fairways that result in a variety of options. Golfers will happily be able to get their ball in play off the tee, but then face tricky approaches depending on their angle of attack. Valleys, wadis and lakes, as well as strategic bunkering add to the challenge.

Facilities
• 18-hole golf course
• The Academy by Troon
• Fitness Suite, including sauna and steam rooms

Price 18 holes from Dh245

Food and Beverage
• Hillhouse Brasserie
• The Duck Hook


The Els Club, Dubai
Image Credit: The Els Club

The Els Club, Dubai

Designer Ernie Els

Location Dubai Sports City, Dubai

Highlights
Renowned as one of the finest golfing destinations in the Middle East, the unique experience of The Els Club is one that creates lasting memories and should be on every golfer’s list.
This impressive course which was designed by — obviously — Ernie Els, a US Open and Open Championship winner and former world No. 1. Els has a passion for the great links courses of the UK, where he has won two of his four major championships, and in creating The Els Club he set about recreating some of these design features in a desert landscape. Thus a ‘desert links’ was born, winning rave reviews and many fans.

Facilities
• 18-hole Championship Course
• Golf Shop
• Country Club

Academy
CH3 Performance Academy
Claude Harmon of the Harmon family has set up his Golf Academy at The Els Club that boasts the highest tech available alongside PGA Qualified Professionals who deliver programmes for golfers of all standards.

Price 18 holes from Dh315

Food and Beverage
• Big Easy Bar & Grill
• 261 Restaurant
• Function venue, with both inside and outside facilities


Emirates Golf Club, Dubai
Image Credit: Emirates Golf Club

Emirates Golf Club, Dubai

Designers Karl Litton (Majlis Course) and Nick Faldo (Faldo Course)

Location Sheikh Zayed Road, near Emirates Hills, Dubai

Highlights
The Emirates Golf Club is the flagship golf club in the Middle East region.
The Majlis championship course is a challenging par 72, 7,301-yard layout. Designed by Florida-based course architect Karl Litten, the original 18-holes were built in and around the dunes of a beautiful site on the edge of the city, donated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on whose instructions the desert flora was maintained in its natural state.
The Majlis Course has developed a worthy reputation worldwide as a testing layout for even the best golfers. The course features hundreds of indigenous species of flora and fauna, beautifully complemented by meandering fairways and seven fresh and saltwater lakes.
The Majlis, the first grass course in the Middle East, takes its name from the Arabic word for ‘meeting place’. One of the most prominent features on the course is the Majlis building itself positioned between the eighth and ninth holes and a Dubai landmark since 1988.
Emirates Golf Club has hosted the Dubai Desert Classic until 1989 on the Majlis Course (except 1999 and 2000 which was hosted by its sister club at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club).
EGC also hosts a Peter Cowen Academy.
As Dubai has grown so has the club with the addition of the 18-hole fully floodlit Faldo Course as well as the most recent addition to the landscape of the golf in the region, Topgolf.

Facilities
• Majlis 18-hole championship course
• Faldo 18-hole floodlit course
• Floodlit par 3 course
• Topgolf
• Peter Cowen Academy

Price 18 holes from Dh330

Food and Beverage
• Carine
• Jones The Grocer
• Spike Bar
• Rose Leaf Cafe
• Function venues both inside and outside


Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai
Image Credit: Jumeirah Golf Estates

Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai

Designer Greg Norman, Earth and Fire courses

Location Along the E311 between Dubai Sports City and Dubai Investment Park

Highlights
Host of the DP World Tour Championship — the culmination of The Race to Dubai and European Tour season since 2009, the sculptured Earth Course is inspired by the great parklands of Europe and North America of rolling terrain and rushing water.
Also designed by Greg Norman to exist in harmony with the natural desert landscape, the sister Fire Course is a challenge for golfers of all abilities and just as tough.
Thanks to the undulating topography and stunning natural features, these two championship courses are enough to keep you busy all week.
Jumeirah Golf Estates also hosts a Peter Cowen Academy.

Facilities
• Two 18-hole courses, Fire and Earth
• Peter Cowen Golf Academy
• Real estate, with over 1,500 villas, town houses and apartments
• Country Club, including swimming pool and gym
• Tennis Academy
• Ballroom

Academy
The Peter Cowen Academy at Jumeirah Golf Estates has state of the art facilities in golf training technology, housing a dedicated gym plus indoor and outdoor training bays and so much more.

Price 18 holes from Dh200

Food and Beverage
• Nassau
• Sports Bar
• Merchant Meats Tap & Grill
• Function venue, both inside and outside


The Resort Course, JA The Resort
Image Credit: The Resort Course, JA The Resort

The Resort Course, JA The Resort

Designer Peter Harradine

Location Sheikh Zayed Road, Exit 13, Dubai

Highlights
Spread over 50 acres is the nine-hole par 35 golf course, which has each hole uniquely landscaped to reflect the desert flora. There is a monster saltwater lake, which comes into play on five holes.
This venue also has wildlife, including peacocks, wandering freely on the fairways.

Facilities
• Nine-hole golf course
• JA Beach Hotel, JA Palm Tree Court and JA Lake View Hotel
• Leadbetter Golf Academy
• Horse riding
• Tennis
• Shooting range

Academy
JA The Resort is the home of the Leadbetter Golf Academy, which is his first in the Middle East and the first of its kind offering a holistic approach to golf instruction that incorporates swing analysis, course management, mental preparation and physical conditioning.

Price 18 holes from Dh295

Food and Beverage
• Sette
• White Orchid Restaurant
• White Orchid Lounge
• Ibn Majed
• Sports Cafe
• La Fontana Pool Bar
• Captain’s Restaurant and Bar
• Shooters
• Vasco Da Gama
• Sunset Lounge
• Palmito Pool Bar
• Anchor Pool Bar
• Kinara
• Republik
• 81
• Lobby Lounge at Lake View Hotel
• Bibe
• Functions and conferences, both indoors and outdoors


Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah
Image Credit: Al Hamra Golf Club

Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah

Designer Peter Harradine

Location Vienna Street, Al Hamra Village, Ras Al Khaimah

Highlights
Al Hamra’s par 72 course lends itself to all levels of golfers. This 18-hole course, designed by Peter Harradine, is uniquely connected by four waterways. The front nine measuring, 3,578 yards, makes its way out and away from the clubhouse, while the back nine, measuring 3,747 yards, returns home around the lagoon. The result is a stunning Championship golf course with five varying tee options on each hole.
Using a combination of the front nine and back nine championship course, a composite floodlit nine-hole course is created, providing the perfect option for a quick game under the stars.
Originally planned to be built on the salt flats bordering the water edge, some five million cubic metres of sand combined with expert shaping have come together to create gentle elevation changes as the terrain moves around the lagoons.
The course has played host to the Ras Al Khaimah 2017 Golf Challenge and the Challenge Tour Grand Final in 2018, the latter on the season-long Road to Ras Al Khaimah.

Facilities
• 18-hole golf course
• Nine-hole floodlit course
• Clubhouse

Price 18 holes from Dh475

Food and Beverage
Bay Sports Bar
 


Saadiyat beach Golf Club
Image Credit: Supplied

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Designer Gary Player

Location Exit 14, Saadiyat Island

Highlights
The award-winning par 72 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club was the Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront course.
Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, the 18-hole championship course and practice facilities harness the beauty of Saadiyat Island and create an unparalleled golfing experience with views of the ocean.
With the meandering, eco-conscious course, there are three salt water lakes and restored beach and sand dunes for on-course hazards, plus more than 60 bunkers.
Designed with amateurs and professionals in mind, carefully positioned tee boxes ensure the total yardage starts at 5,290 yards, although the course can be extended to a massive 7,784 yards for pros.
Host venue of the first Ladies European Tour event in Abu Dhabi, the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open, and voted ‘Best Course in the UAE’ in 2015 and ‘Best Course in Abu Dhabi’ in 2019, World Golf Awards, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is recognised as a world-class golfing destination.

Facilities
• 18-hole Championship Golf Course
• Clubhouse
• Pro Shop
• Golf Academy
• Nearby hotels in Saadiyat

Academy
A Troon Golf Academy as part of practice facilities with PGA-qualified professionals providing lessons and teaching programmes for beginners and elite golfers: men, women and juniors.

Price 18 holes from Dh430

Food and Beverage
Hawksbill Restaurant
Function facilities both indoor and outdoor


Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club
Image Credit: Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

Designer Peter Harradine

Location Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Near Tasjeel Auto Village, Sharjah

Highlights
Just outside Dubai, Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club (SGSC) offers a one-stop venue for a vast range of recreational facilities, both indoor and outdoor. 
Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, which opened in 2005, boasts a nine-hole, fully floodlit golf course. Designed by Peter Harradine, this course stretches in excess of 7,300 yards. The course features between five and seven tees options on every hole, water features, generous fairways, large and challenging bunkers and unique undulations. Despite being nine holes it has hosted an Order of Merit event on the European Legends Tour, the first of its kind in professional golf.

Facilities
• Nine-hole floodlit golf
• Altitude Health Club/Gymnasium
• Physiotherapy
• Spa and salon
• Tennis
• Laser centre
• Basketball 
• Swimming pool
• Pistol and rifle shooting
• Archery
• Paintball

Price 18 holes (2 x loops of nine holes) from Dh250

Food and Beverage
• Twisted Olive Bistro
• Figure 8 Cafe
• Function venue, both indoor and outdoors


Tower Links Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah
Image Credit: Tower Links Golf Club

Tower Links Golf Club

Designer Gerald Williams

Location Near Ruler’s Palace, Ras Al Khaimah

Highlights
Tower Links Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah, designed by Gerald Williams and established in 2004, is the most natural golf course in the UAE.
It has a unique personality of being a cross between a Desert and Parkland style of course, with 11 out of the 18 holes meandering around a mangrove reserve which provides a natural habitat to many aquatic and bird species.
The grass covering at Tower Links Golf Club is Paspalum, ensuring it can stand the high salt content of the mangroves to provide excellent playing surfaces all year round.
The course can stretch to 7,095 yards and has been a regular stop for the Mena Tour.

Facilities
• 18-hole golf course
• Driving range
• Short game area and two practice putting greens
• Clubhouse
• Academy
• Spa

Price 18 holes from Dh200

Food and Beverage
• Links Restaurant
• Bunker Lounge and Grill
• Hole 19 Cafe


The Track, Meydan, Dubai
Image Credit: The Track

The Track, Meydan, Dubai

Designer Peter Harradine

Location Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai

Highlights
The Track gives guests access to the home to the Dubai World Cup, Meydan Racecourse, and has no membership fee, so you can turn up at any time. The nine-hole course stretches over 3,600 yards from the back tees. Floodlit golf is available until 11pm.

Facilities
Nine-hole fully floodlit golf course

Food and Beverage
QUBE Sports Bar


Trump International Golf Club, Dubai
Image Credit: Courtesy Trump International Golf Club, Dubai

Trump International Golf Club, Dubai

Designer Gil Hanse

Location Damac Hills, Al Hebiah Third District, off Al Qudra Road

Highlights
A links-style golf club with state-of-the-art training and leisure facilities located near Arabian Ranches, in the heart of Damac Hills.
The 7,300-yard, par 71 course is located just 10 minutes from Sheikh Zayed Road and sits at the heart of the 42 million sq ft Damac Hills development. World-renowned and 2016 Olympic golf course architect Gil Hanse was appointed to design the 18-hole Championship style golf course as well as the par 3 course, that mimics the play and undulations of the 18-hole course.
Trump International Golf Club features the largest clubhouse in Dubai.

Facilities
• 18-hole Championship Course
• Nine-hole Floodlit par 3 Course
• Fitness centre
• Infinity swimming pool

Academy
Trump Dubai Golf Performance Academy
Two indoor Swing Studios
Double-ended Trackman Driving Range
Chipping facility and putting greens that emulate the undulations of the course

Price 18 holes from Dh275

Food and Beverage
• Stoke House Dubai
• Casual Sports Lounge


Yas Links
Image Credit: Courtesy Yas Links

Yas Links, Abu Dhabi

Designer Kyle Phillips

Location Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Highlights
Yas Links Abu Dhabi, a first in the Middle East — where heritage combines with impressive surroundings to create a truly unique environment. The Kyle Phillips-designed course ranks 48th in the world and combines visual treats with a stern golfing challenge.
The 18-hole course presents the kind of tests that golfers from all over the world embrace, while the nine-hole par 3 course and practice facilities are the perfect fit for all abilities. The clubhouse is set alongside the water’s edge, against great views of the Arabian Gulf.

Facilities
• 18-hole Championship Golf Course
• Nine-hole Floodlit par 3 Course
• Practice Ground

Price 18 holes from Dh420

Food and Beverage
• Hickory’s Restaurant
• MATSU
• Function facilities both indoors and outdoors, the latter overlooking the mangrove swamps and the Abu Dhabi city skyline.


Al Zorah
Image Credit: Courtesy Al Zorah

Al Zorah Golf Club

Designer Nicklaus Design

Location The Pavilion, Al Zorah, Al Ittihad Rd

Highlights
Opened in December 2015, the golf course has been designed by Nicklaus Design — the company of legendary 18-time Major champ, Jack Nicklaus and includes an 18-hole championship layout.
Set within a natural environment, with flowing dunes and mangrove area, two lakes and 88 nasty sand traps, the venue provides golfers with a unique experience with tidal water hazards adding to the fun.
There is also a two-level driving range.

Facilities
• 18-Golf course
• Driving range
• Oberoi Al Zorah and Radisson Blu hotels nearby

Price 18 holes from Dh195

Food and Beverage
• Thanani
• Shakespeare & Co

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