The best golf courses in the United Arab Emirates

The Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, is a championship layout by Greg Norman, renowned for its tournament pedigree as the annual host of the DP World Tour Championship. With undulating parkland-style fairways, dramatic bunkering, and greens with bold contours, it offers a strategically demanding, visually stunning, and meticulously conditioned golf experience in a lush, upmarket residential setting.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi is the first true links-style golf course in the Middle East, designed by renowned architect Kyle Phillips. Set along the Arabian Gulf with dramatic coastline and views, this 18-hole championship course stretches 7,450 yards and regularly features among the world’s top 100 courses. It hosts the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the DP World Tour and offers world-class practice and clubhouse facilities.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by Gary Player, was the Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront course. Located on Saadiyat Island, this eco-conscious 18-hole layout features sweeping ocean views, natural sand dunes, saltwater lakes, and meticulously maintained paspalum grass. The venue is lauded for its blend of championship challenge and resort-level hospitality, providing golfers of all abilities a memorable coastal golfing experience.

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is a renowned 18-hole, par-71 championship course located along Dubai Creek in the heart of the city. Designed by architect Brian Johnson, the course blends strategic challenge with stunning waterfront scenery and features one of the region's most iconic sail-shaped clubhouses. The club has hosted multiple major tournaments and offers world-class amenities.

Trump International Golf Club Dubai is an 18-hole, par-71 course masterfully designed by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. Opened in 2017 within the DAMAC Hills community, the club offers championship-standard golf with links-style fairways and a challenging, modern desert routing. It features first-class amenities, a floodlit par-3 academy course, and an extensive TrackMan-equipped practice range.

The Els Club Dubai, designed by major champion Ernie Els, is Dubai’s premier desert links experience stretching over 7,500 yards. Known for its undulating fairways, classic bunkering, and Pinehurst-style greens, the club has won multiple awards for both architectural brilliance and impeccable conditions, offering year-round play and superb facilities within Dubai Sports City.

Emirates Golf Club's Majlis Course, designed by Karl Litten and inaugurated in 1988, is the UAE’s original championship layout. Routed through natural desert dunes, it features lush fairways, seven lakes, and showcases Dubai’s skyline. Known for hosting the DP World Tour, the Majlis offers a strategic, memorable challenge and is widely regarded for its conditioning and architectural significance.

Al Zorah Golf Club, designed by Nicklaus Design and opened in 2015, offers an 18-hole par 72 championship course set inside a vast mangrove reserve. With tidal changes, water in play, and striking natural beauty, it features strategic bunkering, generous fairways, and undulating greens, all with Platinum Paspalum surfaces and world-class Troon management.

The Address Montgomerie Dubai, designed by Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead, is a renowned links-land style course in Emirates Hills. Spanning 265 acres with 14 lakes and 81 bunkers, the course is famous for challenging layouts and lush conditions, appealing to players of all skill levels in a luxurious Dubai setting.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s National Course is an immaculately maintained championship layout designed by Peter Harradine. Stretching to 7,600 yards, it weaves through a desert landscape with strategic water hazards, bunkers, and doglegs, challenging players of all levels. The club frequently hosts professional tournaments, including DP World Tour and LIV Golf events.

Designed by Thomson Perrett & Lobb, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club offers a picturesque, challenging par-70 championship course in the oasis city of Al Ain. The facility features 18 holes, a floodlit academy par-3 course, a PGA academy, and a modern clubhouse with excellent amenities. Water hazards and deep bunkers provide strategic interest.