NEWS
January 20, 2026

Dubai Golf Courses: Luxury, Lifestyle & the Best Courses in the UAE

In recent years, Dubai has evolved from an emerging golf destination into one of the premier hotspots of international golf. Today, the metropolis ranks among the must-visit places for every golfer. The combination of cutting-edge infrastructure, year-round 18-hole courses, and a spectacular backdrop of desert, skyline, and sea makes golfing here a truly world-class experience.

While season breaks or extreme weather interrupt play elsewhere, Dubai offers 365 days of golf season. Adding to this are highly professional management teams such as Troon Golf and European Golf Design, ensuring that fairways, greens, and service standards not only meet but often exceed international benchmarks.

Luxury & Sport in Perfect Symbiosis

In Dubai, golf isn’t just a sport — it’s a lifestyle. You play on courses seamlessly integrated into exclusive communities, where luxurious villas and apartments line the fairways. After your round, unwind in a clubhouse that feels more like a five-star resort, or take the opportunity to network with entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and international investors.

Dubai is equally thrilling for professionals and amateurs alike. While world-class players regularly compete in major tournaments such as the DP World Tour Championship or the Dubai Desert Classic, amateur golfers enjoy access to the same facilities, pristine greens, and international atmosphere. Standing on the same fairways where the world’s best players teed off just days before delivers pure goosebumps.

Golfing Between Skyline and Desert — Why Dubai Is Unique

Dubai’s true allure lies in the diversity of its golf landscapes. You can tee off in the morning on a championship course overlooking the Burj Khalifa and in the afternoon play a round on a course nestled like an oasis in the desert. These contrasts — vibrant metropolis on one side, serene nature on the other — are rarely found anywhere else.

Another distinctive feature is the close link between golf and luxury living. Many courses are part of exclusive residential communities, where golf is not just a sport but a lifestyle enjoyed right outside your door. For investors, this is particularly appealing: properties in golf communities are among the most sought-after in the market, combining lifestyle appeal with steady value appreciation.

The climate enhances this experience. From October to April, ideal playing conditions with pleasant temperatures await. During the summer months, when the sun is at its strongest, floodlit courses such as the Faldo Course or Trump International offer entirely new possibilities. Playing in the warm night air while the skyline sparkles around you is a sensation few other cities in the world can match.

Finally, Dubai holds a firm place in the European Tour calendar. The DP World Tour Championship — the grand finale of the European Tour — brings the world’s top players to the UAE each year, underscoring why Dubai is no longer a hidden gem but a cornerstone of global golf.

Dubai’s Icons — Golf Courses That Give You Goosebumps

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is more than just a golf course — it’s a true icon of the city and often the first image that comes to mind when golfers think of Dubai. Set right on the waterfront, it features a par-71 layout stretching over approximately 7,000 yards. The holes along the creek are particularly distinctive — from the very first tee, you can feel the closeness of the water setting the rhythm of your round.

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

The 18th hole is considered one of the most spectacular finishing holes in the region — a par 4 where you drive across the water and approach the green with the skyline behind you. Thrills are guaranteed, no matter how many times you play it.

Beyond the course itself, the clubhouse with its sail-shaped architecture is a true Dubai landmark. It features several restaurants and lounges overlooking the marina — the perfect place to end the day in style. The Dubai Creek Club is therefore not just a sporting venue but also a social hub for business professionals, expats, and golfers from around the world.

Dubai Hills Golf Club

Dubai Hills Golf Club is one of the city’s newer yet already prestigious courses. Designed by European Golf Design and managed by Troon, this 18-hole championship course impresses with its modern fairways, clean layout, and expansive greens. Nearly every hole offers stunning views of the Burj Khalifa, creating a truly unique atmosphere throughout your game.

Dubai Hills Golf Club
Dubai Hills Golf Club

The layout is designed to appeal to both beginners and seasoned golfers: wide fairways forgive minor mistakes, while strategically placed bunkers and water hazards demand thoughtful decisions from advanced players. The par-3 holes are especially diverse — some short and tricky, others long and exposed to the wind.

This course becomes even more appealing thanks to its location within the Dubai Hills Estate community. Here, you don’t just play golf — you immerse yourself in an environment where luxury villas, modern apartments, and lifestyle amenities blend seamlessly together. Many homeowners choose this address precisely because of the golf course — a perfect example of the fusion of sport, living, and investment.

The Els Club Dubai

Designed by golf legend Ernie Els and located in Dubai Sports City, this course is a prime example of a “desert links” layout that perfectly integrates the area’s natural terrain. Stretching over 7,500 yards, its wide yet strategically demanding fairways require not only distance but also precision.

The Els Club Dubai
The Els Club Dubai

The greens are a true trademark — large, heavily contoured, and impeccably maintained. Success here depends on precise lag putting and a sharp short game — mistakes are rarely forgiven.

Beyond its sporting excellence, the club is also a social highlight. The elegant clubhouse offers an exclusive atmosphere where you can conduct business discussions after your round or simply enjoy the desert scenery with a drink in hand. For many expats and business professionals, The Els Club is a place where golf and networking are almost inseparable.

Trump International Golf Club Dubai

Designed by renowned architect Gil Hanse, the Trump International Golf Club Dubai makes an immediate impression: wide fairways, dramatic bunkering, and clever elevation changes make every round engaging. Stretching over 7,200 yards with a par of 71, it is both challenging and fair — whether you’re a professional or an ambitious amateur golfer.

Championship Course, Trump International Golf Club Dubai
Championship Course, Trump International Golf Club Dubai

A special highlight: the course offers night golf on the Back Nine, allowing you to play under floodlights even after sunset. There’s also a dedicated par-3 course, ideal for short practice rounds or quick after-work sessions.

The sophisticated clubhouse with rooftop terraces, restaurants, and lounges adds to the course’s exclusive character. Many expats and international guests instantly feel at home here, as golf, lifestyle, and community blend seamlessly. The course sits in the heart of DAMAC Hills, an established residential community — another example of how closely golf and real estate are intertwined in Dubai.

Championship Feeling: Tournament Venues in Dubai

Jumeirah Golf Estates — Earth & Fire Course

At Jumeirah Golf Estates, you’ll tee off where the world’s elite compete at the peak of the season each year. The Earth Course, designed by Greg Norman, hosts the DP World Tour Championship — the grand finale of the European Tour with significant prize money. Its long fairways, deep white bunkers, and fast, undulating greens define its character. The final four holes, known as “the most challenging mile in golf,” demand absolute precision and nerves of steel.

The Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates
The Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates

The Fire Course is shorter but by no means easier. Tactical layouts, risk-reward opportunities, and clever doglegs dominate here. Those who prefer strategy over pure distance will find their stage on this course. Both layouts are part of an exclusive residential community featuring villas, townhouses, and apartments — a dream come true for anyone who wants golf literally on their doorstep.

Emirates Golf Club — The Majlis Course

The Majlis Course is steeped in history: it was the first 18-hole golf course in the Middle East and remains one of the region’s most prestigious venues. For decades, it has hosted the Dubai Desert Classic, where world stars such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Ernie Els have etched their names into the winners’ lists.

Majlis Course - Emirates Golf Club
Majlis Course - Emirates Golf Club

The layout is a par 72 with fast, true greens, long par 4s, and a spectacular backdrop — as you play, the Dubai Marina skyline rises dramatically behind you. If you take golf seriously in Dubai, you simply can’t miss the Majlis Course — it’s a must on every golfer’s bucket list.

Golfing Beyond Dubai — The Gems of the United Arab Emirates

Al Zorah Golf Club, Ajman

Al Zorah Golf Club stands out from every other course in the Emirates. Designed by Nicklaus Design, it is set within a one-million-square-meter mangrove nature reserve.

Al Zorah Golf Club, Ajman
Al Zorah Golf Club, Ajman

During your round, you’ll not only experience distinctive layouts but also encounter flamingos, herons, and other migratory birds that inhabit the area. The tides influence the water levels and, with them, the playing conditions — golf is rarely as connected to nature as it is here. If you’re seeking a break from Dubai’s urban skyline, Ajman offers a peaceful oasis just about 30 minutes away.

Yas Links, Abu Dhabi

Yas Links is regarded as one of the finest coastal courses in the world and the first true “links-style” course in the Middle East. Designed by Kyle Phillips, it draws inspiration from traditional Scottish links and translates that concept beautifully to the shores of Yas Island.

Yas Links, Abu Dhabi
Yas Links, Abu Dhabi

Almost every hole offers a breathtaking ocean view, while the sound of wind and waves subtly shapes the game. Challenging, strategic, and spectacular — this course tests not only your shots but also your course management. It regularly hosts international tournaments and is ideal for combining a luxury golf getaway with a stay at one of Yas Island’s world-class resorts or a visit to its renowned theme parks.

Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah

Al Hamra Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 72 course artfully laid out through a serene lagoon landscape, blending resort ambiance with competitive standards. By day, you’ll enjoy the mix of water hazards and palm-framed fairways; by night, a true highlight awaits — floodlit golf across the entire course. Few other venues in the region allow you to play a full championship round under the stars.

Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah
Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah

With its location right next to luxurious hotels and beaches, Al Hamra is perfect if you want to combine golf with relaxation, beach life, and a world-class resort atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Your Golf Trip to Dubai

Green Fees

Prices vary widely depending on location, season, and time of day. For a round on championship courses such as Emirates Golf Club or Jumeirah Golf Estates, expect to pay between 400 and 900 AED (approximately €100–230). Many clubs offer twilight rates in the late afternoon or dynamic pricing via booking platforms like the Viya app, which can provide attractive discounts. If you’re planning several rounds, it’s worth asking about multi-round passes or package deals.

Best Playing Time

Dubai’s golf season officially runs from October to April, when temperatures range between 20 °C and 30 °C — perfect for a relaxed game. During the hot summer months, temperatures can exceed 40 °C. If you still want to play, opt for early morning tee times before 8 a.m. or take advantage of night golf.

Floodlight Golf

Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah
Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah

Golfing under floodlights is a true highlight — an experience you’ll hardly find in any other metropolis. The Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club is one of the few fully illuminated 18-hole courses in the world. Trump International and Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah also offer night golf on selected holes. Especially in summer, it’s the most comfortable way to play — warm but without the intense heat, and with the city’s sparkling skyline as your backdrop.

Dress Code & Etiquette

There is a lot of emphasis on etiquette in Dubai. Classic golf clothing — i.e. polo shirt, golf pants or shorts, golf shoes — is a must. Jeans, T-shirts or sleeveless shirts are taboo in almost every place. Many clubs also require a handicap certificate (usually around 28 for men and 36 for women), especially on championship courses. Carts are standard almost everywhere, also to keep up the pace at high temperatures.

Golf & Real Estate — Lifestyle at the Highest Level

Jumeirah Golf Estates
Jumeirah Golf Estates

In Dubai, golf is far more than a sport — it’s a statement and a lifestyle reflected in the exclusive residential communities surrounding the courses. The most renowned examples include Dubai Hills Estate and Jumeirah Golf Estates — both internationally recognized for blending luxury living with golfing excellence.

Picture waking up in your villa or apartment overlooking pristine fairways, stepping directly from your doorstep to the first tee, and unwinding at your private pool or clubhouse after a round. Architecture, design, and location are seamlessly aligned so that golf becomes not just a leisure activity but a natural part of everyday life.

Dubai Hills Estate offers a modern, urban flair with a mix of elegant apartments and spacious villas set amid lush greenery and views of the Burj Khalifa.
Jumeirah Golf Estates, by contrast, is one of the region’s most prestigious golf communities — home to two championship courses (Earth & Fire) that regularly host international tournaments.

These locations are especially attractive for investors: properties within golf communities belong to Dubai’s most stable real estate segment. Demand remains high, as tenants and buyers are willing to pay a premium for the setting, ambiance, and lifestyle. With their global appeal, communities like Jumeirah Golf Estates are viewed by international golfers, entrepreneurs, and expats as both a status symbol and a secure long-term investment.

In short: purchasing a property on a golf course in Dubai means investing not only in a home, but in a lifestyle that unites luxury, sport, and exclusivity — while offering lasting value and strong returns.

Conclusion:

Golfing in Dubai — an experience between luxury and sport

Golf in Dubai is more than just a sport — it’s a lifestyle. Breathtaking courses, international flair, exclusive communities, and a climate that allows year-round play make the United Arab Emirates a true hotspot for golfers worldwide.

And if you’re thinking not only about playing golf in Dubai but also about living or investing here, we at Real Estate Blondies are happy to provide you with personalized advice. Together, we’ll find the perfect property — whether in a golf community or another exclusive location in Dubai or across the UAE.

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