Imagine this: it’s autumn, and while the skies over Europe are growing gloomier by the day, you’re about to board a plane to the golden sands and sun-kissed fairways of the Middle East.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi, two jewels of the UAE, offer a golfing experience like no other. With world-class courses set against stunning desert backdrops, a wealth of luxury experiences, and year-round sunshine, winter is the perfect time to tee off in these vibrant destinations.
Dubai
Dubai is a city synonymous with luxury, innovation, and extravagance, and its golf scene is no different.
Picture yourself starting your day at the Emirates Golf Club, home to the renowned Majlis Course. Ranked number three in the 2024 Golf World MENA Top 100 Courses, the stunning and equally challenging layout is home to DP World Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic.
The course, a lush oasis in the heart of the city, offers challenging holes framed by palm trees and impressive skyline views. Just next door, the Faldo Course features 18 fully floodlit holes, allowing you the unique experience of playing a round at night.
If variety is your game, head to Jumeirah Golf Estates. Here, the Earth Course — coming in at number seven in the Top 100 MENA list — plays host to the DP World Tour Championship, with its immaculate condition, challenging fairways and strategically placed bunkers.
For a contrasting experience, the Fire Course offers a rugged, links-style layout that tests every level of golfer.
At Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, the Championship Course, ranked eleventh in the MENA Top 100, provides yet another unforgettable round with its unique waterfront holes, particularly the spectacular par-4 17th that demands both precision and nerve.
And if you’re looking for something more relaxed, Topgolf Dubai offers a place to unwind, practice your swing, and enjoy panoramic views of the city with friends or family.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi may be less frenetic than Dubai, but it’s no less impressive when it comes to golf.
Start at Yas Links, the leading course in the Top 100 MENA Rankings, where the green fairways meet the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Also recently voted among the top 50 golf courses globally, Yas Links is a challenge for even the most seasoned golfer, with sea breezes and natural dune landscapes adding to its allure. This course also hosts the Abu Dhabi Championship, drawing top names in golf to its idyllic shores.
Next, try the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club designed by the legendary Gary Player. Ranked tenth in the Golf World Top 100 MENA rankings and nestled along the pristine beaches of Saadiyat Island, this course offers more than just a game of golf—think encounters with dolphins, gazelles, and local wildlife as you play through a breathtakingly scenic course that’s part of the UAE Challenge on the Challenge Tour.
And, for those seeking a fresh challenge, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club offers a new, modern course experience with wide fairways, undulating greens, and water hazards that keep you on your toes.
The perfect time to play
Autumn and winter in the UAE are ideal for golfers, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F), ensuring perfect playing conditions from September to April.
While your friends back home are layering up against the chill, you’ll be basking in the sunshine, navigating palm-fringed fairways, and enjoying the cooling sea breeze.
Easy access and endless possibilities
Reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a breeze, with direct flights from all major UK airports and only a seven-hour flight time.
The time difference? Just three hours ahead of the UK — no jet lag to slow you down. Once there, getting around is simple, thanks to the abundance of Ubers and taxis available at your fingertips.
For green fees, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have the Viya app. An all-in-one rewards booking app that makes it easy to book tee times, dining, and other activities.
And when it comes to accommodations, you’ll find some of the world’s best hotels, offering luxury at every turn, with exquisite culinary options that range from Michelin-starred dining to authentic local delicacies.
So, if you’re looking for a golfing holiday that combines world-class courses, unbeatable weather, and memorable experiences, now’s the time to book.
