Dubai has firmly established itself as one of the world’s premier golf tourism destinations, attracting both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs to its sun-drenched fairways. What was once desert terrain has been transformed into a golfer’s paradise, where championship courses designed by legends of the game sit alongside cutting-edge entertainment venues and luxurious resorts. The city’s year-round warm climate, stunning skyline backdrops, and exceptional hospitality make it an irresistible choice for anyone looking to combine sport with leisure.
At the heart of Dubai’s appeal is its role as a regular stop on the men’s DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour), with prestigious events such as the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and season-ending DP World Tour Championship drawing the game’s biggest names. These tournaments not only highlight the quality of Dubai’s courses but also cement the city’s reputation as a global stage for golf. Beyond the pro circuit, visitors can test their skills at renowned layouts that challenge and inspire, from lush, parkland-style greens to desert-inspired designs.
Top image: Emirates Golf Club (Credit: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism)
Golf courses in Dubai
- Emirates Golf Club (opened 1988): Part of the Dubai Golf portfolio – alongside Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club – Emirates Golf Club is home to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and is one of the most renowned clubs in the region. With three immaculate courses – The Majlis, The Faldo and the Par 3 academy course – there are a variety of spaces to choose from, suitable for all skillsets. The Faldo Course is also fully illuminated for night golf – perfect for dedicated golfers who want to play through Dubai’s balmy summer months.
- Jumeirah Golf Estates (opened 2009): As the host of the DP World Tour Championship – the culmination of The Race to Dubai and European Tour season – Jumeirah Golf Estates is a popular spot to perfect your swing or experience the thrill of playing a round at a championship course. Designed by Greg Norman, the venue boasts not one but two distinctly challenging courses. The 18-hole Earth course is a sculpted delight, inspired by the parklands of Europe and North America, while the dramatic 18-hole Fire course is a desert dream with a links-like track.
- Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (opened 1993): Overlooking the waters of the Creek and adjacent to the Park Hyatt hotel, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club dominates the city’s picturesque waterfront. The club’s 18-hole championship course is made up of almost 7,000 yards of well-groomed fairways, coconut trees and difficult water and sand hazards. It’s also the location for the Peter Cowen Academy Dubai, the oldest golf academy in the region.
- Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai (opened 2002): Set in picturesque Emirates Hills, the Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai is one of the region’s most desirable golfing destinations with the Address Montgomerie hotel offering stunning course views. Scottish golfing icon Colin Montgomerie designed the championship-standard, 18-hole course with the help of another legend, the late Desmond Muirhead. There’s also a Par 3 Course and The Academy by Troon.
- Arabian Ranches Golf Club (opened 2004): Perfect your swing at the Arabian Ranches Golf Club, with an 18-hole course designed by Ian Baker-Finch. Located in the centre of the beautiful Arabian Ranches estates, the par-72 course is a playground for golf enthusiasts. Hit the fairway and enjoy the indigenous plant life and shrubbery while making your way to the 18th hole.
- Dubai Hills Golf Club (opened 2018): Managed by Troon Golf, the Dubai Hills Golf Club is carved out of the sandy desert, with undulating greens juxtaposed with valleys, wadis and lakes. Designed for all levels, the 18-hole course presents striking Downtown Dubai skyline views in the distance, which makes for unforgettable play. The club also features the Academy by Troon and a fully-floodlit driving range, ideal for summer evenings, with premium practice facilities.
- The Els Club at Dubai Sports City (opened 2008): The brainchild of the ‘Big Easy’, Ernie Els, The Els Club takes inspiration from the links courses of the UK. The South African former World No.1 has incorporated classic British features into the desert landscape to create a unique course that is a challenge even for accomplished golfers. Set in Dubai Sports City, the club is also home to the CH3 Performance Golf Academy by Claude Harmon.
- Trump International Golf Club (opened 2017): Located in the heart of the DAMAC Hills development, Trump International Golf Club features an 18-hole championship links-style golf course designed by Gil Hanse and a nine-hole, par-three course. For night golfers the nine-hole course has floodlights while holes 10 through to 18 of the championship course are also illuminated. The club’s facilities include the Trump Dubai Golf Performance Academy, with air-conditioned indoor swing studios that are a welcome respite during summer months, as well as the TrackMan Driving Range.
- JA The Resort Golf Course (opened 1998): Dubai’s largest resort is home to three hotels – JA Lake View Hotel, JA Palm Tree Court and JA Beach Hotel – as well as a world-class nine-hole par 35 course, which has previously hosted sports legends like Tiger Woods and Ernie Els. Designed by the world-renowned Peter Harradine, JA The Resort Golf Course is spread along the shores of Jebel Ali Beach.
- The Track, Meydan Golf (opened 2012): Ideal for visitors, the nine-hole fully floodlit championship course at The Track, Meydan Golf is accessible to everyone with its pay-and-play policy. Also designed by Peter Harradine, the course has a layout that weaves between a series of six natural lakes. Visitors can work on their short game and hit the practice tees on the floodlit driving range or take a lesson from the PGA-qualified instructors.
Golf events in Dubai
- DP World Tour Championship (13-16 November 2025): As the grand finale of the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai schedule, the DP World Tour Championship, hosted on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, brings together the leading 50 players in the DP World Tour Rankings. Set against the backdrop of Dubai’s stunning landscapes and iconic skyline, the championship offers an exciting spectacle for both avid golf fans and casual observers. With its reputation for delivering thrilling finishes and enjoyable social moments, the championship strengthens Dubai’s position as a hub for sporting events. General admission on Thursday and Friday at the DP World Tour Championship is free for spectators, while Saturday and Sunday is ticketed.
- Hero Dubai Desert Classic (January 2026): Hosted on the championship Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic stands as one of Dubai’s most esteemed sporting events. A Rolex Series event on the men’s golf DP World Tour, previous winners include the likes of Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els and Tiger Woods. Spectators can soak up the golfing action from the spectator areas or in style from the comfort of the hospitality lounges. General admission to all four days at the 37th edition of the Desert Classic is free.
Golf resorts in Dubai: stay and play
- Park Hyatt Dubai: Nestled on the banks of Dubai Creek, Park Hyatt Dubai is a perfect spot for golf enthusiasts, who can head to the adjoining Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club for a round on the 18-hole championship course.
- Address Montgomerie: The luxury Address Montgomerie hotel in Emirates Hills sits within the 18-hole Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai course, designed by the legendary Colin Montgomerie. Visitors can relax by the pool and enjoy views of the fairways, treat themselves in the spa and sample delicious cuisines from Monty’s restaurant.
- JA The Resort Golf Course: Situated inside the serene grounds of the JA The Resort, JA Golf is a nine-hole, par 36 course with beautiful views and lush surrounding greenery.
- The Meydan Hotel: Reopening at the end of 2025 after extensive renovations, The Meydan Hotel and its golf course – The Track, Meydan Golf – are located next to the world-famous Meydan horse-racing track.
Learn to play golf in Dubai
- The Tommy Fleetwood Academy at Jumeirah Golf Estates: Backed by Tommy Fleetwood, the European Ryder Cup golf star, and led by fully qualified PGA professionals, The Tommy Fleetwood Academy at JGE offers individual lessons and group clinics. Equipment is provided free for those without their own, ensuring an excellent golfing experience.
- Peter Cowen Academy Dubai: With locations at Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek, the Peter Cowen Academy Dubai is one of the most established in the region. It is run by a team of fully qualified PGA Professionals who are on-hand to assist visitors and take them through every aspect of the game.
- CH3 Performance Golf Academy: Located at The Els Club in Dubai Sports City, the world’s first Claude Harmon III Performance Golf Academy blends traditional and modern teaching techniques in its state of the art building, which is fully equipped to deliver a world-class level of golf instruction.
- The Track, Meydan Golf: Golfers of all abilities can take lessons and instruction under Fraser Davren, the PGA professional at The Track, Meydan Golf.
- The Academy by Troon: Lessons and classes are hosted by The Academy by Troon at both the Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai and Dubai Hills Golf Club.
‘Golf entertainment’ in Dubai
- Five Iron Golf Dubai: Dubai is home to innovative ‘golf entertainment’ venues that combine golf with socialising and dining. One notable example is Five Iron Golf Dubai, an indoor golf and entertainment venue, situated on the grounds of The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Five Iron boasts 17 state-of-the-art simulators, a golf-focused fitness studio, a restaurant showing live sport, augmented reality games, racing sims, and a beautiful nine-hole mini golf course and terrace. Professional instructors can also be booked for lessons.
- Topgolf Dubai: This entertainment complex combines golf, food, and fun. Located at Emirates Golf Club, Topgolf Dubai offers a unique experience where visitors can hit micro-chipped golf balls into targets, scoring points and competing with friends. The venue features multiple dining areas, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
- Swingers Crazy Golf: An immersive experience next to Ain Dubai on Bluewaters Island, Swingers Crazy Golf is home to three nine-hole mini golf courses – Hot Air Balloon, Waterwheel and Clocktower – each built with distinct and intricate layouts featuring loops, bumps and even moving obstacles.
- 3D Blacklight Minigolf: This venue at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) offers a unique experience with UV-fluorescent art depicting sea creatures, space adventures, and more. At 3D Blacklight Minigolf, visitors can play 18 holes surrounded by glowing landscapes and become part of the spectacle with bright white or neon clothing. Perfect for all skill levels.
- Boom Battle Bar: Adults can enjoy a range of games at Boom Battle Bar at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai on Jumeirah Beach. One of the most popular games is “crazier golf”, a unique take on crazy golf with a course featuring obstacles such as catapults, loops and conveyors.
Golf travel tips for Dubai
- All of Dubai’s golf courses are within close range of each other – you can get from one to another within 30 minutes.
- Dubai’s golfing proposition is available throughout the year, and you can play from day to night, both outdoor and indoor. Emirates Golf Club and The Track at Meydan offer unique night golf experiences too.
- You can enjoy a front-row view of world-class golf in Dubai at a budget friendly price. General admission on Thursday and Friday at the DP World Tour Championship is free for spectators, while general admission is free for all four days at the Desert Classic.
- If you’re flying into Dubai with Emirates, the airline accepts golf equipment, including golf clubs as part of the standard baggage allowance. Total dimensions (length + width + height) of the entire sporting equipment must not exceed 300cm (118 inches).
For more information about golf in Dubai, see visitdubai.com