A Destination Guide to the United Arab Emirates
OVERVIEW
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven emirates established in 1971, has rapidly developed into a global hub for finance, trade, luxury tourism, and sports. The capital, Abu Dhabi, and the largest city, Dubai, are especially known for their dynamic economies, modern infrastructure and a focus on the western tourist markets.
Golf plays a significant role in the UAE's tourism and sporting landscape, with the country hosting prestigious international tournaments, such as the Dubai Desert Classic and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Courses like the Trump International & The Els Club in Dubai and the Abu Dhabi Golf Club & Yas Links are world-renowned, drawing top professional players and fans alike. The sport’s popularity has helped the UAE establish itself as a premier destination for golf tourism, contributing to its status as a major sport, leisure & tourism destination in the Middle East.
Highlights of The United Arab Emirates
• World class golf courses & resorts
• An incredible winter-sun climate
• Luxurious accommodation options
• A diverse & rich cuisine to suit all tastes
• First class service and hospitality
• Adventure & desert experiences
• Well serviced by UK airlines
Where to Stay
The UAE is a destination which has developed some incredible & enjoyable golf courses over the past few decades.. In terms of the sheer quality of courses, climate & vicinity of the courses, this is undoubtably one of the best destinations worldwide for a premium golf break. The vast majority of these courses are located within Dubai, and as a hub for any golf break will enable access to a plethora of amazing courses.
Well within a 2 hour’s drive of Dubai you also have access to world class courses in Abu Dhabi to the south, and Shajah to the north. Both are easily accessible from Dubai, but also both have some amazing accommodation options if your preference is to stay & play, especially if looking for desirable early morning tee-times.
Dubai
Dubai is a city that thrives on luxury, innovation, and cultural richness, and visiting it is like stepping into a world of wonders, from towering skyscrapers to desert sands. The Burj Khalifa is the worlds tallest building and located in Dubai, ascending to the 148th floor observation deck offers a breathtaking experience with views across the city and the endless desert beyond. Dubai’s shopping malls are virtually unrivalled, bottomless brunches are a delightful experience and well worth setting aside a few hours for, desert safaris are great fun, you can even try your hand at sandboarding. The real star of the show though is the abundance of revered courses on offer, these will delight, challenge and leave you wishing you had more time.
Accommodation options range from the sublime ‘7 star’ extreme to the more modest and affordable. In a city created for luxury and extravagance the top end of the hotel market is well supplied, but for those looking for more affordable options there is also plenty of choice available.
Nearby Notable Golf Courses
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A superb Gil Hanse links-style bucket-list course. Discover more here
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An immaculate course set-up with a stunning backdrop of Dubai. Discover more here
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A course crafted to showcase the pinnacle of the DP World Tour, one not to be missed. Discover more here
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A fair golfing challenge on an immaculate and tranquil desert setting. Discover more here
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A unique ‘Desert-Links’ style course designed by the Big Easy himself. Discover more here
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An iconic, spectacular & challenging course with the Dubai skyline as a backdrop. Discover more here
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Experienced day or night this is an exciting design layout from Sir Nick Faldo. Discover more here
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A unique and meticulous golfing challenge in the heart of Dubai. Discover more here
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It’s hard not to be impressed by this expansive and impeccably presented ‘desert-links’. Discover more here
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Located just 30mins north of Dubai, this offers something special in an incredible natural setting. Discover more here
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a city where rich tradition meets modern luxury. Known for its elegant architecture, cultural landmarks, and serene coastline, Abu Dhabi offers an unforgettable travel experience that’s distinct from Dubai's fast-paced atmosphere. Grand & impressive mosque’s and groundbreaking and unique museums, highlight the city’s cultural and historical side, luxurious beach resorts & Yas Island, with Ferrari World & the Grand Prix tract Yas Marina Circuit, offer a glimpse into the entertainment on offer. Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene brings flavours from around the world, with options ranging from fine dining to traditional Emirati fare. With its elegant blend of history, culture, luxury, and natural beauty, Abu Dhabi promises a rich, immersive experience that offers something for every traveller. Amongst all this are a handful of the best courses in the Middle East, in this sense what Abu Dhabi lacks in quantity to its neighbour Dubai, it more than makes up for in quality, combine the two and you have quite a golfing adventure.
In much the same way as Dubai, there are a vast array of accommodation options to suite all budgets.
Nearby Notable Golf Courses
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An award winning true links style course designed by Kyle Phillips, home to the DP World Tours Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Discover more here
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A Gary Player designed coastal examination that should not be missed. Discover more here
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The chance to play at an iconic venue from the DP World / European Tour featured from the early 2000’s. Discover more here
Useful Information
Getting there:
Dubai is well serviced from the UK by Emirates & BA, with direct flights from most major UK airports.
Abu Dhabi has direct flights from Heathrow & Manchester with Etihad, it is also just over an hour’s drive from Dubai.
Currency:
UAE Dirham / AED
Climate:
The United Arab Emirates has a desert climate, characterised by hot, sunny weather throughout most of the year and minimal rainfall. Summers (June to September) are extremely hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C.
Winter (December to February) is mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures typically between 20-25°C, making it the peak season for visitors. Rainfall is rare and generally occurs between December and March, often as short, heavy showers or thunderstorms. The UAE offers ideal winter conditions for those looking to enjoy golf and warm weather, in summer a buggy is recommended.