Discover championship golf, world-class hotels & more
With annual European Tour stops, world-class golf courses and a plethora of unbelievable 5* accommodation options, Abu Dhabi has forced its way onto many a must-visit list over recent years. The three most well-known courses here, Yas Links, Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach, are some of the best conditioned in Asia, with all of them comfortably holding their own when compared against the courses over the border in Dubai. When considering a UAE golf holiday, golf in Abu Dhabi combines quality courses with a capital city experience.
Why play golf in Abu Dhabi?
- Vist stunning golf courses in the capital of the UAE
- A great destination for escaping the UK weather
- Enjoy world-class restaurants & roof-top bars
- Experience unrivalled hospitality in luxury hotels
What makes golf in Abu Dhabi so special?
It's no wonder why many Abu Dhabi golf courses firmly hold their place as some of the best in the UAE. Now a regular fixture in the European Tour calendar, the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and its famous Falcon clubhouse is one of the most iconic spots in world golf. Carved out of the desert by Peter Harradine, Abu Dhabi Golf Club can be a brute off the back tees and in its championship set-up of thick rough and rapid greens.
However, it is very playable with plenty of teeing options and you will get the opportunity to follow in your heroes’ footsteps. Make sure to build in time for an extra nine holes here and play golf under the floodlights at the spectacular golfing destination.
Also no stranger to professional golf, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has hosted multiple events on the Ladies European Tour and is fast-becoming one of the most talked-about courses in the UAE. Located in Saadiyat Island, just 500m from the mainland, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club offers breathtaking facilities and an immaculate golfing experience. Designed by Gary Player, this 7,806-yard course can test the best players in the world from the back tees.
However, the course was designed to enable play from a multitude of teeing grounds, ensuring it remains enjoyable for all who visit. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is also the perfect place to work on your own game, with a great selection of practice facilities, including multiple chipping greens, a large and perfectly manicured putting green and an extensive driving range with great views of the Abu Dhabi skyline.
Last but by no means least is the stunning course at Yas Links. Recently named one of the world’s top 25 golf courses by influential US magazine Golf Digest, this Kyle Phillips designed course is the first true links golf course in the Middle East.
Rated at the best course in the Middle East by the majority of ranking lists, Yas Links is simply a must-play on your next golf break to Abu Dhabi. In addition to its incredible 18-hole layout, there is also a 9-hole academy course and floodlit practice facilities, perfect for honing your game. Golf in Abu Dhabi doesn’t get much better than this.
Best-selling golf in Abu Dhabi
Stunning resorts, exclusive shopping & more
The perfect destination to enjoy some winter sun, it’s little wonder Abu Dhabi is considered to be one of the most luxurious destinations on the planet.
Not only is it famous for world-class golf courses, Yas Links and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, but it is also home to a range of luxury hotels, including the St Regis Saadiyat Island 5-star Resort, offering its own private beach on Saadiyat Island, one of the most idyllic locations in the UAE.
With a unique skyline and fascinating culture, golfers will also be spoilt with panoramic views of the city, beach, and ocean. What’s more, the city is filled with high-end shopping malls and famous attractions to enjoy off the course. The city is just 45 minutes south of Dubai, meaning you can take a golf tour easily.
With perfect winter temperatures, we think that the best time to travel to Abu Dhabi is between November and April. The flight time is 7 hours and you can fly to Abu Dhabi International Airport with Etihad and from there it’s just a 10-minute transfer.
Golf travel tips for Abu Dhabi
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A 5* treat 365 days a year
As you might expect, the area is not short of accommodation options. If you’re looking to be close to the city’s shopping district and famous attractions, both Andaz Capital Gate and Southern Sun are ideal offering pure luxury and excellent hospitality and service.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas 5* offers stylish rooms, five-star service and is suitable for those playing at Saadiyat Beach. However, for those looking to stay and play on-site, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is a must, combining true heritage with first-class elegance. The hotel's spa facilities were the first of their type in the region and still remains one of the best, while the restaurant offers delicious international cuisine.
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa 5* is another gem being close to Yas Links and offering unmatched leisure facilities.
