Experience championship desert golf courses while exploring some of the world’s most luxurious cities
The Middle East has become one of the world’s most exciting golf destinations, combining championship courses, breathtaking scenery, and five-star hospitality. From the iconic fairways of Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the coastal beauty of Oman and the Red Sea, every round here promises a blend of sunshine, luxury, and adventure.
Play the same courses that host the DP World Tour and Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, then unwind in resorts that redefine modern luxury. Whether you’re teeing off under skyline views, beside the ocean, or along the desert dunes, a golf holiday in the Middle East is every bit as memorable off the course as it is on it.
Why book a golf holiday to the Middle East?
- Play world-class championship courses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and beyond
- Stay in beachfront resorts with award-winning spas, and fine dining
- Discover vibrant cities, cultural landmarks, and desert adventures
- Enjoy year-round sunshine and perfectly conditioned fairways
- Book with confidence & peace of mind with full ATOL/ABTOT protection
- Book now to earn Loyalty Breakpoints & get money off your next trip
Experience desert golf at its finest
From iconic city skylines to tranquil seaside resorts, this region combines world-class golf with sunshine, culture, and unforgettable experiences all year round.
With convenient international connections and a thriving golfing calendar featuring prestigious tournaments, the Middle East is a dream destination for golfers seeking variety, luxury, and adventure.
Travel tips for golfers visiting the Middle East
- Best time to visit: October to April offers ideal golfing weather, with warm, sunny days and comfortable temperatures across the region. Summer months can be extremely hot, so early morning or twilight tee times are best.
- Top tip: Pack light, breathable golf attire and plenty of sunscreen. Many courses are floodlit, so evening rounds are a great way to play comfortably even in warmer months.
- Travel time: Direct flights from the UK reach most destinations in around 6–8 hours, with easy connections across the Gulf region.
- Transport: Car hire is useful in destinations like Oman or Ras Al Khaimah, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer excellent taxis and transfers between resorts and courses. Most golf resorts also provide shuttle services.
- Booking tip: Championship venues such as Emirates Golf Club (Dubai), Yas Links (Abu Dhabi), and Al Mouj Golf (Oman) are popular, so book in advance, especially during major tournaments or winter months.
Top golf destinations in the Middle East
United Arab Emirates – Best for world-class luxury golf
The UAE is the beating heart of golf in the Middle East, combining immaculate courses with luxury resorts, incredible architecture, and top-tier service. With its vibrant cities and easy connectivity, it’s the perfect all-round destination for golf, leisure, and entertainment.
- Dubai – Best for iconic golf and glitz - Dubai is the Middle East's golf centrepiece, home to 6 of the top 10 ranked courses in the Middle East. Golfers can enjoy desert-style fairways, lush palm-fringed greens, and skyline views unlike anywhere else in the world. Beyond golf, Dubai offers incredible dining, shopping, beaches, and nightlife.
- Abu Dhabi – Best for championship golf and culture - Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s capital and a golfing powerhouse, home to the Middle East's best layout Yas Links. Known for its calm sophistication, the city blends culture and relaxation. Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi or enjoy pristine beaches after your round. If you get your timing right (usually in late Nov/early Dec), you can catch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Formula 1 ends the season.
- Ras Al Khaimah – Best for scenic and relaxed golf - A rising star on the golf map, Ras Al Khaimah offers stunning coastal scenery and a more laid-back atmosphere. The award-winning Al Hamra Golf Club provides a scenic yet challenging experience, and with the region’s luxury resorts and peaceful beaches, it’s ideal for a rejuvenating golf retreat away from the city bustle.
Oman – Best for natural beauty and serenity
Oman’s golf scene combines dramatic desert mountains, turquoise seas, and authentic Arabian charm. Courses such as Al Mouj Golf in Muscat (regularly ranked among the best in the Middle East) and La Vie Golf Club offer world-class experiences in stunning natural settings. Golf here feels tranquil and exclusive, perfect for those who prefer a slower pace with breathtaking views.
Egypt – Best for historic and year-round golf
With its warm climate and spectacular landmarks, Egypt offers a truly unique golf experience. Tee off with views of the Pyramids or along the Red Sea coast at premier courses like Somabay Golf on the Red Sea. Off the course, immerse yourself in ancient history, vibrant markets, and world-class resorts that combine relaxation with adventure.
Turkey – Best for all-inclusive golf resorts and variety
Just a short flight from the Middle East, Turkey, especially the Belek region near Antalya, has become a global golf hotspot. Offering championship courses designed by legends like Montgomerie and Faldo, plus luxurious all-inclusive resorts, it’s ideal for golfers seeking great value, convenience, and top-class facilities.
Check out our Dubai golf holidays FAQs to help you plan your next golf trip!
World-class resorts & modern cities
From sleek city courses to tranquil coastal escapes, the Middle East offers golf holidays that blend luxury, sunshine, and world-class design.
Whether you’re chasing championship layouts, beachfront bliss, or all-inclusive indulgence, these hand-picked destinations promise an unforgettable experience on and off the course.
Here are some of our favourite golf resorts in the Middle East:
City icons & championship pedigree Perfect for golfers who want world-class courses alongside luxury hotels, nightlife, and tournament history.
- Park Hyatt at Dubai Creek Resort | Dubai A serene waterfront sanctuary in the heart of Dubai. Play one of the UAE’s most iconic courses, then relax with five-star dining and marina views just minutes from the city’s nightlife.
- The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort | Abu Dhabi Set beside Gary Player’s coastal masterpiece, this elegant resort combines tour-level golf with Mediterranean-inspired luxury. Pair with nearby Yas Links for a true championship double.
Coastal escapes & seaside serenity For golfers who love ocean views, fresh sea air, and elegant, relaxed surroundings.
- St. Regis Al Mouj Resort | Oman A refined beachfront haven beside Greg Norman’s acclaimed Al Mouj Golf Club. Enjoy two kilometres of oceanfront fairways, fine dining, and five-star tranquillity on Oman’s coast.
- Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah | Ras Al Khaimah This grand, Arabian-inspired resort offers coastal calm and direct access to Al Hamra Golf Club. Expect pristine beaches, opulent interiors, and laid-back luxury in a peaceful seaside setting.
- The Cascades Golf Resort, Spa & Thalasso | Somabay, Egypt A desert-meets-sea masterpiece on the Red Sea, designed by Gary Player. With its renowned thalasso spa and panoramic ocean views, it’s a sanctuary for golfers who love to unwind between rounds.
All-inclusive luxury & resort indulgence For golfers who want every detail taken care of, from tee times to gourmet dining.
- Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island | Abu Dhabi An ultra-all-inclusive resort just steps from Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. With elegant rooms, world-class dining, and beachfront bliss, it’s the ultimate worry-free golf escape.
- Regnum Carya Golf & Resort | Belek, Turkey A five-star, all-inclusive legend in Europe’s golf capital. Play floodlit fairways, enjoy fine dining and spa indulgence, and experience true championship luxury, all in one spectacular resort.
Best-selling golf holidays in the Middle East
Check out some of our favourite golf resort packages in the Middle East. And remember, they are all fully customisable, call up one of our Golf Travel Experts and they'll help tailor your trip to your preferences!
Bucket list Middle East golf tour experiences
Top golf courses in the Middle East
Expect a diverse mix of designs, from traditional links by the sea to modern desert masterpieces, all crafted by some of the game’s greatest architects, including Greg Norman, Gary Player, Ernie Els, and Kyle Phillips.
Some of the Middle East’s best golf courses include:
Yas Links Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi, UAE Architect: Kyle Phillips | Par: 72 | Opened: 2010
Set on the western shores of Yas Island, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is widely regarded as one of the finest courses in the region, and the Middle East’s first true seaside links. Designed by Kyle Phillips, it blends rolling dunes, pot bunkers, and sweeping Gulf views into a course that’s as beautiful as it is challenging.
Travel tip: Play in the late afternoon for cooler conditions and spectacular views over the Arabian Gulf.
Al Mouj Golf | Muscat, Oman Architect: Greg Norman | Par: 72 | Opened: 2012
Framed by the Indian Ocean and the Hajar Mountains, Al Mouj Golf offers one of the most breathtaking settings in the Middle East. Greg Norman’s coastal design stretches for two kilometres along pristine beachfront, combining natural dunes, ocean breezes, and a relaxed resort atmosphere.
Insider tip: Stay at The St. Regis Al Mouj Resort for direct access to the course and world-class beachfront relaxation.
Dubai Hills Golf Club | Dubai, UAE Architect: European Golf Design (Gary Johnston) | Par: 72 | Opened: 2018
Dubai Hills Golf Club represents the modern face of Middle Eastern golf. Situated in the heart of Dubai Hills Estate, this contemporary layout features wide fairways, sculpted bunkers, and elevated greens, all framed by panoramic views of Downtown Dubai and the iconic Burj Khalifa.
Good to know: Morning tee times offer cooler temperatures and unbeatable skyline photo opportunities.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club | Abu Dhabi, UAE Architect: Gary Player | Par: 72 | Opened: 2010
Nestled along the serene shores of Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is a true coastal masterpiece and the first beachfront course in the Arabian Gulf. Gary Player’s design harmonises gently rolling dunes, turquoise waters, and natural wildlife habitats to create a tranquil, scenic experience.
Course fact: Rated 4.8/5 on GolfPass for layout and condition.
Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth Course | Dubai, UAE Architect: Greg Norman | Par: 72 | Opened: 2008
Home of the DP World Tour Championship since 2009, the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates offers pure tournament pedigree. Inspired by classic parkland courses, it features sweeping fairways, brilliant white bunkers, and striking water features that create both strategic depth and visual drama.
Insider tip: Visit in November to experience the electric atmosphere of the DP World Tour Championship.
The Els Club | Dubai, UAE Architect: Ernie Els | Par: 72 | Opened: 2008
A masterclass in design by Major Champion Ernie Els, The Els Club blends desert landscape with links-style strategy to create a course that’s both visually striking and rewarding for all levels. With over 80 bunkers, wide fairways, and pristine greens, it’s a true test of precision and creativity.
Travel tip: Book a lesson at the Els Performance Golf Academy, one of the best in the region.
Things to see & do
Beyond the fairways, the Middle East offers a captivating blend of luxury, culture, and adventure.Expect a unique mix of Arabian hospitality, modern marvels, and breathtaking landscapes, where desert dunes meet turquoise waters and historic souks stand beside futuristic skylines.
Whether you’re chasing thrills or pure relaxation, the Middle East promises memories long after your final putt.
Popular golf holiday types in the Middle East
- Luxury golf holidays – Combine five-star accommodation, stunning courses, and indulgent spa and dining experiences. Stay at iconic resorts such as The St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Park Hyatt Dubai, or Kempinski Hotel Muscat, where championship golf meets world-class comfort.
- Golf tours – Experience the region’s best courses in one seamless, fully customisable itinerary. Our Desert Swing Tour is the perfect example, play at Dubai Hills, Yas Links, and Al Hamra Golf Club across three incredible emirates, all connected by short, scenic journeys and luxurious stays.
- Golf & city breaks – Perfect for golfers who love urban energy. Tee off at Dubai Creek Golf Club or Abu Dhabi Golf Club, then explore glittering malls, rooftop bars, and cultural landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or The Dubai Frame.
- Group golf holidays – With superb facilities, warm weather, and lively nightlife in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah, the Middle East is perfect for sociable golf getaways packed with unforgettable moments on and off the course.
Beyond the fairways in the Middle East
- Dubai – Explore the city’s endless attractions: world-class shopping, rooftop lounges, desert safaris, and sky-high dining at Burj Khalifa. For relaxed fun, head to Topgolf Dubai for views, music, and friendly competition.
- Abu Dhabi – Discover the cultural capital of the UAE, home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, serene beaches, and the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Yas Island also offers Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and vibrant nightlife.
- Oman – Escape to a calmer pace of life in Muscat, where the Hajar Mountains meet the sea. Enjoy scenic drives, traditional souks, and waterfront dining after your round.
- Ras Al Khaimah – Ideal for a peaceful retreat with outdoor adventures. Hike the Jebel Jais mountains, explore historic forts, or relax by the sea after golf.
- Egypt – Combine golf with ancient wonders. Play beside the Red Sea at The Cascades Golf Resort in Soma Bay, then visit the Pyramids of Giza or sail the Nile for a truly unforgettable journey.
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