Best golf courses in Dubai

Location: DAMAC Hills | Par: 71 | Designer: Gil Hanse | Opened: 2017

Ranked the no.2 course in the UAE by Top 100 Golf Courses.

Why play here? Ranked among the very best courses in the UAE, Trump International Golf Club Dubai delivers a modern desert links experience designed by Gil Hanse. The layout blends rugged waste areas, rolling fairways, and creative bunkering, rewarding strategic thinking over brute force.

With immaculate conditioning, excellent practice facilities, and a relaxed clubhouse atmosphere, it appeals equally to low-handicap golfers and holiday players seeking a high-quality, contemporary test.

Travel tip: Located in DAMAC Hills, this course is best paired with hotels in Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina, with quieter transfer times outside weekday rush hours.

Course highlight: The par-3 13th features a visually striking desert carry and demands precise distance control.

Key features:

• Contemporary desert-links design
• Strong short-game challenge around the greens
• Modern clubhouse and relaxed atmosphere

Awards:

• Winner of the Middle East’s Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards 2025, a major regional accolade.

Location: Jumeirah Golf Estates | Par: 72 | Designer: Greg Norman | Opened: 2009

Ranked the no.3 course in the UAE by Top 100 Golf Courses

Why play here? Purpose-built for elite competition, the Earth Course is one of the Middle East’s most formidable championship layouts. Designed by Greg Norman and inspired by classic European parkland courses, it features narrow fairways, deep bunkering, and pristine greens that demand precision throughout.

As host of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, it offers golfers the rare chance to play a true tour-standard venue in peak condition year-round.

Travel tip: Ideal for golfers staying on-site or nearby, the Earth Course suits multi-round itineraries with minimal travel between hotel and course.

Course highlight: The amphitheatre-style par-5 18th, lined by grandstands during tournament week, delivers one of the most recognisable finishes in professional golf.

3 key features:

• Host venue of the DP World Tour Championship
• Tour-standard conditioning year-round
• Dramatic stadium-style finishing holes

Location: Emirates Hills | Par: 72 | Designer: Karl Litten | Opened: 1988

Ranked the no.4 course in the UAE by Top 100 Golf Courses

Why play here? Dubai’s most iconic and historic course, the Majlis has been synonymous with elite golf since opening in 1988 and remains the long-standing home of the Dubai Desert Classic.

Routed through mature landscaping with water hazards shaping key holes, it combines classic course design with a striking skyline backdrop. Its central location, tournament pedigree, and timeless appeal make it a must-play for any golfer visiting Dubai.

Travel tip: One of Dubai’s most central courses, Majlis is easy to combine with hotels in Emirates Hills, The Palm, or Dubai Marina.

Course highlight: The par-5 18th, played toward the Emirates Clubhouse with water guarding the green, provides a dramatic tournament-style finish.

Key features:

• European Tour pedigree and rich golfing history
• Strategic water hazards throughout the back nine
• Central location with skyline views

Location: Dubai Sports City | Par: 72 | Designer: Ernie Els | Opened: 2008

Ranked the no.5 course in the UAE by Top 100 Golf Courses

Why play here? Designed by four-time major champion Ernie Els, The Els Club offers a premium desert golf experience that balances playability with strategic challenge. Wide fairways provide confidence from the tee, while well-placed bunkering and contoured greens reward precise approach play.

Consistently excellent conditioning, first-class practice facilities, and a high-end clubhouse make it one of Dubai’s most enjoyable all-round golf venues.

Travel tip: Situated in Dubai Sports City, the course works well with accommodation in Jumeirah Beach or Downtown Dubai, particularly for mid-week play.

Course highlight: The par-5 6th offers a classic risk–reward opportunity with desert waste areas shaping decision-making from the tee.

Key features:

• Generous fairways ideal for resort play
• High-end clubhouse and practice facilities
• Consistently excellent conditioning

Awards

• Winner of Dubai’s Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards 2024 and 2025.

Location: Deira | Par: 71 | Designer: Thomas Bjørn | Opened: 1993 (redeveloped 2017)

Ranked the no.6 golf course in the UAE by Top 100 Golf Courses

Why play here? Set along the historic Dubai Creek, this classic layout combines mature parkland design with dramatic waterfront and city skyline views. Water features influence play on several holes, adding strategic interest without overwhelming the round.

Paired with its iconic sail-shaped clubhouse and convenient location near Dubai International Airport, Dubai Creek offers one of the most distinctive and scenic golfing experiences in the city.

Travel tip: Just minutes from Dubai International Airport, this is a convenient choice for an arrival or departure-day round.

Course highlight: The par-4 18th, played back toward the clubhouse with water flanking the fairway, is one of Dubai’s most photogenic closing holes.

Key features:

• Central location close to Dubai International Airport
• Mature landscaping and water-lined fairways
• Iconic clubhouse and skyline backdrop

Location: Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai | Par: 72 | Designer: European Golf Design | Opened: 2018

Ranked the no.9 course in the UAE by Top 100 Golf Courses

Why play here? One of Dubai’s most visually impressive modern courses, Dubai Hills Golf Club pairs resort-friendly playability with panoramic skyline views, including the Burj Khalifa.

Wide fairways, sculpted bunkers, and smooth, fast greens make the course highly enjoyable for all abilities. In contrast, its contemporary setting and modern facilities make it ideal for short-break golf trips and mixed-ability groups.

Travel tip: Its central location makes it ideal for golfers staying in Downtown Dubai or Business Bay on short-break trips.

Course highlight: The par-5 9th provides a spectacular approach shot framed by the Burj Khalifa, offering one of the most photographed moments in Dubai golf.

Key features:

• Panoramic skyline views, including the Burj Khalifa
• Highly playable layout ideal for short-break golf trips
• Modern clubhouse and excellent practice facilities

Location: Jumeirah Golf Estates | Par: 72 | Designer: Greg Norman | Opened: 2009

Ranked the no.11 course in the UAE by Top 100 Golf Courses

Why play here? More forgiving than its championship-hosting neighbour, the Fire Course delivers an enjoyable desert layout with generous landing areas and flowing hole design.

Sculpted bunkers and subtle green complexes ensure it remains engaging for stronger players, while its playability makes it an excellent choice for relaxed rounds, groups, and multi-round stays alongside the Earth Course.

Travel tip: Best paired with nearby accommodation, the Fire Course is ideal for relaxed rounds alongside the Earth Course.

Course highlight: The par-4 6th plays through natural desert terrain, rewarding confident driving with a clear approach to the green.

Key features:

• Resort-friendly design with wide landing areas
• Excellent companion course to the Earth Course
• Ideal for groups and mixed-ability golfers

Location: Emirates Hills, Dubai | Par: 72 | Designer: Nick Faldo | Opened: 1996 (redesigned in 2005)

Ranked the no.15 course in the UAE by Top 100 Golf Courses

Why play here? Redesigned by Sir Nick Faldo in 2005, the Faldo Course offers a modern, strategic contrast to the Majlis Course. Emphasising precision, shot placement and course management, it features desert waste areas, sculpted bunkers and subtly contoured greens.

As Dubai’s only fully floodlit championship course, it also provides the unique opportunity to enjoy an evening round under the lights.

Travel tip: Floodlit evening tee times make this course easy to fit around sightseeing and dining when staying nearby in Emirates Hills or Dubai Marina.

Course highlight: The par-5 18th provides a dramatic and demanding finish, with water guarding the approach and the clubhouse framing the closing shots—particularly atmospheric under the floodlights.

Key features:

• Strategic Nick Faldo redesign focused on shot placement
• Dubai’s only fully floodlit championship course
• Ideal companion course to the Majlis for multi-round stays

Location: Arabian Ranches, Dubai | Par: 72 | Designer: Ian Baker-Finch | Opened: 2004

Ranked the no.16 course in the UAE by Top 100 Golf Courses

Why play here? A long-standing favourite with visiting golfers, Arabian Ranches Golf Club offers a relaxed and traditional desert golf experience. Routed through natural dunes and indigenous vegetation, the course features wide fairways and gently contoured greens that favour thoughtful positioning over power.

Its welcoming atmosphere, strong clubhouse facilities and excellent playability make it an ideal starting point for a Dubai golf holiday.

Travel tip: Located in a quieter residential area, the course suits golfers staying in suburban or resort-style accommodation.

Course highlight: The par-5 8th is a classic risk–reward hole, inviting longer hitters to challenge the desert carry off the tee for a chance to reach the green in two.

Key features:

• Classic desert layout with natural dunes and waste areas
• Highly playable design ideal for resort and holiday golfers
• Excellent clubhouse and practice facilities in a relaxed setting

Location: Emirates Hills, Dubai | Par: 72 | Designer: Colin Montgomerie & Desmond Muirhead | Opened: 2002

Ranked the no.17 course in the UAE by Top 100 Golf Courses

Why play here? Located within the prestigious Emirates Hills community, The Montgomerie provides a refined parkland-style alternative to Dubai’s desert layouts. Designed by Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead, the course features immaculately manicured fairways, mature trees, and extensive water hazards that demand intelligent course management.

Its elegant setting and consistent conditioning make it a popular choice for golfers seeking a more traditional, polished golfing experience.

Travel tip: Staying on-site offers seamless golf-and-stay convenience and easy access to nearby Emirates Hills courses.

Course highlight: The par-3 13th plays across a picturesque lake to a well-protected green, requiring precise distance control and ranking among the course’s most memorable holes.

Key features:

• Parkland-style design rare within Dubai’s golf scene
• Strategic use of lakes and tree-lined fairways
• Seamless integration with The Address Montgomerie hotel and clubhouse

Dubai has firmly established itself as one of the world’s premier golf destinations, offering an exceptional mix of championship pedigree, luxury facilities and year-round playing conditions.

Combined with excellent hotels, straightforward transfers and consistently high course conditioning, Dubai remains an outstanding choice for both short golf breaks and longer multi-course itineraries.

FAQs

Q: When is the best time to play golf in Dubai? A: The peak golf season runs from October to April, when temperatures are cooler and conditions are ideal, although summer golf is still popular thanks to excellent course conditioning and attractive green fees.

Q: How many golf courses should I include in a Dubai golf holiday? A: Most golfers play between three and five rounds, with many courses conveniently located to allow easy multi-course itineraries without long transfer times.

Q: Are Dubai golf courses suitable for all handicap levels? A: Yes, Dubai offers a wide range of layouts, from demanding championship courses like the Earth Course to more forgiving resort-style options such as the Fire Course and Dubai Hills Golf Club.

For more frequently asked questions on golf holidays to Dubai, check out our article here!