Best golf courses in the Middle East

The Middle East has rapidly become one of the world’s most exciting golfing destinations. With year-round sunshine, world-class design, and breathtaking backdrops, the region now rivals the likes of Spain and Portugal for golf holidays, with the DP World Tour visiting there several times a year.

Whether you’re chasing European Tour-level challenge or a five-star resort escape, the Middle East delivers variety and luxury in equal measure. From the iconic Yas Links in Abu Dhabi to the stunning coastal holes of Al Mouj Golf in Oman, every course combines championship pedigree with unforgettable scenery.

Here’s our guide to the top golf courses in the Middle East.

Founded: 2010 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Kyle Phillips | Course Type: Seaside Links

Set on the stunning western shores of Yas Island, Yas Links Abu Dhabi offers one of the most authentic and scenic golf experiences in the Middle East. Designed by Kyle Phillips, it’s the region’s first true links course, blending traditional seaside golf with the dramatic beauty of the Arabian Gulf.

With rolling dunes, pot bunkers, and coastal winds shaping every shot, Yas Links delivers both challenge and charm in equal measure. Its signature closing holes run right along the water’s edge, providing breathtaking views and a thrilling finish to any round.

Off the course, the elegant clubhouse and world-class practice facilities ensure a premium experience, from the first swing to the final drink on the terrace. As the home of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Yas Links combines tournament pedigree with unmatched scenery - a must-play for any golfer visiting the UAE.

Recognition: Regularly ranked among the Top 100 Courses in the World by Golf World and Top100GolfCourses.com (2025 #96).

Key features:

• Links-style design running along the coast, with dunes, pot bunkers and seaside holes
• Home of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship - giving it true tournament pedigree
• Excellent facilities including a large clubhouse with maritime views and a world-class practice range

Founded: 2012 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Greg Norman | Course Type: Coastal Links

Set between the sparkling Indian Ocean and the rugged Hajar Mountains, Al Mouj Golf in Oman delivers one of the most picturesque and enjoyable golf experiences in the Middle East. Designed by Greg Norman, this championship links-style course weaves seamlessly through natural dunes and coastal landscapes, offering a refreshing ocean breeze and stunning views on every hole.

The course stretches along two kilometres of pristine beachfront, where wide fairways and strategic bunkering create both a fair test and an unforgettable visual backdrop. It’s a layout that rewards smart play and creativity, with every swing framed by dramatic seascapes or the mountains rising in the distance.

Beyond the fairways, Al Mouj offers a relaxed resort atmosphere within The Wave community, providing easy access to luxury hotels, waterfront dining, and leisure activities. Consistently ranked among the top courses in the Middle East, it’s an unmissable destination that blends championship golf with Omani charm and world-class hospitality.

Recognition: Ranked #2 in the Middle East by Golf World Magazine for three consecutive years.

Key features:

• Two kilometres of beach frontage with ocean views and a mountain backdrop
• Consistently ranked among the top courses in the Middle East
• Located within The Wave resort community for easy access to hotels, dining and leisure

Founded: 2018 | Par: 72 | Designed by: European Golf Design (Gary Johnston) | Course Type: Modern Desert Estate

Blending modern design with breathtaking city views, Dubai Hills Golf Club has quickly become one of the emirate’s most desirable golfing destinations. Carved from the desert by European Golf Design, this contemporary layout unfolds within the heart of the Dubai Hills Estate, combining lush fairways, sculpted bunkers, and an unforgettable skyline backdrop.

Every hole is crafted with playability and enjoyment in mind, offering a perfect balance between challenge and accessibility for golfers of all abilities. The elevated positioning of the course provides panoramic views of Downtown Dubai and the iconic Burj Khalifa, ensuring every round feels both dramatic and distinctly urban.

Off the course, Dubai Hills offers an inviting clubhouse with sleek, modern interiors, excellent dining, and a vibrant community atmosphere. As part of a 2,700-acre master-planned lifestyle destination, it captures the essence of Dubai golf - a world-class course paired with luxury, leisure, and stunning city vistas.

Recognition: Listed among the Top 50 Courses in the Middle East by Top100GolfCourses.com.

Key features:

• Elevated positioning with panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline
• Contemporary layout suited to all skill levels
• Part of a 2,700-acre master-planned lifestyle community

Founded: 2010 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Gary Player | Course Type: Beachfront Resort

Set on the serene shores of Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is a true coastal gem and the first beachfront course in the Arabian Gulf. Designed by Gary Player, this masterpiece combines natural beauty with world-class playability, offering a tranquil yet captivating golfing experience.

The course flows gracefully between rolling dunes, turquoise waters, and protected wildlife habitats, creating an atmosphere of pure relaxation and understated elegance. Several holes run directly alongside the beach, where sea breezes and ocean views elevate every shot into something special.

With its refined clubhouse, resort-style amenities, and close proximity to Abu Dhabi’s luxury hotels, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club delivers the perfect blend of championship golf and island serenity. It also pairs beautifully with nearby Yas Links, making it an ideal inclusion in any Abu Dhabi golf escape.

Recognition: Rated 4.8/5 on GolfPass for layout and condition.

Key features:

• Genuine beachfront golf with sea views and rolling dunes
• Excellent resort facilities and an elegant clubhouse overlooking the ocean
• Great complement to Yas Links for a multi-round Abu Dhabi golf stay

Founded: 2008 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Greg Norman | Course Type: Championship Parkland

As the long-time home of the DP World Tour Championship, the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates is one of Dubai’s most prestigious golfing venues. Designed by Greg Norman, this immaculately maintained layout draws inspiration from the great parkland courses of Europe and North America, delivering a tour-level experience in the heart of the desert.

Sweeping fairways, sculpted bunkers, and white limestone-framed water features define the course’s dramatic look and demanding play. The finishing holes, particularly the risk-reward 18th, provide a thrilling conclusion - the same stage where the world’s best golfers battle for glory each year.

Off the course, players can enjoy luxury clubhouse facilities, fine dining, and access to the exclusive Jumeirah Golf Estates community, home to two championship layouts (Earth and Fire). With its tournament pedigree, flawless conditioning, and stunning scenery, the Earth Course offers one of the ultimate championship golf experiences in the UAE.

Recognition: Venue of the DP World Tour Championship since 2009. Featured among the Top 10 Courses in the UAE by Golf Monthly and Top100GolfCourses.com.

Key features:

• Tournament-standard design with lakes, red sand bunkers and dramatic finishing holes
• Top-class practice and clubhouse facilities within a luxury gated estate
• Immersive championship atmosphere for serious golfers

Founded: 2008 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Ernie Els | Course Type: Desert-Links Hybrid

Designed by Major Champion Ernie Els, The Els Club is one of Dubai’s most acclaimed golfing venues, seamlessly blending desert landscape with links-style contours to create a layout that’s both strategic and visually stunning.

The course features wide, undulating fairways, over 80 carefully placed bunkers, and smooth, fast greens that reward precision and smart course management. Each hole offers a unique challenge while maintaining a sense of flow and playability that appeals to golfers of all levels.

Beyond the fairways, The Els Club offers superb practice facilities, a renowned coaching academy, and an elegant clubhouse with top-tier dining and leisure amenities - making it as inviting for relaxation as it is for world-class golf.

Recognition: Voted Best New International Course by Links Magazine.

Key features:

• Long, strategic layout with undulating fairways and over 80 bunkers
• Superb practice facilities and coaching academy
• Excellent clubhouse, dining, and leisure amenities

Founded: 1988 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Karl Litten | Course Type: Parkland-Desert Hybrid

A true icon of Middle Eastern golf, the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club has been setting the standard since its debut in 1988 as the region’s first all-grass championship course. Designed by Karl Litten, this Dubai landmark combines rich history, lush fairways, and a striking desert backdrop to create a world-class golfing experience.

Host of the prestigious Dubai Desert Classic, the Majlis Course blends parkland and desert elements, featuring undulating greens, sparkling water hazards, and mature vegetation that contrast beautifully with the surrounding dunes and skyline. Every hole offers a new perspective on the city’s evolution - from its pioneering days to today’s glittering metropolis.

Off the course, the club’s distinctive Bedouin-style clubhouse, superb practice facilities, and prime location near Dubai Marina and Downtown make it a must-play for visitors seeking both heritage and modern luxury in the heart of Dubai’s golf scene.

Recognition: Regular venue for the Dubai Desert Classic since 1989. Rated among the Top 100 Courses in the World outside the U.S. by Golf Digest.

Key features:

• Historic venue with a distinctive Bedouin-style clubhouse
• A parkland-desert hybrid layout featuring water hazards and lush fairways
• Central location just minutes from Dubai Marina and Downtown

Founded: 2015 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Nicklaus Design | Course Type: Coastal Mangrove

Tucked away on the peaceful coastline of Ajman, Al Zorah Golf Club offers one of the most tranquil and visually striking golf experiences in the UAE. Designed by Nicklaus, this championship layout is set within a protected landscape of mangroves, tidal lagoons, and natural wetlands, creating a serene atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustle of nearby Dubai.

As tides ebb and flow throughout the day, the course subtly transforms - revealing shifting colours, reflections, and playing conditions that make every round unique. Thoughtful elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and creative routing ensure both variety and challenge, while maintaining a deep sense of harmony with the surrounding environment.

With its quiet resort ambience, modern clubhouse, and access to the Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, this is the perfect destination for golfers seeking a peaceful escape paired with world-class design and natural beauty.

Recognition: Praised by Golf Digest Middle East as one of the “Most Beautiful and Underrated Courses in the UAE."

Key features:

• Natural mangrove and lagoon environment
• Subtle elevation changes and creative routing
• Quieter resort atmosphere for a more relaxed experience

Founded: 1993 | Par: 71 | Designed by: Karl Litten | Course Type: Urban Parkland

Perfectly positioned in the heart of Dubai, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club combines rich heritage with modern sophistication to deliver one of the city’s most iconic golfing experiences. Framed by the tranquil waters of Dubai Creek and the unmistakable sail-shaped clubhouse, this course blends tradition, elegance, and urban energy in equal measure.

The immaculate 18-hole championship layout offers a superb mix of strategy and beauty, with water featuring prominently on several holes to test accuracy and nerve. Lush fairways and manicured greens create an oasis-like setting, while the stunning city skyline forms a dramatic backdrop throughout your round.

Beyond the course, golfers can enjoy a state-of-the-art academy, a luxury marina, and a selection of renowned restaurants and lounges, making Dubai Creek not just a round of golf, but a complete lifestyle experience in the heart of the city. Dubai Creek also offers night golf, which is a must-try when golfing in Dubai!

Recognition: Multiple-time winner of the “Best Course in Dubai” award by Middle East Golf Awards.

Key features:

• Central city location along Dubai Creek
• Immaculate 18-hole layout with strong variety and water in play
• Full golf academy, marina, and multiple restaurants on-site

• Best time to visit: October to April offers the most comfortable playing conditions.
• Book early: Top courses fill up quickly around holidays and tournament weeks.
• Handicap and tee options: Most courses cater to all levels, from championship tees to friendly forward sets.
• Stay & play: Many venues sit within resort or residential communities, allowing you to combine golf with beach, spa, or nightlife.
• Mix it up: Combine a desert course like Emirates Majlis or Dubai Hills with a coastal option such as Yas Links or Saadiyat Beach for the perfect contrast.

Read more on our ultimate guide to UAE golf holidays here!

How many golf courses are there in the Middle East? The Middle East is home to more than 80 golf courses, with the UAE leading the way in both quantity and quality. Dubai and Abu Dhabi feature the majority of championship layouts, while Oman and other Gulf countries continue to grow as golf destinations.

What are the top golf courses in the region? Some of the highest-rated and most popular courses include:

• Yas Links Abu Dhabi – the first true seaside links course in the region.
• Al Mouj Golf, Muscat – a Greg Norman design set between ocean and mountains.
• Emirates Golf Club – Majlis Course – host of the Dubai Desert Classic.
• Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth Course – home of the DP World Tour Championship.
• The Els Club Dubai – one of the finest desert-links hybrids in the world.

Is there night golf in the Middle East? Yes! Several clubs across the UAE offer night golf under floodlights, perfect for escaping the daytime heat. The Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club is fully floodlit for 18 holes, while other venues like Trump International and Dubai Creek offer illuminated evening play on selected holes.

Why play golf at night? Evening golf is cooler, quieter, and uniquely atmospheric. The floodlights create an incredible skyline backdrop, and it’s an excellent option for travellers looking to play after a day of sightseeing or business.

When is the best time of year to play golf in the Middle East? The main golf season runs from October to April, when temperatures are pleasant and conditions are ideal. Summer golf is possible but usually played early in the morning or under the lights at night.

Do golfers need a handicap to play in the UAE or Oman? Most resort and visitor-friendly courses do not require an official handicap, though players should have a basic understanding of etiquette and pace of play. Some championship venues may request proof of playing ability for peak tee times.

What facilities can players expect at Middle Eastern golf clubs? Golf clubs in the region are known for their world-class amenities - expect premium clubhouses, top-tier practice ranges, coaching academies, luxury dining, and often on-site hotels or beach access.