5 reasons to book a golf holiday to Abu Dhabi & Dubai

The past 20 years have seen both Abu Dhabi and Dubai emerge into two of the world’s preeminent golfing destinations, blessed with incredible weather, first-class courses, and unbelievable off-course options. To that end, it’s not hard to see why the European Tour makes multiple journeys to the Middle East, as the best golfers on the planet make the most of the perfect golfing conditions in both November and January.

Away from the course, the region is home to some of the finest hotels in our portfolio, allowing easy access to everything the UAE has to offer. This includes, but is not limited to, some of the best restaurants, shopping, beaches, and cultural experiences you’re ever likely to find.

What’s more, with flights often leaving from the UK in the evening, travelling overnight, you can be on the first tee just hours after landing; helping to truly make the most of your time away!

With some of the best courses on the European Tour located in the region, wherever you choose, you’re assured of unbelievable on-course quality. In Abu Dhabi the heavy-hitters are Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach and Abu Dhabi Golf Club – home of the European Tour’s HSBC Championship. You can’t go wrong with any of these stunning layouts, and if you’re planning on staying in Abu Dhabi for the duration of your trip (rather than heading over to Dubai), then we’d recommend trying to squeeze all three of these in if possible!

Dubai itself has slightly more courses and could put forward a very credible claim for the ‘best courses within a 20-minute drive’ with more than 100-holes of desert perfection. Some of our favourites include; Emirates Golf Club, The Els Club, Dubai Creek Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estate (home of the DP World Tour Championship), The Montgomerie Golf Club, Trump International Golf – Dubai, and Arabian Ranches.

Away from the courses, the region is perhaps best known for its world-class hotels and resorts. The big names have all set up a base in Abu Dhabi, so whether you stay at The Crowne Plaza, the Park Hyatt or The Westin, you’re sure to have an unbelievable experience!

Further up the coast in Dubai there are endless options for spectacular stays. For something special, check out the Address Dubai Marina, Media Rotana and Park Hyatt, which are all of a five-star standard.

Home to some of the highest skylines on the planet, both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have grown massively over the past twenty years… in every possible way. The Middle East seamlessly blends the new with the old, as traditional mosques neighbour unimaginable skyscrapers. When in Dubai, you absolutely must head to the Burj Khalifa; the world’s tallest building, packed with shops, restaurants, and unbelievable vistas. If you’re looking for something more traditional, we’d strongly recommend taking a trip to the Grand Mosque or Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have created incredible experiences for guests of all ages over recent years. For some high-octane fun, make sure you check out Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, or the Warner Bros. World Theme Park… ideal for forgetting about that three-putt on the last hole! If you happen to be in town at the right time, you can also catch some racing at the Yas Marina Circuit. For something a little more peaceful, be sure to check out The Louvre Abu Dhabi or Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.

As well as the plentiful shopping, Dubai also offers a great gateway to the desert. What better way to spend a day away from the course than on a quad bike or desert dune safari… or a camel trek, for those looking to move at a slower place!

Dubai is well-known as one of the world’s shopping hotspots. We’d definitely recommend checking out The Dubai Mall, Global Village and The Mall of The Emirates. You’ll find a mix of high-fashion and local crafts across Dubai’s Malls, with others specialising in outlet shopping or jewellery – notably the Gold and Diamond Park.

Down the coast, Yas Mall, Marina Mall and the Abu Dhabi Mall are all bursting with household names and luxury goods too. If you’re staying in the heart of the city, The Galleria Al Marah Island is home to over 400 stores and over 100 eateries, for when you’ve worked up a post-shopping appetite!