Winter sun, warm weather and a dry forecast are the dreams of most golfers in the north of Europe from October to March. Spain and Portugal have catered to most travelling golfers, and emerging destinations have popped up in Turkey and the Mediterranean in recent years.
However, weather can be volatile on the Atlantic with the guarantee of the sun not being what it once was... Also, there are only so many courses you can play and if you've been every year for a decade or two perhaps the shine has worn off... Enter the UAE.
The UAE, or United Arab Emirates, is made up of seven emirates. An emirate is the American equivalent of a state, the Canadian equivalent of a province or county in England. Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate and Dubai is the most populous.
The nation's (federal) capital and emirate (state) capital of Abu Dhabi is also named Abu Dhabi. Dubai is the emirate capital of Dubai. Think of it as New York City, New York, USA.
The other emirates are Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. Dubai is the golf capital of the UAE, next is Abu Dhabi and finally Ajman, and Ras al Khaiman each have just one course of note currently.
Getting to the UAE
From London, there is non-stop service from London Heathrow on British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Emirates. Emirates also runs non-stop service to Dubai from Dublin, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and Newcastle.
The flights are about seven hours, but the time change is only three or four hours, depending on the time of year. Once you arrive, the scale of the airport in Dubai is extraordinary. It's a large place, and it does take time to process, but usually, it's very straightforward, with your luggage waiting for you on the other side of immigration.
Getting Around the UAE
If you rely on a hotel shuttle, costs are equivalent to a taxi in London or another major European city. The UAE equivalent to Uber is called Careem. You can download the app in advance and be ready to book as soon as you land. Costs are very reasonable and will be less than the equivalent journey in the UK.
The last option is the official RTA taxis, which are metered. These are safe, clean and abundant. They are also very reasonable, almost cheap from a UK perspective. Some strike up a relationship with a taxi driver who is able to help them for the duration of their stay with the ability to preplan pickups and dropoffs directly.
Like most foreign destinations, many shy away from public transit from less-than-honourable providers who take advantage of foreigners. Don't worry about that in Dubai - they are professional and operate to the highest standards. The cars are uniform in colour and livery - red and beige.
There are a multitude of options for a golf trip to Dubai. Once you've experienced it, there is enough golf to come back a second time to experience more. We picked the courses you will be familiar with - most of which you see on television due to the DP World Tour venues. It gives you a great introduction to golf in the Middle East and if you're a bucket list ticker, you'll get most of them off the list in a week-long trip. Below is a good start on a potential trip that will get you started:
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Currently ranked 10th in the Middle East and 8th in UAE, Dubai Creek is one the first golf courses in Dubai. Dating from 1993, it feels like a proper members club, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better one in the UAE.
Close to the airport, the journey is easy and the clubhouse is iconic. Play from reasonable tees and it's not too arduous. It is a perfect start to your Dubai golf holiday or for a second round of the day. Even a couple of rounds here in a week would be enjoyable.
The 16th to 18th are Dubai's answer to Carnoustie's closing stretch, which is relatively straightforward until there is a whisper of wind.
October to April is the Winter Season, with peak rates in force from Friday to Sunday. Your range balls and buggy are included. Ice-cold water, frozen towels, and ice lollies are usually on offer if the weather calls for it. All in, you'll be looking at about £250. For context, The Grove in London is £249 at peak rates.
The Emirates Golf Club - Majlis & Faldo
The first grass golf course in the Middle East from 1988, it is the home to the Dubai Desert Classic and has one of the most iconic clubhouses in the modern game.
Currently ranked 8th in the Middle East and 7th in Dubai, the practice facilities at the Majlis are top notch and a second 18 hole on the Faldo course can provide a second 18 without additional travel and can even be played at night. The Faldo is currently 19th in the Middle East and 12th in Dubai.
Compared to Dubai Creek, the course is a step up in terms of test or sternness. It can no doubt be ratcheted up to test the best when the DP World Tour comes to town and the average player will enjoy seeing how he stacks up against the best... thoroughly enjoyable and very playable, it's a great way to ease into the meat of a quick golf holiday.
The Majlis is the most expensive green fee in the Viya portfolio at 1500 Dirhams, equating to about £325. The Faldo is about £190. The only real equivalent to the two courses are Wentworth and The Wisley. Again, 36 holes as a member guest after appropriate gift and gratuities you may be quids-in in the UAE.
Jumeirah Golf Estates - Earth and Fire
36 holes of Greg Norman on a single estate. This is the home to the DP World Tour's flagship Race to Dubai. You've seen the golf course and will know many of the holes when you step on the tees. Everything here is next level. The practice facilities are geared toward serious golfers and tour players. If you've been to The Wisley you'll know the score.
The sand is quartz which gives it a flashy Augusta feel. Used for the tour championship, you better be at your best from the get-go on the Earth. Even from modest tees, it is a test of golf.
The Fire is enjoyable and relatively straightforward from the tees with fairways that seem to funnel the ball. Approaches that find the centre of the greens make for stress-free golf but if you miss, that's where you will start to lose shots.
This is a track day in an F1 car - it's fun and enjoyable but if you're not a low single-digit or plus golfer, be modest, as moving back too far will make this a battle of attrition rather than a very cool experience of playing the same corridors as the pros.
The Earth and Fire are golf courses that you, as a player, will enjoy. Similar to The Emirates experience, the East is about £300 and the Fire is about £215 during peak times.
Yas Links
The Kyle Phillips design in Abu Dhabi is the jewel in the crown of Middle East golf. Ranked in 1 in the Middle East and 1 in UAE, Yas Links is superb and knocking on the door of the World Top 100. As golf is built in this part of the world, Yas Links sets the bar to meet or exceed - as of yet, it hasn't been bettered.
Like most great golf courses, it can play every role and do it all very well. Everyone can play it - if the wind is blowing and you're on the tips, you'll struggle to shoot your handicap even as a plus golfer.
This is a great venue as a club member and as a visitor. You could play here every day and enjoy your golf. As a staunch traditionalist, I was smitten by Yas Links - persimmons, blades and a short set worked well here. A different test and experience, this is one you'll be glad you made the hour-long ride from Dubai to see. Worth every penny, this is a special course and club - a rare combo to find in the UK let alone in the desert.
Yas Links Abu Dhabi is perhaps the best value of money in terms of the overall golf experience I've seen in a very long time. At £235, it is not inexpensive but the experience is comparable to Kingbarns and Castle Stuart. Kingbarns is £448 to play, and Castle Stuart is £330 as of 2025.
Viya Golf & Dubai Golf
You'll be hearing more about Viya in the next few years as the golf management company moves from the Middle East to more traditional golf markets.
When you arrive in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, download the app and you'll be entitled to tee time booking, offers and a host of other benefits. It also has all the other UAE golf courses listed so planning has never been easier.
Most people will be used to living in a multi-cultural environment in the UK. However, if you've never been to the Middle East or predominantly Muslim country some common misconceptions need to be debunked.
Alcohol - some countries are completely dry, meaning you won't be able to enjoy a cold beer on the patio after a round of golf in the desert. Sharjah is an example of a dry emirate, but in Dubai and Abu Dhabi at the golf clubs, resorts, and most restaurants, alcohol is freely available since 2020 when it was decriminalised. Whilst alcohol is widely available, public drunkenness is best avoided.
Dress - perhaps not an issue for most golfers, most locals value a more modest and conservative style of dress. In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it is very Western, but if travelling to other emirates, be respectful of the local culture. Beach wear is best worn at the beach or pool, and there are expectations for both men and women if visiting a mosque. To avoid any hassle away from the pool and beach, men and women should cover their shoulders and above their knees.
Safety - Dubai is ostentatious, but there is never any feeling of threat or danger. Even the most extravagant displays of material wealth are not met with the potential for theft or mugging. In fact, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are considered safer than most of the United Kingdom!
Religious Conservatism - in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, one would not necessarily know they are in a religiously conservative country. The typical call to the mosque throughout the day is very seldom heard in Dubai. Restraint and modesty are valued, and there will not be any issues if shown.
English Language - Of interest, the native Emirati population is dwarfed by the amount of immigrants to the UAE. In fact, the largest majority is South Asian, making up nearly 60% of the population.
As such, English is the de facto lingua franca. Whilst English comprehension is not always native, virtually all are conversant and communication in English is easy.
Value - Dubai certainly caters to the uber-wealthy and ultra-rich. However, there are options at all price points. Every major hotel chain is represented in Dubai, from Premier Inn to ultra-exclusive boutique hotels. The closer you get to the coast the more expensive it becomes but there are options. Don't think if you're a budget-conscious golf traveller Dubai or Abu Dhabi is not an option.
Climate - It's the desert - its hot and humid. That works very well from November to March but it can be overwhelming from May to September. 36 holes with a cart is still a tall ask during the peak of the summer. Chase winter sun, it's perfect.
Golf in Dubai and Abu Dhabi isn't inexpensive when you compare it to a soggy two-for-one offer in the depths of winter at your local municipal golf course. If your main consideration is budget, you're probably not looking at premium Spain or Portugal packages anyway.
Additionally, the type of golf on offer is not really accessible in the UK to the average punter. The Grove, Wentworth and The Wisley all come to mind. Comparables to Yas Links in Scotland are Kingsbarns, Dumbarnie and Castle Stuart.
When comparing apples to apples, Dubai and Abu Dhabi deliver. On top of that, you're virtually guaranteed sun and fair weather with average temperatures in the mid-20s to low 30s during the winter season.
With options around accommodation and eating at every budget, you're set for a trip to a new region that may just become your preferred.
