Dubai has long been known for its skyline of architectural marvels, its luxury shopping, and its pristine beaches — but beyond the glitz and glamour, the city has also become a world-class destination for golf enthusiasts. In less than three decades, Dubai has transformed its desert landscape into a playground for golfers, offering courses that rival the most celebrated greens in Europe and North America.
From the emerald fairways of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, to the legendary Emirates Golf Club, the majestic Jumeirah Golf Estates, and the refined Els Club, each course tells a unique story of design, luxury, and passion for the game.
Here’s a journey through the city’s most remarkable golf courses — where championship-level play meets world-class hospitality in the heart of the desert.
🏌️ Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club – A Symbol of Elegance and Precision
Founded in 1993, the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is one of the emirate’s most cherished landmarks, both for its sport and its aesthetics. With its iconic sail-shaped clubhouse overlooking the tranquil waters of the Creek, this course is a blend of sophistication and serenity, offering an unforgettable experience for every golfer.
The Championship Course
The par-71 Championship Course, stretching 6,967 yards, offers a breathtaking journey from the first tee to the final green. The fairways are immaculately maintained, flanked by palm trees, date groves, and shimmering water features. The Creek itself comes into play on several holes, especially the dramatic closing stretch — the 17th and 18th holes — where water guards the left side of the fairway, demanding both accuracy and courage.
A good drive on the 18th still leaves players with a challenging approach to a tiered, sloping green, framed by water and sand. It’s a thrilling finale that captures the spirit of Dubai golf — precision, beauty, and a touch of risk.
The Par 3 Course
For those looking for a more relaxed round or to sharpen their short game, the 9-hole Par 3 course is ideal. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and fully floodlit, it allows golfers to play even after sunset — a rare and enchanting experience in the region’s warm evenings. Beginners, professionals, and social golfers alike find joy in its accessible yet challenging layout.
Beyond golf, Dubai Creek offers fine dining restaurants, a luxurious yacht club, and the Peter Cowen Golf Academy, making it a five-star leisure destination in the heart of the city.
⛳ Emirates Golf Club – Where Golf History Was Made
Established in 1988, Emirates Golf Club holds a special place in Dubai’s sporting heritage — it was the first all-grass golf course in the Middle East. Over the decades, it has grown into a hub for international tournaments and elite social gatherings.
Home to both the Majlis and Faldo courses, as well as the Peter Cowen Academy Dubai, the club stands as a beacon of golfing excellence.
The Majlis Course
The Majlis Course is the crown jewel of Emirates Golf Club. Designed by Karl Litten and built on land donated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this par-72, 7,301-yard layout weaves gracefully through natural desert dunes and lakes.
The course maintains its desert heritage, with indigenous plants and natural flora preserved across the fairways. Each hole offers a strategic challenge, testing even the best players with intricate greens and water hazards. It’s no wonder that the Majlis hosts the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, attracting legends such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Ernie Els.
The Faldo Course
Opened in 1996 and redesigned in 2005 by Sir Nick Faldo, the Faldo Course — formerly known as The Wadi (Arabic for valley) — combines visual beauty with championship-grade difficulty. At 7,052 yards and par 72, it challenges golfers day and night — quite literally, thanks to LED floodlights across the course.
The Faldo’s striking bunkers, rolling fairways, and creative use of the desert terrain offer a different personality than the Majlis — wilder, more modern, and uniquely suited for after-dark play.
Emirates Golf Club isn’t just about golf — its restaurants, sports bar, and leisure facilities make it a vibrant social destination, day and night.
🌍 Jumeirah Golf Estates – The Home of Champions
When it comes to grandeur, Jumeirah Golf Estates defines the pinnacle of Dubai’s golf lifestyle. A luxury residential community and a tournament venue, it’s home to the DP World Tour Championship, the final event of the European Tour’s Race to Dubai.
With two contrasting championship courses — Earth and Fire, both designed by Greg Norman — Jumeirah offers an experience that’s both artistic and athletic.
The Earth Course
Inspired by the great parkland courses of Europe and North America, the Earth Course is as breathtaking as it is strategic. The lush green fairways, sculpted bunkers, and rushing water features make it a masterpiece of modern golf design.
Every hole feels like a scene from a postcard, with tree-lined fairways and vivid contrast between greenery and the desert beyond. Hosting the DP World Tour Championship since 2009, it’s where Europe’s finest golfers battle for glory each season.
The Fire Course
While the Earth Course shines with its lushness, the Fire Course offers a completely different aesthetic. Here, the natural desert landscape is embraced rather than tamed. Terracotta bunkers, golden native grasses, and subtle elevation changes give the course a distinctive “desert charm.”
The Fire Course is designed to reward precision and strategy — every hole invites players to think carefully before committing to a shot. It’s a true test of patience, accuracy, and adaptability.
Together, Earth and Fire embody the duality of Dubai’s golf scene — lush and dramatic, refined yet raw.
🏆 The Els Club – Desert Links Perfection
Designed by four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, The Els Club is a love letter to the great links courses of the UK — but reimagined for Dubai’s desert landscape. Located in Dubai Sports City, it’s a masterpiece that bridges tradition and innovation.
When it opened, it was named “Best New International Course” by Links Magazine, and it continues to rank among the Middle East’s finest.
The 18-hole championship course reflects Ernie Els’s philosophy: generous fairways, challenging greens, and immaculate conditioning. Its rolling dunes and open design evoke the classic Scottish links, yet with a distinctly Dubai flair — where desert winds replace coastal gusts and palm trees stand where gorse once did.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, The Els Club offers an unforgettable golf experience. Off the course, the clubhouse, restaurant, and golf academy complete the experience, making it a sanctuary for those who appreciate both precision and luxury.
✨ Dubai: The New Capital of Golf Luxury
From the banks of Dubai Creek to the fairways of Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai has elevated golf into an art form. What was once a desert has become a haven for golfers from around the world — where innovation meets natural beauty, and where each course tells a story of ambition and excellence.
Whether you’re chasing championship glory, looking to perfect your swing under the stars, or simply seeking a round surrounded by stunning scenery, Dubai’s golf courses deliver it all — elegance, challenge, and unforgettable views.
