Publish date: 2023-12-11

Golf is one of the most popular pastimes with locals and tourists alike, so anyone with a penchant for the sport should make time for a round – or three – on some of the most spectacular courses in the world.

Yas Acres Golf & Country Club

The newest golf course in the UAE, this stunning course is a godsend for golfers who don’t have time for 18 holes but don’t want to compromise on quality. The breathtaking 3,700 yard course sits on a beautiful 130 acre plot in the heart of the Yas Acres community. It stands out thanks to a low, meandering ridgeline that runs through the centre plus a lake and stream system that flows through the course supporting the growth of native desert plants and vegetation. A water hazard is still a water hazard though however beautiful it may be. It’s ideal for all standard of golfers and has a family-friendly atmosphere. viyagolf.com

Yas Links

You might not expect a links course amid the skyscraper-filled skyline of Abu Dhabi, but nearby Yas Island boasts the number-one course in the United Arab Emirates, and rightly so. The challenging course, which hosts the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship (A Rolex Series on the DP World Tour), has a prime position between the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf and the ultra-modern Yas Marina Circuit. So no matter which hole you’re on, a good view is all but guaranteed. Add its renowned final three holes, playing along a narrow waterfront fairway edged by notoriously tricky bunkers, and this par-72 course is sure to impress. yasisland.com

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

There are few courses as memorable as this. From an iconic clubhouse shaped like a falcon with its wings outstretched, to its well-tended, undulating greens, it’s definitely a par-72 course for the sporting bucket list. The pros certainly agree, flocking here each year for the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship to pit their wits against its challenging bunkers and abundant water hazards – you have been warned. If those sound a bit too much of a challenge, there’s a more accessible par-36 course and a nine-hole garden course that’s floodlit at night. abudhabigolfclub.abudhabi

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

If you like your golf with a side of sea views, this spectacular course, set on Saadiyat Island north-east of downtown Abu Dhabi, is the one to try. It was the region’s first ocean course, designed by Gary Player to offer the best views across the Arabian Gulf – look to the side between shots and you might spot white-sand beaches or dolphins frolicking in the water – as well as the best golf along its full 5,290-yard length (although pros can up this to 7,784 yards for even more of a challenge). Even the hazards at the host venue of the Abu Dhabi Amateur Championship are in keeping with the natural environment, with three saltwater lakes and numerous sand dunes to avoid along the way. Reward yourself with a delicious dinner at clubhouse restaurant Hawksbill. saadiyatisland.ae

Al Ghazal Golf Club

This is golf – but not as you’ve ever seen it before. This hidden gem of the Abu Dhabi golfing scene swaps green fairways for smooth sand, which is every bit as level as a grass course but offers a unique experience nonetheless. It has its fair share of tricky holes, but most interesting of all are the things you won’t find on every course – an archaeological site off to one side, abundant wildlife that occasionally strays onto the course or an old falcon trap said to have been used by UAE founder Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. alghazalgolfclub.ae

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club

Set right in the heart of the city, this nine-hole course offers a different experience from any other in the emirate, and is an easy spot for teeing off after a busy day of business or sightseeing, thanks to floodlights that allow tee times until 9pm. The course might be shorter but it’s no less of a challenge – there’s a reason locals dub its last three holes “amen corner” – but the reward is the satisfaction of completing one of the best urban courses in the world. adcitygolf.com

Elegant Emirate

Abu Dhabi is a world-class destination for those seeking the best of all worlds, from sun, sea, and sporting adventures to indulgent spas and traditional local culture – and it's just seven hours away.

Whether you want to spend a few days playing golf, spend quality time with friends or family in the desert, or explore the fascinating cultural heritage of the emirate there’s a wealth of holiday highlights to discover.

To find out more about Abu Dhabi go to

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