The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to thrive on its reputation of being the playground of the rich and famous, even as it stays rooted in traditional values, ensuring that the resulting blend provides an experience distinct to any other destination in the world. The high density of world-class golf courses in UAE serves to only accentuate the offering. So much so, that golf in UAE has become reason enough for masses of tourists to make their way. The luxurious winter climate, when Europe and America find themselves in the deep dark throes of bitter cold adds to the lure of golf holidays in UAE.
If you need any assurance of the quality that UAE offers as a golf destination, then look no further than the fact that there are as many as three golf tournaments in UAE that form part of the European Tour – Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, played at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, The Dubai Desert Classic played at the Majlis Course of the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai and the culmination of the Race to Dubai, the DP World Tour Championship played at the Jumeirah Earth Course, Dubai.
Golf in UAE is primarily in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, although there are options in Ajman and Sharjah as well. The capital Abu Dhabi is home to three superb golf courses – the aforementioned Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the Saadiyat Golf Course, with a 350 yard long bunker that runs along almost an entire hole and the absolutely stunning Yas Links, that boasts one of the most memorable golf finishes you will encounter. Dubai, the party capital of the Middle East with its glittering buildings and glamorous visitors has plenty of options making it the truly the golf capital of the Middle East. Championship layouts such as the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Emirates with its two courses – the Faldo and the DP World Tour Championship Host – The Majlis Course, the Jumeirah Estates – Earth and Fire Courses and the Els Club will more than suffice in wowing the most discerning golf traveler and yet, there is plenty more.
One of the best times to plan a golf holiday in the UAE is in the second half of January, as that is the period that the two of the best golf tournaments in UAE, both part of the European Tour take place, back to back – the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and the Dubai Desert Classic. It is therefore prudent to plan a golf holiday that begins in Abu Dhabi and ends in Dubai, although it does not quite have to be that way, as the driving time between these two metropolises is just a little over an hour. Seeing the top players in action is always good fodder when you get on the golf course on your own. However, if that is something that doesn’t work out – the overall period between December to March is absolutely the best time to visit the UAE. The balmy weather conditions that the mild Middle East sunny winter offers are just the other blessing you would want in a golf holiday.
