How to Plan a Perfect Golf Holiday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?
With each course offering something different, it is easy to understand why the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is becoming a premier golfing destination in Asia. Some golfers even consider it a dream destination where they can golf with lush green grass under their feet and views of thrilling skyscrapers. Moreover, planning a golf holiday in UAE is not so difficult thanks to the convenient transportation and an abundance of golf courses. The only problem is to choose the most suitable time to avoid the scorching summer heat of this nation.
Tips to Plan a Perfect Golf Holiday in UAE
How to Get To & Around UAE
There are several ways to get to the United Arab Emirates, by road, sea, or air.
By Road
Amazing road trip in UAE
You can enter the UAE by road from neighboring countries like Oman and Saudi Arabia. Travelers driving into the UAE must possess both an international driving permit and valid vehicle insurance. There are multiple entry points at the borders, with some exclusively designated for GCC citizens.
Residents of GCC countries can use their respective GCC country driving licenses in the UAE. Citizens from specific countries, including Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States, can also drive in the UAE using their home country’s driving licenses.
By Sea
The UAE has several ports and harbors that accommodate various types of sea vessels, including cruise ships, cargo ships, and private boats. Some of the major ports in the UAE include Dubai Port, Jebel Ali Port, Abu Dhabi Port, and Fujairah Port.
Dubai Cruise Terminal
If you are on a cruise, you will generally land at the Dubai Cruise Terminal or the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal. Both hubs have full customs and immigration setups.
If you are sailing in on a private boat or yacht, you can dock and clear customs at various marinas across the country. Just make sure to look up visa and entry rules ahead of time so you do not run into issues at the border.
By Air
Etihad Airways is the UAE’s flagship carrier, serving routes to and from Abu Dhabi. Other notable airlines in the UAE include:
- Emirates: along with its low-cost partner FlyDubai. Emirates operates flights to and from Dubai International Airport, while FlyDubai offers departures and arrivals at both Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.
- Air Arabia is a low cost option flying from Sharjah International Airport
- Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, which offers budget flights form Abu Dhabi International to parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Rotana Jet which handles charter flights and scheduled routes from Abu Dhabi.
- Royal Jet, a luxury charter service based at Abu Dhabi International and owned by Abu Dhabi Aviation and Presidential Flight.
Getting around the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is not a walkable country. So, the most convenient way of transportation is to hire a private car. The public transportation system is highly developed here, but not so suitable for your heavy clubs. To transfer from one city to another, consider taking a domestic flight. It is cheap and will help to save a lot of time.
Best Time for A Golf Holiday in the United Arab Emirates
The best time for a golf holiday in the UAE depends on your preferences and tolerance for heat.
Golf season in UAE
- Winter Months (November to February): This is when you want to be out on the course. The daytime weather stays right in that sweet spot between 20°C and 25°C, so you can easily play 18 holes without burning out. Because the conditions are perfect, everyone else has the same idea. You are going to face packed tee sheets, busy clubhouses, and premium winter rates at the resorts.
- Spring (March to April): The weather starts warming up here, usually averaging between 25°C and 30°C, but it is still a great time to play. The winter crowds start thinning out by March, meaning you can actually find open tee times without booking months in advance. The morning rounds are especially pleasant before the midday sun kicks in.
- Fall (September to October): This is the shoulder season where things finally start dropping from the brutal summer highs. September still carries a lot of humidity and October can feel quite warm, but the heavy heat is breaking. If you can handle a bit of sweat, clubs often run solid discounts on green fees to welcome players back.
- Summer (May to August): Unless you absolutely love extreme heat, you probably want to skip a summer golf trip. Daytime temperatures regularly clear 40°C, which makes walking the fairways flat out dangerous. That said, if you are determined to play, clubs drop their prices significantly. The trick is booking the earliest morning tee time possible or finding a resort that offers night golf under the lights.
To put it simply, go between November and April if you care about the weather. If you care more about your budget and do not mind the heat, look at the summer or fall discounts.
>>> Read our article on The Best Time to Golf in UAE for the detailed weather conditions of each region in this country.
Where to Golf in the United Arab Emirates?
In Abu Dhabi, golf is still relatively nascent, featuring only a select trio of championship-standard golf courses: Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Yas Links, and Saadiyat Beach Golf Course. Among them, the standout and most favorite is the venerable Abu Dhabi Golf Club, located a short distance from the city center. This 18-hole championship course currently hosts the prestigious Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, held annually from January 15 to 19, 2020.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Dubai also boasts some of the world’s finest golfing experiences, with a diverse range of breathtaking golf courses. Currently, these include Dubai Creek, Arabian Ranches, and Jumeirah Golf Estates, featuring both the Fire Golf Club and the Earth Golf Course, which hosted the DP World Golf Championships from November 21st to 24th, 2019, serving as the grand finale to the Race To Dubai.
Montgomerie Dubai, The Els Club, and Trump International should also be taken into consideration. Another notable course is the Emirates Golf Club, which harmoniously blends quality with echoes of its rich cultural heritage and the breathtaking views of the course against the city’s signature skyline are genuinely awe-inspiring.
Dubai Hills Golf Club
Dubai Hills Golf Course, the newest addition, opened its doors in 2018 and was voted the Best New Golf Course in the World for 2019. Last but not least is the Meydan Golf, adjacent to the Meydan Racing track, home to the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup, with a staggering purse of $12 million. This course features floodlights, allowing for evening play with options for 9 or 18 holes as the sun sets, making golfing in Dubai an unparalleled experience.
Don’t just take our word for it; come and experience it for yourself.
Where to Stay in UAE?
The UAE is famous for over the top luxury hotels. If you want to splurge on a truly ridiculous level of service, look at legendary properties like the Emirates Palace is Abu Dhabi or the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab in Dubai. These places are experiences in themselves though they carry the price tag to match.
Burj Al Arab in Dubai
Golfers traveling on a tighter budget have plenty of sensible alternatives. You can find straightforward business hotels and local guesthouses that keep costs low. Staying right in the city centers puts you near the metro lines, major convention spaces, shopping centers, and nightlife hubs. It is a smart setup if you plan to spend most of your day out on the course or exploring and just need a clean, central base.
If you prefer quiet mornings and water views, look at the coastal resorts along the beach. For an experience unique to the region, book a few nights out in the dunes at desert properties like Bab Al Shams in Dubai or Qasr Al Sarab in Abu Dhabi. There are also massive themed mega resorts like Atlantis The Palm or Lapita in Dubai, which work well if you want dining, water parks, and entertainment all in one spot.
Even mid range hotels in the country tend to offer great amenities. You can generally count on solid internet connectivity, modern gym spaces, swimming pools, on site dining options, and front desk staff who can coordinate airport transfers or local taxi rides without any hassle.
Is it Expensive to Golf in UAE?
The United Arab Emirates is quite expensive country. A 6-day golf package in Abu Dhabi may cost US$1,000, while the same duration of golf in Dubai costs around US$855, including green fees, accommodation, and transportation. This price varies depending on the course you play and the visiting time of the year.
A round of golf in the United Arab Emirates may cost from US$100 to nearly US$300, based on the playing time. Green fees in UAE may reduce a little bit in the summer but increase significantly in the winter and spring, at the peak tourist season.
Hotels in Dubai are also the most expensive in the world. They are similar to those in New York, Paris, or London. While you can walk in these three cities, it seems to be impossible in Dubai. As a result, you will have to pay more for transportation.
Almost all tourist attractions in Dubai require entrance fees, so consider the amount of money for your time out of course. The cheapest way is to return to your hotel after the golf game to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind.
Conclusion
Here, you know all the essential information for a perfect golf holiday in the United Arab Emirates. Just pack your luggage and get ready for a memorable golf trip. Still don’t know how to plan your itinerary, you can check our list of UAE golf tours for reference. Or, contact us right now for immediate support and a tailor-made program.
Read more:
- Top 10 Best Golf Courses in the United Arab Emirates
- Night Golf in Dubai: 6 Best Courses to Play
- Top 8 Best Dubai Golf Courses to Showcase Your Skills
FAQs
Do I need a handicap certificate to play golf in the UAE?
You generally do not need to show an official handicap certificate if you are just playing at public courses or resort venues around the UAE. Most properties welcome casual players and tourists without asking for any paperwork. That said, if you are looking to book a tee time at an exclusive private club or want to enter a local tournament, they might ask for your official index. It is always smart to drop the club an email before you fly out just to be certain.
Can I rent golf clubs and equipment in the UAE?
You absolutely can. Packing and traveling with a massive golf bag is a huge hassle, so almost every major club in Dubai and Abu Dhabi keeps a fully stocked rental shed. You do not have to worry about getting stuck with ancient gear either, because most pro shops offer current premium sets from brands like TaylorMade, Callaway, and Titleist. You can also rent golf shoes and push carts right at the counter when you check in for your round.
Is night golf available in the UAE?
Yes, and it is a massive part of the golf culture over there. A handful of top tier courses across Dubai have installed full stadium floodlights over their fairways, meaning you can tee off long after the sun goes down. Playing under the lights is a great experience anyway, but it becomes essential during the brutal summer months when daytime temperatures make regular outdoor sports pretty much impossible.
How far in advance should I book tee times in the UAE?
For the famous championship venues or for any rounds you want to play on a weekend, try to lock in your tee times at least two to four weeks before you arrive. If you are planning to visit during the prime winter season between November and April, you need to book early. The best courses see incredibly high demand and tee sheets fill up fast. If you wait until you land, you will likely get stuck with leftover twilight slots or awkward midday times.
