Guide to Golf in Abu Dhabi: Discover the Middle East’s Elite Fairways
Renowned for its world-class golf courses, stunning desert-meets-sea views and five-star hospitality, Abu Dhabi offers more than just a great round of golf, it also offers unforgettable travel experiences both on and off the course. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to play golf in Abu Dhabi, one of the Middle East’s most exciting and lavish golf destinations.
General weather and best time to golf in Abu Dhabi
The hot season
Abu Dhabi experiences a desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Did you know that Abu Dhabi is home to some of the highest recorded temperatures in the world? During the summer months of June to September, the city can experience incredible heat waves, with temperatures regularly reaching around 45°C (113°F). Humidity can spike, especially in coastal areas, making you feel like you’re walking through a sauna.
This is not the time for spontaneous outdoor adventures; instead, planning around the weather is essential for a comfortable experience. But don’t let that discourage you! Early morning or late evening can be the best options for outdoor fun during these months. Golf clubs in Abu Dhabi offer unique night golf experiences that help avoid the heat of the day. In addition to lower hotel prices and fewer tourists, this unique climate also contributes to the stunning desert landscapes and beautiful beaches that make Abu Dhabi a top golfing and tourism destination. If you are planning a summer visit, remember to plan your day around the heat, maximizing your experience while minimizing discomfort.
General weather of Abu Dhabi
The cool season, ideal for golf and other activities
If you want to avoid the sweltering summer heat, the best time to visit Abu Dhabi is during the cooler months of October to April. This period offers the perfect weather conditions for outdoor activities with pleasant temperatures of 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), low humidity, clear skies and plenty of sunshine. You can play golf or explore the city at any time of the day.
This is also the peak tourist and golf season here, with world-famous major golf tournaments and events such as the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship attracting many international golfers. Therefore, you need to make sure to book golf tee times and accommodation at least 1 month in advance and prepare for a large number of visitors during this time.
> > > With ideal playing conditions from November to March, it’s no wonder that Abu Dhabi golf tours have become a top choice for golfers seeking both championship-level courses and luxurious experiences. Discover our tailored tours here!
Best golf courses in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Abu Dhabi Golf Club (Abu Dhabi)
Abu Dhabi Golf Club is not only one of the most famous golf courses in Abu Dhabi but also in the UAE. Located 15 minutes from the city center and only 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi Golf Club is ideally located for domestic and international visitors. It is proud to be the home of the Abu Dhabi Championship and is likened to a peaceful oasis created from the desert, creating an unforgettable impression on golfers and tourists. Although possessing 27 perfect golf holes and beautiful scenery in all four seasons, this special golf course also has many “sand traps” that make even the most skilled golfers wary.
The golf course also has a clubhouse shaped like a falcon perched on a golf ball with its wings spread out, a national symbol. From here, you can have a panoramic view of the entire golf course and the beautiful surrounding landscape. You can also experience the most luxurious and convenient services such as swimming pool, gym, sauna,… The club also has a modern golf academy for beginners and golfers who want to improve their skills.
Yas Links
Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Set on the coast with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is the first links golf course in the Middle East and the venue for the famous Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. It is ranked in the top 100 golf courses in the world and is the number 1 golf course in the UAE. It features 9 holes running along the beautiful coastline and 18 holes with sea views, lush fairways, deep bunkers and challenging rolling greens.
Yas Links also offers a clubhouse, golf academy and floodlit practice area. With its prime location on Yas Island, the area is home to a series of luxury hotels, shopping malls and the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park,…
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is a Gary Player-designed golf course located on Saadiyat Island, 10km from downtown Abu Dhabi. It is one of the most environmentally friendly golf courses in the region, following strict environmental guidelines when constructing it. Situated on the Arabian Gulf, the golf course incorporates a number of challenging obstacles into its layout, including three saltwater lakes, large sand dunes and over 60 bunkers scattered throughout the course. But with five different teeing grounds to choose from, it is suitable for all levels of golfers.
> > > The entire UAE is a golfer’s playground, home to an impressive collection of world-class courses waiting to be explored. Let’s discover top 10 golf courses in UAE through our article below.
Things to do beyond golf in Abu Dhabi
Visit cultural icons and architectural wonders
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, a city that combines modernity and tradition. Some of the stunning cultural and architectural landmarks you cannot miss on your trip to Abu Dhabi include:
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: one of the most beautiful religious sites in the world, blending diverse Islamic architectural elements. The mosque is massive with 82 domes and towering minarets, all intricately carved and decorated with white marble. The mosque’s special feature is the world’s largest hand-woven carpet, with an area of 5,700 square meters, along with a giant chandelier 15 meters high, weighing 12 tons, plated with 24-carat gold.
- Qasr Al Watan: is the presidential palace and is a magnificent architectural work and an important cultural symbol of the UAE. Stepping in, you will immediately feel the grandeur of the space and architecture, reflecting the special position of the palace in Emirati culture. The highlight of the attraction is the “Palace In Motion” program, an impressive light and sound show, recreating the development journey of the UAE.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi: This museum is the result of a cooperation between Louvre Paris and the Abu Dhabi government, used to display more than 600 works of art and antiquities from around the world. In addition, you can also participate in kayaking through the museum’s water channels to see modern architecture from a new perspective.
- Qasr Al Hosn: also known as the White Fort, is a historical symbol of Abu Dhabi, giving visitors an insight into the capital’s past. Located in the heart of the city, Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, built in 1790. Besides historical sightseeing, visitors also have the opportunity to experience traditional Emirati culture.
Some must-see attractions in Abu Dhabi
Relax on beautiful beaches and islands
Aside from the architectural splendor, Abu Dhabi also has some quieter shores that are perfect for relaxing. The beaches not only offer visitors a place to relax and watch the spectacular sunsets, but are also ideal for water sports such as kayaking, jet skiing, surfing, etc. Saadiyat Beach, famous for its fine white sand and clear turquoise waters, is a favorite among visitors. The beach is also part of a nature reserve and if you are lucky, you may see dolphins or endangered sea turtles nesting nearby. Yas Beach on Yas Island has a livelier scene with beach bars, loungers and water sports, perfect for those looking for a more lively atmosphere.
Saadiyat Beach is famous for its fine white sand and clear turquoise waters
Experience desert adventures
This is an indispensable activity for any tour to Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Desert, also known as the “Empty Quarter”, is an attractive destination for those who love to explore wild nature. With an area of 70% of Abu Dhabi, this is the largest continuous sand desert in the world. You can participate in many interesting activities here, from 4×4 dune adventures, camel riding, to stargazing. You can also challenge yourself in the Liwa Desert area, with towering sand dunes.
In addition, you can also visit the Al Ain oasis, which preserves the unique culture and traditions of the local people, visit Bedouin tents, and enjoy traditional Arabian cuisine. For a more upscale experience, stay in a private villa at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, enjoy fine dining or join a guided nature walk to learn about desert flora and fauna.
Desert safari trip is the unique and special activity in Abu Dhabi
Explore world-class entertainment parks
Abu Dhabi is home to some of the most exciting theme parks in the Middle East, mostly clustered around Yas Island, the city’s premier entertainment hub. Start with Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, a motorsports-themed theme park that is particularly famous for the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa. Next door is Yas Waterworld, which offers thrill rides like the world’s longest water slide, Jebel Drop, to cool off in the water.
For families with kids or those looking for a more laid-back experience, check out Warner Bros World, the region’s largest indoor theme park, which immerses you in the colorful world of popular cartoon characters and superheroes. Don’t miss the world’s largest aquariums, including SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and the National Aquarium. Here you can see a wide variety of marine life, from sharks and rays to marine mammals, reptiles, amphibians, penguins, and more.
Yas Island is home to some of the most exciting theme parks in the Middle East
Estimated cost for an Abu Dhabi golf trip
On-course fees
Abu Dhabi is famous for its top prestigious golf courses in the Middle East and the world. The prices of the courses are considered quite high, ranging from $200-$350 for a round, depending on the course and the time of playing. In addition, you also need to pay additional service fees such as caddie, golf cart or club rental, which can add $50-$100 per round.
Accommodations
Abu Dhabi offers mainly mid-range hotel accommodation to luxury resorts on the bay or near golf courses. A 4-star hotel in the city centre or on Yas Island costs between $150-$200 per night, while a 5-star resort or hotel costs more, between $250-$400 per night. These accommodations not only offer convenience but also other services such as spas, fine dining and door-to-door transfers.
Estimated cost for a Abu Dhabi golf trip
Transportations
The city’s transportation system is well-developed and safe, so you can choose the right way to travel for your trip. Golf courses and attractions are all located within the city, so you can move around conveniently and easily. Many accommodations will provide door-to-door shuttle service, so you should ask in advance. You can also take a taxi through ride-hailing apps like Uber for around $10-30 a ride.
For those who want maximum comfort and want to plan their own city tour, you can rent a car with a driver for a fairly high price of $150-250 a day or rent a self-drive car for just $50-80. Although the roads and signs here are easy to navigate, the traffic in the city during rush hours and parking at some attractions can be a bit difficult.
Other activities beyond golf
Abu Dhabi has plenty of attractions that make it worth exploring beyond the golf courses. A desert safari, which includes dune bashing, camel rides, and barbecues under the stars, is a popular experience and typically costs between $80 and $150. Attractions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan have cheaper entry fees of $15 to $20. For thrill seekers, theme parks like Ferrari World or Yas Waterworld typically cost $80 to $100 per ticket.
Some helpful tips
Here are some helpful tips for planning and enjoying your golf trip to Abu Dhabi, covering everything from weather and etiquette to packing and cultural awareness:
- Book tee times at least a month in advance, no matter which course you play at, as Abu Dhabi golf courses are popular with international players. In addition, all courses have a dress code, so you need to prepare appropriate clothing in advance to avoid having to rent clothes.
- The UAE is a Muslim country, so even though it is a tourist city, you still need to be careful about how you dress and behave when you are out and about. Dress modestly and avoid attracting too much attention in public.
- Alcohol is available in hotels, clubs, and licensed venues but not in public areas. Drinking in public or being intoxicated in non-licensed spaces is prohibited.
- English is the common language here, especially on golf courses, hotels, and tourist areas, so you don’t need to worry about communicating with staff.
Hopefully, the detailed guide has taken you through everything you need to know for planning a world-class golf holiday in Abu Dhabi. From top-notch golf courses, luxury resorts to attractive cultural and entertainment activities off the field, Abu Dhabi promises to bring a complete and memorable vacation. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a first-time visitor, the modern capital of the UAE is always ready to welcome you with great experiences.
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