Luxury Golf in Dubai: A Complete Guide to Iconic Courses and Experiences
Dubai is one of the top golf destinations in the Middle East and the world, with its famous golf courses, luxury hotels, modern cities and majestic desert landscapes. Planning a Dubai golf holiday? This guide has you covered. You will find everything you need to play golf in Dubai, along with practical tips, golf course highlights and unmissable non-golf experiences. Let’s tee off and discover everything a golf holiday in Dubai has to offer.
General weather and best time to golf in Dubai
In the summer months
Located in the Arabian desert, Dubai has a desert climate, so it is very arid and hot. The weather in the summer from May to October is extremely hot, windy and dry. The average daytime temperature is around 40°C and 45°C (104°F to 113°F) and the night will be cooler at around 30°C (86°F). Because Dubai is close to the sea, the temperature here is milder in the summer than in other Gulf cities. However, this means that the humidity in Dubai is higher than in other cities, with an average humidity of around 70% to 90%, making the weather sometimes very uncomfortable.
High humidity affects the ability to sweat, the body becomes more tired and heavy. However, playing golf this season will give you the best price, from the golf course to accommodation or airfare, because this is the low season. To avoid the heat during the day, plan your activities for early mornings or late afternoons and enjoy your evening rounds under the stars.
General weather of Dubai
In the winter months
However, the winter from November to April is very cool and pleasant. Daytime temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F), while evenings are cooler, averaging 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). One thing that only appears in Dubai in winter is the rain. Being a desert land with high temperatures all year round, it can be called arid, so it is difficult to witness rain here. However, the rains are short but do not affect the activities much.
This is the best time to play golf and is also the peak season with many world-famous tournaments such as the Dubai Desert Classic. You should book your tee times in advance, especially if you’re planning your trip around a specific course or event.
> > > With the ideal season in mind, it’s the perfect time to explore Dubai golf packages that combine world-class courses, luxury accommodations, and unforgettable off-course experiences.
Best golf courses in Dubai
Emirates Golf Club
Established in 1988, Emirates Golf Club was the first golf course in the Middle East and has become an iconic golf course in the city. Known as the “Miracle of the Desert” and ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world, the course boasts world-class facilities, panoramic views of skyscrapers and the vast desert.
The golf course comprises three other golf courses: The Majlis, The Faldo and an academy golf course. The Majlis is the venue for the annual Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, attracting golfers from all over the world. In addition, The Faldo offers a night golf experience with floodlights, allowing players to enjoy a full round of golf under the stars, ideal for the hot summer months.
In addition to the golf courses, Emirates Golf Club also features luxurious amenities including a state-of-the-art clubhouse, fine dining, driving range, pro shop and entertainment facilities, making it not only a golf destination but also a luxury entertainment and experience hub.
Emirates Golf Club, the Majlis Course
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club is one of the most beautiful golf courses in Dubai, located in the heart of the city and just a few minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport. It is famous for its challenging water traps, the most impressive of which is hole 17, where a river branch is located on the left side of the fairway, requiring players to have a smart and skillful hitting strategy.
In particular, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club is also fully equipped with floodlights, lit until 10 pm so that you can experience night golf comfortably. Because it is ranked as one of the best golf courses in the world, the number of golfers coming and going here is also the largest in Dubai.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Jumeirah Golf Estates
Jumeirah Golf Estates is one of the most luxurious golf complexes in Dubai and is a symbol of luxury and class in the Middle East. The complex is known for two world-class golf courses: the Earth Course and the Fire Course, designed by golf legend Greg Norman. The Earth Course is designed with beautiful landscapes, wide fairways, small hills, and clear blue lakes. The most prominent is probably the 18th golf course, with a winding river around the green; this is the final and most important challenge for golfers.
Unlike the Earth Course, the Fire Course has a completely different style. This golf course is designed based on the natural terrain and rich ecosystem around the golf course, providing players with close-to-nature experiences. In addition to the golf course, Jumeirah Golf Estates also stands out with its luxurious residential area, including high-quality villas and apartments facing the golf course or lake. It is also a leading relaxation and entertainment center, including amenities such as swimming pool, gym, spa and high-class restaurant.
Jumeirah Golf Estates, the Earth Course
The ELS Club
The ELS Club Dubai is an Ernie Els-designed masterpiece, inspired by the famous links courses of England. In fact, at 7,500 yards, the course is too long from the championship tees, but there are a variety of tee boxes that can make the course as short as 6,200 yards and a great challenge for intermediate players. The course also has soft undulations and dramatic elevation changes to create visual and strategic appeal. Extensive use of sand, grass and native vegetation between the wide fairways, along with classic bunkers, adds to the links effect.
> > > Discover more stunning Dubai golf courses here.
The Els Club (Dubai)
Must-try activities after golf in Dubai
Visit iconic attractions in Dubai
After a rewarding day on the greens, it’s time to trade your clubs for a camera and dive into Dubai’s spectacular mix of modern marvels and cultural treasures. Here are some of the most famous tourist destinations in Dubai you can visit:
- Burj Khalifa: located in the heart of the city, it is the largest building in the world and a tourist icon of Dubai. Coming here, visitors will witness the city and the vast ocean from the transparent glass of the building, especially at sunset. Go to the observation deck on the 124th floor for the best view.
- Palm Islands: is the largest artificial island in the world and a famous symbol of the UAE. The island has the shape of a trunk and 17 palm leaves surrounded by a crescent moon. On the island, there are many hotels, resorts, villas, restaurants, shops and diverse entertainment activities.
- Jumeirah Mosque: is the only mosque in Dubai open to non-Muslims. The mosque is built of rose gold sandstone, including 2 tall minarets and a delicately carved dome, typical of Egyptian Mamluk architecture. Coming here, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about Islamic history and culture, pray in the main hall and then rest in the prayer room.
- Museum Of The Future: is a destination not to be missed when traveling here. The museum has a very unique elliptical exterior design and is located on a block covered with trees. The museum has a total of 7 floors, up to 77m high, the outside is a stainless steel floor decorated with 14,000m of Arabic calligraphy, bringing vivid experiences of the future with unique exhibition spaces and activities.
Famous landmarks with unique architecture in Dubai
Savor the local cuisine and fine dining
Dubai cuisine is a sophisticated fusion of different culinary cultures, between traditional Arabic dishes and international dishes, giving guests a unique experience. Some famous dishes you should try on your trip include Luqaimat, stuffed camel, AI Machboos Rice and crispy Shawarma.
If you are looking for a fine dining experience, Dubai will not disappoint. Famous restaurants such as Ossiano at Atlantis The Palm offer underwater dining with views of the Ambassador Lagoon. You can also explore Nobu for a world-class Japanese dining experience or Rang Mahal for exquisite Indian cuisine. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere and meticulously prepared dishes that are a delight for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Traditional food you must try in Dubai
Go on a desert safari adventure
Dubai is formed by vast deserts, so if you have the opportunity to come here, you definitely cannot forget to explore the desert safari. Right next to the modern high-rise buildings of Dubai is the vast golden sand of the Arabian region. To fully experience the wild beauty of the Dubai desert, you can explore the desert overnight with “unique” experiences. The temperature in the desert is very hot, up to 40°C and the slippery road here will definitely be a great challenge for tourists who love adventure.
Except for cars, visitors can use camels to move in the desert and feel more clearly about the lives of the indigenous people here. You will be able to adventure on the brilliant red sand dunes, enjoy the strong feeling of driving an off-road vehicle across the desert, and try the challenging sandboarding. In addition, you can also enjoy an attractive BBQ dinner, watch fascinating and hot belly dancing and Tanoura dance performances.
An Arabian desert safari with BBQ dinner, camel ride and sand boarding
Take a private yacht cruise or a Dhow dinner
You will see Dubai in a completely different way on the Dhow cruise on the Dubai Marina canal. Located along the 3km long artificial bay, Dubai Marina is home to a series of luxury yachts, from small boats to luxurious super yachts. Besides, traditional boats will bring you back to the ancient Middle East, with colorful architecture and melodious folk music.
Experiencing a luxury cruise at Dubai Marina is one of the classy activities that visitors should not miss when traveling to Dubai. The yachts will be fully equipped with amenities, from luxurious reception areas to kitchens and bars serving delicious dishes. During the journey, visitors have the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery of the Dubai skyline, including famous buildings such as Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, enjoy a diverse international buffet, and special cultural performances. Quiet, romantic space with professional service will bring you an unforgettable experience in Dubai.
A Dhow cruise on Dubai Marina
Shop at famous malls
From luxury shopping malls to the enchanting atmosphere of traditional markets, the city has a wide range of shopping destinations to suit every taste. You can find everything from high-end fashion to handicrafts that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the UAE. One of the attractions for shopaholics is the Dubai Shopping Festival, which is usually held in January and February and the holy month of Ramadan. Many stores offer incredible discounts across the malls and markets, along with entertainment events, fireworks and live performances.
Dubai is famous for its luxury shopping malls
Main costs for a Dubai golf trip
On-course fees
As the most popular golfing destination in the UAE and one of the most attractive golfing destinations in the world, with top-quality golf courses, golf in Dubai is quite expensive but well worth the experience. A round of golf at top courses such as Emirates Golf Club or Jumeirah Golf Estates will cost around $200-$350, including the use of the driving range and golf cart, but not including golf equipment rental, which is around $50-$80 per round. Caddie service is not compulsory at most courses, but if you want some extra help with valuable local insight, especially on complex layouts like the Majlis or Earth Course, you can request a caddie for $50-$80 per round.
Accommodation
The cost of staying in an expensive city like Dubai will not be cheap because the hotel system here is modern and strongly developed. If you choose to stay at budget motels or homestays, you will have to pay around $50-$80/1 night. This cost will be much higher if you choose hotels or resorts as your accommodation. 4-star hotels will cost around $150 – $250 per night, while 5-star hotels or resorts such as JA The Resort or The Address Montgomerie cost from $300 – $600 per night.
Estimated cost for a day golf in Dubai
Transportation
With modern transportation infrastructure, traveling in Dubai is extremely easy no matter what means of transport you use. For golfers, you can choose taxis or car booking applications because most courses are in the city and not too far from each other. The price for a round trip is usually around $10-$30, airport transfers will be more expensive at around $30-$60. You can also request if the hotel provides a pick-up service. When exploring the city, you can choose public transportation or walk to save on travel costs. If you want the most comfort when traveling in a group, you can also consider renting a car with a driver or driving yourself for around $80-$200 a day, including fuel.
Dining and other activities beyond golf
In general, the cost of eating in Dubai is not too expensive compared to other places. A daily meal only costs about $10-$60 per person. If you experience more high-end cuisine at restaurants or hotels, the cost of a meal per person is about $100. In addition, do not miss the attractive activities to add memories to the trip, such as a desert safari around $80-$150 per person or A dhow cruise dinner or private yacht charter, costing between $70 to $250, depending on the format. Visit iconic places like Burj Khalifa, amusement parks with entrance fees around $20-$60 per person.
> > > To explore more of what the region has to offer, let’s take a look at the golf costs across the rest of the UAE through our detailed article here, where stunning courses and unique experiences await beyond Dubai.
Some useful tips
Here is a collection of helpful golf trip tips for golfers and non-golfers to ensure everyone has a smooth and enjoyable experience:
- Book tee times at least a month in advance to secure your preferred spot, especially if you are going during an international tournament, which may require booking two months in advance. Plan to play early in the morning or enjoy twilight rates for cooler weather and stunning sunsets.
- All golf courses have a very clear dress code, such as collared shirts, tailored trousers or shorts, and appropriate golf shoes. If you don’t have your own clothes, you can rent them for around $50-80, depending on accessories.
- Dubai is sunny all year round, especially in the summer, so pack sun protection items such as light clothing, hats, umbrellas, sunscreen, and cool towels to avoid heatstroke.
- When visiting a city or mosque, dress modestly and modestly and refrain from showing affection to avoid unwanted attention and show respect for those around you.
This guide has covered everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip to golf in Dubai, from world-class courses and the best playing seasons to where to stay, things to do off the course and tips to make your trip easier. With stunning course designs, top-notch service and plenty to explore off the green, a golf holiday here is sure to be a complete experience. So grab your clubs and get ready to tee off in one of the world’s most spectacular golf destinations.
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