For both the professional and keen amateur golfer, Abu Dhabi now offers an even richer variety of courses to test your skills. And with Dubai only around a 40-minute drive away (depending on traffic), your options multiply if you’re touring the region.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
The National Course is a par-72 championship layout, stretching roughly 7,600 yards from the back tees. It delivers a stern test with its desert surrounds, pronounced bunkering, strategic risk-reward holes, and excellent conditioning. The back-nine holes of this course are now fully floodlit, allowing for evening golf.
Separately, the nine-hole “Garden” course is being redesigned by Peter Harradine to become a more “fun” or executive/bridge layout, aimed especially at beginners and golfers who want less intensity but more accessibility. It will be floodlit, built with sustainability in mind, and provide varied tee options. The redesign is expected to be completed for the 2025-26 season.
Yas Links Abu Dhabi
This remains the region’s premier true links course, situated along the coastline on Yas Island, with dramatic views of the Arabian Gulf. It has recently been elevated in global rankings: in 2025 it debuted at #96 in the World Top 100 Courses list. The course also hosts the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Designed by Gary Player, this is Abu Dhabi's premier oceanfront golf course, situated on Saadiyat Island. Opened in 2010, it was the UAE's first beachfront course, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. The 18-hole, par-72 championship layout features natural sand dunes, saltwater lagoons, and strategic bunkering, blending seamlessly with the island's environment.
Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club
Situated beneath the Jebel Hafeet mountain range, this club features an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole par-3 academy course, both fully floodlit to accommodate night play. The club also offers a driving range, short game area, and a golf academy with PGA professionals. In addition to golf, the facility provides equestrian lessons, shooting, rugby, and various family-friendly activities, including outdoor pools, tennis, soccer, basketball, and a climbing wall.
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
Located in the heart of the city, this course offers a unique urban golfing experience with floodlit facilities for late tee times. Established in 1977 and redesigned by Ian Scott Taylor in 2010, the club provides a relaxed atmosphere with a clubhouse offering dining options and views of the city skyline.
Al Ghazal Golf Club
Located near Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Ghazal Golf Club is a unique 18-hole sand course that opened in 1997, offering a mix of par-3s, par-4s, and par-5s. The front nine is set around an archaeological site, while the back nine presents a greater challenge with water hazards on holes 11 and 17. The club features "browns" instead of traditional greens.
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