Al Ain Golf Club
In the oasis city of Al Ain, an hour and a half inland from Abu Dhabi, Peter Harradine routed a desert course around the city’s racing and sporting club. The first grass golf course in Al Ain, it grew from nine holes in 2007 to a full 18 by 2010, plays to about 6,764 yards from the tips, and is home to the UAE’s longest hole, the par 5 10th at 678 yards.
Photo: Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
Al Ain is the UAE away from the glass towers: a green, low rise oasis city near the Omani border, and its Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club brought grass golf to the region. Peter Harradine, the most prolific architect in Gulf golf, laid out the course in stages, opening nine holes in 2007 and completing the 18 by 2010, threading fairways through desert scrub, palms and the sporting club’s wider grounds.
It is a fair, enjoyable desert test rather than a tournament monster, around 6,764 yards from the back markers, with generous landing areas, well kept greens and the novelty of the country’s longest hole, the brawny par 5 10th measuring 678 yards. For travellers it makes an easy, good value round and a genuine change of pace from the marquee Dubai and Abu Dhabi resorts, and it slots neatly into a wider UAE itinerary.
Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club at a glance
- Opened
- 2007, 18 holes 2010
- Designer
- Peter Harradine
- Type
- Desert
- Par
- 70
- Yardage
- About 6,764 yds
- Green fee
- Indicative, by season
Designer, opening sequence, par and yardage verified June 2026 from the club and leading course databases. The first nine opened in 2007 and the full 18 in 2010 to a Peter Harradine design; the course measures about 6,764 yards from the black tees, with sources listing par as 70. The par 5 10th at 678 yards is recognized as the longest hole in the UAE. Green fees vary by season and time of day (indicative, 2026); the UAE summer is very hot, so check seasonal rates and twilight options, and always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Al Ain plays as a true desert course, fairways and greens framed by sand, scrub and palms, with the inland heat and the occasional breeze the main variables. The landing areas are generous enough to keep the round enjoyable for mid handicappers, while the green complexes and bunkering give better players something to think about on approach.
The signature talking point is the 10th, the longest hole in the country at 678 yards, a genuine three shot par 5 that rewards two solid blows before a controlled pitch. It anchors a back nine that asks for steady, sensible golf rather than heroics.
Elsewhere the par 3s are well varied and the short par 4s offer a tempting risk and reward decision or two. This is a course to enjoy at pace, ideally early or late in the day when the desert light is at its best and the temperature is kindest, and it gives a satisfying, unhurried round away from the resort crowds.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Open to visitors and resort guests; tee times generally available to the public year round |
| Green fee | Visitor green fees vary by season and time of day, with lower summer and twilight rates (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Book through the golf shop or club website; buggies are commonly used in the desert heat |
| On the day | Buggy golf is standard given the climate; smart golf attire; sun protection and water essential |
| Getting there | Al Ain, about 90 minutes inland from Abu Dhabi and Dubai by car, near the Oman border |
| Best months | October to April for comfortable playing temperatures; summer is very hot, so play early or late |
Access and fee details verified June 2026; policies and rates change, so always confirm directly with the club before planning a visit.
Where to stay nearby
Al Ain has a small but pleasant range of hotels and resorts, several with their own grounds and spas, making a relaxed inland base that contrasts with the coastal cities. Staying in Al Ain lets you combine the round with the oasis, the forts and the drive up Jebel Hafeet.
Most golf travellers, though, fold Al Ain into a wider UAE trip and stay on the coast, where Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer world class hotels and a deep roster of championship courses. From either city the club is an easy day trip inland.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club.
Build a UAE golf trip
We arrange the Al Ain tee times, pair them with the marquee courses of Abu Dhabi and Dubai and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club questions
Who designed Al Ain golf course?
The course was designed by Peter Harradine, the prolific Gulf golf architect. The first nine opened in 2007 and the full 18 holes were completed in 2010.
What is the par and length of Al Ain?
It is a desert course of about 6,764 yards from the back tees, with sources listing par as 70.
Does Al Ain have the longest hole in the UAE?
Yes. The par 5 10th measures 678 yards and is recognized as the longest golf hole in the United Arab Emirates.
Can visitors play Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club?
Yes. The course is open to visitors and resort guests year round. Book through the golf shop, expect to take a buggy in the heat, and confirm seasonal green fees directly before travelling.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening sequence, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.