Buddies Golf Trips to the UAE
Winter sun, championship golf and a night out to match it. The UAE turns a buddies trip up to full volume: the Majlis that hosts the Dubai Desert Classic, Greg Norman's Earth course, the Middle East's first true links at Yas, and Gary Player's Saadiyat by the sea, all wrapped in Dubai and Abu Dhabi at their most extravagant.
Photo: Emirates Golf Club via Google.
Who it suits
A UAE buddies trip suits groups who want guaranteed winter sun, tour standard golf and a big night out, all with effortless logistics. Everything is new, immaculate and close: world class courses, five star hotels and the bars and restaurants of Dubai and Abu Dhabi within short drives. Tee times run from dawn to dusk, many courses are floodlit for twilight golf, and a group can play a marquee course every day.
It is at its best from October to April, when daytime temperatures are warm rather than brutal and the rest of the golfing world is cold. Summer is intensely hot and only for the dawn or floodlit committed. Base in Dubai for the most courses and nightlife, add a night or two in Abu Dhabi for Yas Links and Saadiyat, and the whole trip stitches together easily.
Courses to build around
Emirates Golf Club, Majlis
Dubai's original grass course and host of the Dubai Desert Classic, a fair, classic desert layout with the famous par five closing hole. The round every UAE buddies group wants on the card.
Jumeirah Golf Estates, Earth
Greg Norman's championship course and home of the season ending DP World Tour Championship, immaculate, tree lined and big, the most tour like test in Dubai.
Dubai Creek
A landmark layout beside the creek and its iconic clubhouse, central, playable and floodlit for twilight rounds, an easy and atmospheric Dubai round.
Yas Links, Abu Dhabi
Kyle Phillips' seaside course, the first true links in the Middle East and regularly rated the region's best, running along the water with real links movement.
Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi
Gary Player's beachfront course on Saadiyat Island, oceanside holes and natural dunes, the most scenic round in the Emirates and a fine pairing with Yas.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
The National course with its falcon clubhouse, a long time European Tour host, a strong, manicured addition to an Abu Dhabi leg.
Course facts verified June 2026 from the clubs and recognized rankings. The Majlis at Emirates Golf Club hosts the Dubai Desert Classic; the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates is a Greg Norman design and hosts the DP World Tour Championship; Yas Links was designed by Kyle Phillips and Saadiyat Beach by Gary Player. Access and green fees change, so always confirm with each club before booking.
A sample trip, day by day
Arrive in Dubai
Fly into Dubai, check into a central base, and ease in with a floodlit twilight nine at Dubai Creek.
Emirates Majlis
The marquee Dubai round on the Desert Classic course, then a first big night in the city.
Jumeirah Earth
Greg Norman's tour course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, the most demanding test of the trip.
Transfer to Abu Dhabi
Drive to Abu Dhabi, play Yas Links along the water, and stay over on Yas or Saadiyat Island.
Saadiyat Beach
Gary Player's oceanside course on Saadiyat, the most scenic round, beach and pool to follow.
Flex and fly
Add Abu Dhabi Golf Club or a day at the dunes, then fly home from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Indicative costs and when to book
| Item | Indicative 2026 |
|---|---|
| Emirates Majlis green fee | peak, confirm |
| Jumeirah Earth green fee | premium, peak, confirm |
| Yas Links green fee | peak, confirm |
| Five star hotel, per night | indicative, confirm |
| Buggies and transfers | indicative, confirm |
| Package per head, golf week | indicative, confirm |
Best time to book: October to April is peak and busiest, so reserve 3 to 5 months ahead for the Majlis, Earth and Yas Links. Many courses offer floodlit twilight rounds at lower rates. Summer is intensely hot and only for early or floodlit golf at the best value. Tee times via our trip enquiry; where to stay via our recommended hotels and resorts.
Plan a UAE buddies golf trip
Tell us the group, the dates and the courses on the list, and a concierge will sort the Majlis, Earth and Yas Links tee times across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, costed to the head, with no obligation.
UAE buddies golf questions
Which courses should a buddies group play in the UAE?
Build around the Majlis at Emirates Golf Club and the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, then add Yas Links and Gary Player's Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi. Dubai Creek and Abu Dhabi Golf Club are strong, central additions.
When is the best time for a UAE golf trip?
October to April is prime, with warm, sunny days while the rest of the golf world is cold. Many courses are floodlit for twilight golf. Summer, from May to September, is intensely hot and only suits dawn or floodlit rounds, but green fees are at their lowest.
How much does a UAE buddies golf trip cost?
Tour standard courses and five star hotels make the UAE a premium trip, and a week with the Majlis, Earth and Yas Links plus a luxury base and transfers typically runs into the thousands per head. Twilight rates lower the cost. Figures are indicative for 2026; always confirm directly before booking.
How do you get around Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Fly into Dubai or Abu Dhabi, both major hubs, then use hire cars or transfers. Dubai's courses are close together, Abu Dhabi is around 90 minutes away, and most groups split the week between the two cities.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course facts verified June 2026; green fees and package figures indicative for the 2026 season, always confirm directly before booking. Last reviewed June 2026.