Golf Guide to Abu Dhabi

Among this selection of courses, three stand out from the crowd - Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links but others offer golf with a difference, including one of the world’s best renowed sand courses.

Yas Links is consistently ranked, as the number one course in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East. Inspired by traditional links courses, the Kyle Phillips design works in perfect harmony with the coastal landscape to provide a memorable experience for golfers.

Whether seeking championship-level challenges or simply a relaxing round amidst stunning surroundings, Abu Dhabi’s golf offerings promise an unforgettable experience in a desert oasis.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Situated on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (image above) is renowned for its stunning Gary Player-designed golf course. The course – which is a certified Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary - features natural sand dunes and coastal views, providing a unique golfing experience in a serene setting. With its challenging layout and world-class facilities, including a clubhouse and practice areas overlooked by wild gazelles, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is a premier destination and host to the Challenge Tour’s UAE Challenge.

Yas Links

Located on the famous Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, Yas Links is a championship golf course designed by Kyle Phillips. Known as the host of the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and for its traditional links-style, it offers a challenging waterfront experience for golfers. The club also benefits from a golf academy, a short course, first-class practice facilities and upscale off-course amenities, making it the number one golf destination in the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Feeaturing an 18 hole course and a floodlit nine holer a short taxi drive from the centre this famous club is as well known for its iconic falcon shaped clubhouse as its course, The National. Designed by Harradine Golf The National took two years to build and opened for play with the 2000 European Seniors Tour final. It has since hosted numerous prestigious tournaments. It it not an easy track, there’s plenty of water and while you will find your ball in the third cut, progressing it any distance is a challenge.

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club

Formerly the Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club this floodlit course in the heart of the city is the oldest in the Emirates. Built as an 18 hole sand course in 1976 it was transformed in 1998 as a nine holer, becoming the first grassed course in Abu Dhabi.

Al Ghazal Golf Club

If you fancy an out of the box experience try the 18 hole 6711 yard sand course here where players hit off artificial grass mats on the sand fairways towards browns instead of greens.It opened in 1997 and is regarded as one of the finest sand courses in the world.

Yas Acres Golf and Country Club

Nestled within the Yas Acres residential community on Yas Island, Yas Acres Golf and Country Club is Abu Dhabi’s newest golf course. The nine-hole course designed by Fry / Straka was recently lauded by golf influencer Rick Shiels for its amazing condition and quality. Off-course, Yas Acres Golf and Country Club has great facilities for the whole family to enjoy with a superb restaurant and plethora of country club facilities.

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Abu Dhabi offers a range of hotels for visiting golfers, ensuring a comfortable stay. On Yas Island, the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island provides stylish accommodation overlooking the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit and in close proximity to Yas Links and the other attractions on the island, such as Ferrari World and Warner Brothers Studios.

The white sandy beaches of Saadiyat Island are home to The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, offering waterfront luxury and a mere golf buggy ride from Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

In downtown Abu Dhabi, hotels like the opulant Emirates Palace and the Rosewood Abu Dhabi provide upscale experiences with city views that contrast the beach front vibes of Saadiyat Island and the marina of Yas Island. A great spot from which to explore downtown Abu Dhabi.

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Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city known for its modern skyline, rich culture, and luxurious amenities. Situated on the Arabian Gulf’s coast, Abu Dhabi offers a unique blend of traditional heritage and contemporary sophistication.

The Climate

Abu Dhabi sees long, hot summers and mild winters. The summer typically spans from May to September, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees. Winters run from November through to March and are much milder, with temperatures averaging between 20-25 degrees during the day and around 15 degrees at night.

Rainfall is scarce throughout the year, with most falling between November and March, but is generally minimal. Abu Dhabi enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities, including golf, during the winter months.

  Local Time

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is three hours ahead of the UK.

  Local Currency

The local currency in Abu Dhabi is the United Arab Emirates’ Dirham.

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The best months to travel to Abu Dhabi from the UK are typically during the winter and early spring months, from November to March. During this period, Abu Dhabi experiences milder temperatures with warm days and comfortable evening temperatures. This makes for a perfect climate for outdoor activities and sightseeing, including golfing. 

Additionally, these months coincide with the UAE’s peak tourism season, offering visitors a vibrant atmosphere and numerous events and festivals to enjoy.

Travel Advice

• The primary language in Abu Dhabi is Arabic. English is widely spoken.
• Pack light clothing – temperatures in Abu Dhabi remain warm even into the evenings.
• In contrast to the UK, the UAE is very bright so wearing sunglasses is advised.
• Be sure to explore Yas Island – there are a number of attractions and sightseeing spots to enjoy.
• Visit the malls – the UAE is famous for having impressive malls, so there’s nowhere better to shop than the country’s capital.
• Explore the downtown area.
• Visit the relaxing crystal clear beaches of Saadiyat Island – known as a wildlife sanctuary.

Flight Information

Abu Dhabi is classed as a long-haul destination, but only just. It takes around seven hours to reach the UAE on a direct flight from the UK, which regular connections.There are two airlines offering direct flights between London and Abu Dhabi: British Airways and Etihad Airways. Both depart from London Heathrow and fly the route on a daily basis with a flight time of roughly seven hours. 

Etihad Airways is the only direct alternative if you live further north, with Abu Dhabi flights available from both Manchester and Edinburgh.

Getting From The Airports

If you’re staying on Yas Island, you’ll be less than 10km away when your flight lands at Zayed International Airport, and within a 10–20-minute drive from your destination. 

If your destination is Saadiyat Beach, the distance from the airport is around 30km and will require a 20–30-minute drive.

If you’re heading to downtown Abu Dhabi, you’ll be around 40km away by car, which will take between 30-40 minutes to get there.

 

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Aside from golf, Abu Dhabi offers an array of attractions to add to your visit. Yas Island has thrilling experiences like Ferrari World, Warner Brothers Studios, and Yas Waterworld. The iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers cultural immersion, while luxury resorts and bustling souks promise relaxation and opportunity to explore.

Things to do

The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture – and the Emirates Palace hotel. 

Visitors to Abu Dhabi can explore the vibrant Corniche waterfront, indulge in world-class shopping at luxury malls like The Galleria and Yas Mall, visit The Louvre Abu Dhabi, or experience thrilling attractions on Yas Island, home to Ferrari World, Warner Brothers Studios, and the famous Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit. 

With warm hospitality, a diverse culinary scene, and year-round sunshine, it’s a great destination for golfers.

Dining in Abu Dhabi

Much of the dining and nightlife is centred in the hotels and there are endless options to suit all tastes. Cuisines from around the world mingle in Abu Dhabi with restaurants offering a vibrant mix of international flavours and culinary standards. 

Hotel and golf club outlets serve alcohol and these are complemented by many superb unlicensed outlets across the emirate.

The golf clubs pride themselves on the quality of their cuisine and are a good option. Yas Links has Hickory’s Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the Crafty Fox Yas Links, Gastro Tapas & Sports Bar with live sport on 20 big screens.

Over at Saadyat Beach & Golf Club the Hawksbill Restaurant has a Mediterranean inspired menu while the Yas Acres Golf and Country Club has a great grill house and fabulous wine list. Other dining options include an all day restaurant.

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