Abu Dhabi has quietly built a reputation as one of the finest golfing destinations in the world and anyone who's played here will tell you it's entirely deserved. The combination of near-perfect winter sunshine, immaculate course conditions and some genuinely world-class design makes a trip to Abu Dhabi something quite different from a round at your local club. Abu Dhabi golf has everything; championship layouts that host DP World Tour events, twilight rounds under floodlights and facilities that treat every guest like a touring professional. Whether you're a low handicapper chasing a bucket-list round or a casual player looking for a warm-weather escape with a few rounds built in, Abu Dhabi golf holidays deliver in ways that are hard to match anywhere else.
When's the best time to visit Abu Dhabi for a golfing holiday?
Timing is everything when it comes to golf in Abu Dhabi and the answer is straightforward: October through April. During these months, daytime temperatures sit comfortably between 22°C and 30°C, with low humidity and almost no rain. Playing conditions are genuinely exceptional and early morning tee times in particular are a pleasure.
July and August are best avoided for golf. Temperatures regularly exceed 45°C and humidity is brutal; even twilight rounds in the height of summer require serious heat acclimatisation. The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, one of the flagship events on the DP World Tour, typically takes place in January, which gives an indication of when conditions are at their finest. If you can travel in January or February, you'll be playing in the same window as the touring professionals.
Outside of golf, the cooler months also open up the rest of what the emirate has to offer, from Abu Dhabi's arts and culture to the world-class attractions of Yas Island and desert adventures that make for a brilliant non-golf day.
What to take with you for a golfing holiday
Packing right makes the whole trip smoother. Here's what to bring alongside your clubs:
Golf essentials:
- Your own clubs — most airlines allow golf bags as checked luggage for a fee; a hard travel case is worth the investment for protection.
- Golf shoes — spikeless are widely accepted across Abu Dhabi courses and easier to pack.
- Gloves — pack two or three; heat and sweat go through them faster than at home.
- Plenty of tees and balls — available to buy at pro shops but pricier than at home.
- A golf GPS watch or rangefinder — useful on unfamiliar courses.
Clothing and accessories:
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking polo shirts — collared shirts are required on most courses; breathable fabrics are non-negotiable in the heat.
- Tailored shorts or lightweight trousers — check the dress code for your chosen course.
- A high-SPF cap and sunscreen — the sun is intense even in winter months; reapply every few holes.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- A lightweight windproof layer — early morning rounds in December and January can be surprisingly cool.
On the course:
- A large water bottle — most courses provide water stations but having your own means you'll drink more.
- Electrolyte tablets or sports drinks — sweat loss is significant even when it doesn't feel hot.
- If you're not travelling with clubs, virtually all Abu Dhabi golf courses offer high-quality rental sets — it's worth calling ahead to confirm availability and specifications.
The best golf courses in Abu Dhabi
Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
One of the finest links courses outside the British Isles and one of the most dramatic golf settings anywhere in the world. Yas Links was designed by Kyle Phillips and stretches along the Arabian Gulf coastline of Yas Island, with the ocean in play on several holes and the prevailing sea breeze adding a strategic layer that rewards course management over power. It's suitable for all handicaps but will genuinely challenge better players, particularly when the wind picks up. A luxury holiday to Abu Dhabi built around a round here is hard to beat.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Sas Al Nakhl Island, Abu Dhabi
The home of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and arguably the most prestigious golf club in the emirate. The National Course, a Gary Player design featuring the iconic falcon-shaped clubhouse, is a par-72 championship layout that has tested the world's best players for years. Lush, well-irrigated fairways contrast beautifully with the desert surrounds and the course is meticulously maintained year-round. Better suited to intermediate and advanced players; the layout is unforgiving off the tee. Located about 15 minutes from central Abu Dhabi.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Designed by Gary Nicklaus on one of Abu Dhabi's most beautiful islands, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is a coastal course with natural dunes, native grass areas and views across the Arabian Gulf. It's one of the most scenic Abu Dhabi golf courses and is welcoming to all levels. The layout is challenging enough to be interesting for better players without punishing beginners. The location on Saadiyat Island means the Louvre Abu Dhabi and stunning beaches are minutes away, making it ideal for mixed groups where not everyone is golfing.
Al Ain Golf Club
Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate — approximately 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi city
For golfers who want to venture beyond the capital, Al Ain Golf Club is well worth the drive. Set in the Garden City of the UAE, the course features a distinctive desert landscape with mature trees and dramatic elevation changes that are rare in the region. It's one of the most beginner-friendly golf courses in Abu Dhabi, the layout is forgiving and the pace of play is relaxed. The drive to Al Ain through the desert landscape is an experience in itself; combine the trip with a visit to Al Ain Oasis or the Jebel Hafeet mountain road if you have time.
Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi
A solid, well-rounded resort course about 20 minutes from the city centre, the Westin's layout suits mid-handicappers and social golfers perfectly. Wide fairways, manageable hazards and excellent practice facilities make it a great choice for those who want to work on their game rather than just play for score. The resort itself is a strong base for Abu Dhabi golf holidays, the spa is excellent and the proximity to the city means sightseeing days are easy to build in. For those who want to balance golf with something more active, hiking in the UAE offers a completely different side of the country.
Book your Abu Dhabi golf holiday
Abu Dhabi golf courses are among the best in the world and the emirate's combination of exceptional facilities, reliable sunshine and world-class hospitality makes it a destination that rewards return visits. Whether you're planning a dedicated golf trip or building a round or two into a broader holiday, Away Holidays can put together the perfect itinerary. Get in touch with our team today and let's tee it up.
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