Abu Dhabi golf courses

Golf in Abu Dhabi is a bit like a belly dance, in that you won't know where to look first for all the dazzling bling shimmering before you.  Home to one of the world's most expensive hotels where even your cake is made of gold, Abu Dhabi will have you spell bound for all the right reasons when you book a golf holiday here. It is where "Arabian Nights" meets a cosmopolitan city reclining on the aqua waters of the Persian Gulf,

If translated literally from Arabic, Abu Dhabi means "Father of the Gazelle" which is an irony considering that there are few gazelles in the area.  The city's original name was "Milh" which means "salt" and was probably referring to the ancient salt marshes that wrap around the city. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and juts out on the Persian Gulf, South-East of Dubai. Extraordinarily wealthy with spectacular hotels that exude luxury, such as the famous sail shaped Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the city has been built on the richness of oil and gas reserves.  Only 45 minutes from Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a mecca for those that money is no object.

Located on the Arabian Peninsula, having a golf holiday in Abu Dhabi is to sit in one of the most modern cities in the world where there are green parks, elaborate public gardens, green boulevards and opulent shopping centers. At its heart, it is a wedge shaped island connected by two bridges, the Maqta and the Musaffah, to the main land. Trying to find an address here is a bit like hide and seek, at once very logical but oh so confusing at the same time. 

You don't have to worry about traipsing around historical ruins at this destination but the other sights may just blow your mind away, if you manage to get off the golf course.  The sixth largest mosque in the world is here, The Sheikh Zayed Mosque with several guided tours each day. Or, join the locals in the evening and meander along the 6 klm waterfront pathway. Visit the Khalifa Park where you will find an aquarium, museum, amusement parks and lush gardens, whilst the Al Safa Park, one of the oldest in Abu Dhabi is one for sports enthusiasts. Private beaches abound, so make sure you stay at a hotel that has its own or at least one with a swimming pool, as swimwear attire of the skimpy type is not appreciated at public beaches at all. 

If you are having your golf holiday in Abu Dhabi in the winter, go to the Camel Races held every Thursday and Friday.  The ultimate thrill seeker day can be spent "dune bashing" in an SUV where you can experience the somewhat roller-coaster ride over the sand dunes or merely go on a desert trip if the thought of cascading down a dune doesn't turn you on.  For those with big wallets, arrange a private tour on a helicopter and get a complete overview of this amazing city.

If you are having your golf holiday in Abu Dhabi in the winter, go to the Camel Races held every Thursday and Friday.  The ultimate thrill seeker day can be spent "dune bashing" in an SUV where you can experience the somewhat roller-coaster ride over the sand dunes or merely go on a desert trip if the thought of cascading down a dune doesn't turn you on.  For those with big wallets, arrange a private tour on a helicopter and get a complete overview of this amazing city.Abu Dhabi has loosened up a bit on the alcohol consumption rules in an attempt to catch up with Dubai's exploding nightlife scene and as a tourist you are permitted to imbibe in the bars and restaurants. But check your dates before booking a golf holiday in Abu Dhabi as during Ramadan, which normally falls around the middle of the year, no alcohol is served during daylight hours and nightclubs are usually closed.  And, remember there is no fine if you are caught drink driving, it is a direct "go to jail" card.

Best Golf Clubs in Abu Dhabi

You won't have to go far to find a golf course in Abu Dhabi with the Abu Dhabi Golf Club only 10 minutes drive from the Abu Dhabi International Airport and about 20 minutes from most hotels in town.  This course is home to the PGA European Tour Abu Dhabi Golf Championship with strategically placed bunkers and brilliant greens.  Designed by Peter Harradine, it is a 27-hole championship course that will definitely test your golfing abilities.  Legendary Gary Player designed the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club where you will be gob smacked by this unique course that weaves in and out of nine five-star hotels on the beachfront.  It is the Gulf's first and only oceanfront course with incredible views over clear blue water and white sand apron of the Arabian Gulf.  Lying on the west shore of Yas, The Yas Links Golf Club, a Kyle Phillips designed golf course is set in an ecological wonderland. It is 18 holes with a 6-hole academy course, clubhouse and floodlit practice facilities.  This one is a must do to experience the environment alone. 

So pack those "appropriate" clothes to show respect for the local culture where the flashing of shoulders and knees is not appreciated and book your golf holiday in Abu Dhabi for all that glitters and shines.  And, definitely no rude hand gestures even if you did miss that putt! 

Tee Time Bookings in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi golf courses can get pretty busy at the weekends as many of the locals like to enjoy a round of golf.  If you want a confirm a tee time at any of the golf courses in Abu Dhabi it could not be easier by using the Golfsavers boking engine which displays the exact price and enabling, you to book your favourite golf course in Abu Dhabi in seconds.