Best Public Golf Courses in Dubai (2026), Complete Guide

Dubai is one of the world's great golf destinations. Lush fairways carved through desert dunes, championship courses framed by glittering skylines, and year-round sunshine make it a place every golfer should experience at least once. Best of all, you don't need a membership to play. Every course in this guide is open to the public, just book a tee time and show up.

Whether you're a visiting tourist or a UAE resident looking for your next round, here are the best public golf courses in Dubai for 2026, ranked by overall quality, experience, and value.

Quick Summary, Best Public Golf Courses in Dubai

1. Emirates Golf Club (Majlis Course), Best Overall
2. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Best Scenery
3. Jumeirah Golf Estates (Earth Course), Best Championship Experience
4. Trump International Golf Club Dubai, Best Modern Desert Course
5. Dubai Hills Golf Club, Best City Views
6. The Els Club Dubai, Best Resort-Style Course
7. Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Best for Casual Rounds
8. The Track, Meydan Golf, Best Budget Pick

1. Emirates Golf Club, Majlis Course

Green Fee: AED 595–895 | Par 72 | 18 Holes

No list of Dubai golf courses starts anywhere other than the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club. Opened in 1988, it was the first grass course in the Middle East, a historic milestone that announced Dubai as a serious player on the global golf stage. Decades later, it remains the city's finest public course.

The par-72 layout winds through mature desert landscaping with sweeping views of the Dubai Marina skyline. It has hosted the Omega Dubai Desert Classic for over 30 years, welcoming Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els, and nearly every other great champion of the modern era.

Emirates Golf Club also offers the Faldo Course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo and the only floodlit 18-hole course in Dubai, open until midnight for a magical evening round under the city lights.

2. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Green Fee: AED 500–800 | Par 71 | 18 Holes

Winner of Dubai's Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards in both 2024 and 2025, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is the city's most atmospheric venue. Set alongside the historic Dubai Creek, the parkland layout delivers waterfront views and a skyline backdrop that few courses anywhere in the world can match.

The iconic sail-shaped clubhouse, one of Dubai's most recognisable buildings, anchors the entire experience. Water comes into play on several holes, adding genuine strategic challenge to go alongside the visual drama. Located minutes from Dubai International Airport, it's also the most convenient course in the city for visitors arriving from abroad.

3. Jumeirah Golf Estates, Earth Course

Green Fee: AED 595–795 | Par 72 | 18 Holes

The Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates is Dubai's premier tournament venue. Designed by Greg Norman and home to the DP World Tour Championship, the season-ending Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour, it is purpose-built to challenge the world's best players and still delivers a thrilling experience for visiting golfers.

The layout flows through natural desert terrain, with a large central lake coming into play on several key holes. The finish is genuinely dramatic. The clubhouse is luxurious and the practice facilities are first-rate. The Fire Course (also by Norman) is available as a companion round for those wanting to play both layouts.

4. Trump International Golf Club Dubai

Green Fee: AED 550–750 | Par 71 | 18 Holes

Opened in 2017 and ranked the No. 2 course in the UAE, Trump International in DAMAC Hills is one of Dubai's finest modern layouts. Designed by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, the team behind the 2016 Olympic Golf Course in Rio, it uses native sandy waste areas, rolling terrain, and creative bunkering to create a round that rewards intelligent course management over raw power.

The conditioning is consistently excellent, the practice facilities are well-equipped, and the relaxed clubhouse atmosphere makes it a favourite among both residents and holidaymakers. This is a course that looks spectacular in photographs and plays even better in person.

5. Dubai Hills Golf Club

Green Fee: AED 395–595 | Par 72 | 18 Holes

Set within the Mohammed Bin Rashid City development, Dubai Hills Golf Club offers some of the most dramatic urban backdrops in world golf, including direct views of the Burj Khalifa from multiple holes. The course is welcoming to golfers of all levels, consistently praised for its conditioning, and priced more accessible than Dubai's flagship championship venues.

A strong choice for mid-to-high handicappers who want a quality experience without the intimidation factor of a full tournament layout, and a genuinely memorable one for any golfer who appreciates a great view mid-round.

6. The Els Club Dubai

Green Fee: AED 395–645 | Par 72 | 18 Holes

Designed by four-time Major champion Ernie Els and managed by Troon Golf, The Els Club at Victory Heights is one of Dubai's most beautifully crafted layouts. Four sets of tees on every hole make it genuinely playable for golfers of all abilities, from beginners to scratch players. The flowing design, lush surroundings, and peaceful residential setting create a resort-like atmosphere that sets it apart from Dubai's more urban venues.

Named Dubai's Best Golf Course at the 2025 World Golf Awards, it's a course that delivers quality at every level, design, conditioning, service, and overall experience.

7. Arabian Ranches Golf Club

Green Fee: AED 495–595 | 18 Holes

Arabian Ranches Golf Club is a longtime favourite among Dubai residents for its relaxed atmosphere, reliable course conditions, and more accessible pricing compared to the city's flagship venues. The layout winds through native desert terrain in a quiet community setting, making for an enjoyable and pressure-free round.

Club rental is available, no membership is required, and off-peak pricing regularly drops further. It's a solid, honest golf course where the emphasis is on having a good time, ideal for expats, families, and golfers who want quality without the formality.

8. The Track, Meydan Golf

Green Fee: AED 225–395 | 9 Holes

Set inside the famous Meydan Racecourse, The Track is Dubai's best-value public golf option. The 9-hole course features an advanced floodlighting system for play until midnight, some of the most affordable green fees in Dubai, and a relaxed vibe that makes it ideal for beginners, quick rounds, and corporate events.

You get skyline views, a great atmosphere, and a proper golf experience, all at a fraction of the cost of Dubai's championship venues. Book a twilight slot after 4pm for the lowest rates and cooler temperatures.

Essential Tips for Playing Golf in Dubai

The peak golf season runs from November to March, with temperatures between 20–30°C. In summer, book early morning or twilight rounds to avoid the midday heat. Many courses offer summer discounts from May to September.

Every course in this guide is open to the public. Book a tee time online or by phone, no club membership or introduction is needed.

All courses listed offer club and equipment rental. You don't need to travel with your own set.

Dubai's floodlit courses, including the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club and The Track at Meydan, offer a truly unique experience. Playing under the city skyline at night is something you won't find many places in the world.

Tee times at premium courses fill quickly during peak season. For Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates, book at least one week in advance.

Even in winter, Dubai's sun is strong. Carry plenty of water, apply sunscreen, and wear a hat. Most courses have water stations at regular intervals around the course.