Why golfers eye Dubai when relocating
If you love golf and want a lifestyle upgrade, Dubai delivers year-round play, elite facilities, and a thriving business environment. This guide is for entrepreneurs, professionals, and families planning a move who also want to enjoy championship-level golf. We highlight the city’s most respected courses and show how to align club access, neighborhoods, schools, and licensing so your relocation is seamless and your weekends are set.
Dubai is where business goals and golf dreams align.
Play world-class courses in the morning and close deals by afternoon.
Course-by-course insight for your shortlist
Dubai’s golf scene blends prestige with practicality, making it perfect for newcomers who value both performance and community. At the sharp end, Trump International Golf Club Dubai is ranked #3 in the Middle East for 2025 and stretches 7,675 yards at par 71, a true Gil Hanse test for confident ball strikers (Top 100 Golf Courses). The Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, ranked #4, is a Greg Norman design at 7,706 yards, par 72, built for championships and ideal if you want a tour-grade feel with desert drama (Top 100 Golf Courses). Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course, ranked #5, is the city’s icon - first 18-hole grass course in the region, home of the Dubai Desert Classic, 7,293 yards, par 72, with that unforgettable Dubai Marina backdrop on 8 (Top 100 Golf Courses).
For accessible luxury, The Els Club Dubai sits at #6 in the region and welcomes all abilities with four tee options while still rewarding precision in an exclusive community (Top 100 Golf Courses). Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is ranked #7 and brings a manicured parkland vibe with internal lakes and a saltwater creek along the 9th - scenic and strategic at 7,150 yards, par 71 (Top 100 Golf Courses). Dubai Hills Golf Club, ranked #10, offers skyline views of Burj Khalifa over a 7,283-yard par 72 layout, pairing modern design with polished Troon service (Golfbreaks).
If you want variety, Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Fire Course, ranked #16, offers a stern Greg Norman challenge at 7,729 yards, par 72 - great for competitive practice and mid-handicappers pushing for better numbers (Hole19). Arabian Ranches, ranked #24, brings desert links character with memorable touches like a UAE-shaped green at the 13th, 7,601 yards, par 72 (Hole19). Montgomerie Golf Club in Emirates Hills delivers visual drama and another UAE-shaped green, 7,308 yards, par 72 - an Instagram-friendly day out with serious shot values (Your Golf Travel). For multi-course days, the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club, ranked #23, adds lakes, bunkers, and strategy in a historic setting that complements Majlis beautifully (Golfbreaks).
Quick comparison table
| Course | 2025 Rank | Yards | Par | Designer | Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trump International Golf Club Dubai | #3 | 7,675 | 71 | Gil Hanse | Elite, championship-caliber test |
| JGE - Earth Course | #4 | 7,706 | 72 | Greg Norman | Tour-level venue with desert drama |
| Emirates GC - Majlis | #5 | 7,293 | 72 | Karl Litten | Historic home of Dubai Desert Classic |
| The Els Club Dubai | #6 | - | - | Ernie Els | Inclusive tees with premium setting |
| Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club | #7 | 7,150 | 71 | Karl Litten, Thomas Bjorn | Parkland beauty with creek features |
| Dubai Hills Golf Club | #10 | 7,283 | 72 | European Golf Design | Skyline views with Troon service |
| JGE - Fire Course | #16 | 7,729 | 72 | Greg Norman | Strong sister course for variety |
| Arabian Ranches Golf Club | #24 | 7,601 | 72 | Ian Baker-Finch, Nicklaus Design | Desert links with UAE-shaped green |
| Montgomerie Golf Club | N/A | 7,308 | 72 | Colin Montgomerie | Visual highlights and scale |
| Emirates GC - Faldo | #23 | - | - | Nick Faldo | Strategic challenge in a classic club |
How ARK makes your move effortless
Relocating to Dubai is easier when every detail is coordinated. ARK manages your end-to-end journey - business licensing, free zone or mainland guidance, visas for you and your family, banking introductions, and address solutions - while aligning neighborhoods and schooling with your preferred golf clubs. We keep timelines tight, paperwork correct, and costs transparent so you can focus on settling in, building your network, and enjoying the city’s top courses from week one.
Your next steps
- Define your relocation goals - lifestyle, schooling, budget, and golf priorities.
- Book a free ARK consultation to map licences, timelines, and visa pathways.
- Choose mainland or a suitable free zone based on activity and tax needs.
- Prepare documents - passport, proof of address, corporate structure, and photos.
- Submit licence application and open a compliant UAE bank account.
- Secure Emirates ID, residence visas, and medical insurance.
- Shortlist communities near your preferred clubs and arrange viewings.
Living well in Dubai - helpful context
Dubai offers a stable, tax-efficient environment with world-class infrastructure, direct global flights, and safe communities. Newcomers appreciate reliable healthcare, modern schools, and diverse neighborhoods such as Emirates Hills, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Dubai Hills for easy club access. Booking tee times is straightforward through club apps and concierge teams, with twilight rates popular in cooler months. The main golfing season runs from October to April, when temperatures are ideal and major events boost the city’s energy. With smart planning and ARK’s support, relocation feels smooth, and your golf calendar fills up fast.
Ready to Start Your Dubai Journey?
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