When Tiger Woods was seen hitting drives off the helipad of the world’s tallest hotel, the Burj Al Arab, it ushered in a new era for Dubai as one of the most admired and desired destinations in the golf world. With just one grass course in 1989, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai today boast of 11 championship golf courses with international standards and exquisite gastronomy.

According to a report published by Deloitte in 2015, the direct and indirect economic impact of golf in Dubai is a staggering $131m annually. In total, golf contributes 30 percent to sport’s total economic impact in the emirate. The estimated economic impact of golf tourism in Dubai is a further $38m.The game is experiencing a surge in popularity in the UAE with families coming to watch the games in big numbers.

A $1.8 billion project, Dubai Golf City covering an area of 55,000,000 square feet (5,100,000 m²) is also underway. The development, when completed, will feature golf courses, golf academies and convention centres. It is one of the largest projects at Dubailand.

Dubai almost bookends the European Tour season. European Tour pro golf in Dubai start out in February with what’s called the ‘Desert Swing’, which culminates in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, known as the major of the region, held at Emirates Golf Club. Then in November, the finale of the European Tour is held in Dubai. In fact, the entire season is referred to as the Race to Dubai. Held at the Jumeirah Golf Estates, the DP World Tour Championship is where the top 60 golfers of the Tour tee-off for big money and the prestige of being crowned the champion.

Dubai’s Creek Golf & Yacht Club is home to the Middle East’s first golf academy.

Many of them will host a qualifying round for GEC Open World Final- Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup 2018:

Opened in 2002, the hugely enjoyable and expansive layout designed by Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie winds through the extravagant Emirates Hills estate and combines the best qualities of resort golf with a championship test from the back tees.

The Trump International Golf Club, Dubai became the first championship 18-hole course to open for seven years in the emirate when it welcomed its first visitors in early 2017, and so far this Gil Hanse design has been met with unanimous acclaim. It brings a genuine links experience to the Arabian desert. Fast playing surfaces, an absence of rough and the kind of crumpled undulations that you find on the Old Course at St Andrews bring an ancient spirit to this very modern setting.

Gulf’s first ocean course, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, features several beach-front holes in a course that intertwines among several five-star hotels along the beach. Gary Player designed and Troon-managed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club harnesses the stunning natural beauty of Saadiyat to create an unparalleled experience, made all the more rewarding with spectacular views of the Gulf’s glittering blue waters fringed by pristine white sands.

Al Hamra Golf Club lies on the shores of the Arabian Gulf in the Northern Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Designed by renowned golf course architect, Peter Harradine, the course incorporates both open water lagoons and desert landscapes resulting in a stunning par 72 championship course measuring 7,325 yards at full length with five varying tee options providing a fun and enjoyable test of golf for the seasoned professional or fledgling enthusiast.

Set among rolling hills and delicate mangrove plantations, Yas Links Abu Dhabi – designed by Kyle Phillips, the world-renowned course architect – is the Middle East’s only true links course. Nestled on the western shores of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s landmark entertainment destination, every daunting, dynamic Yas Links hole has sparkling coastline views of the Arabian Gulf – indeed eight run right up along the coastline.