Thinking about playing a round of golf in Dubai brings images of stunningly green fairways carved out of the desert, iconic skylines, and championship conditions. But the big question for most golfers is straightforward: what is this actually going to set you back? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in playing golf in Dubai, from the premier courses to the hidden fees, along with some insider tips on how to save a few dirhams.
The price you pay for a round in Dubai can swing wildly depending on three main factors: the time of year, the time of day, and the prestige of the course. Most courses use a dynamic pricing model, but we can group them into tiers to give you a clear idea of what to expect.
These are the crown jewels of Dubai golf - the courses you see on TV hosting the pros. Think of the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, or the immaculate Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Playing these courses is an experience you won't forget, but it comes with a premium price tag.
From a coach's perspective: These courses are designed to test the best. They demand strategy. Don't just show up and bash the driver. Your course management needs to be sharp to get value for your money. Know where the bailout areas are and play to your strengths.
This tier includes fantastic, world-class layouts that are a small step below the headline-grabbing tournament venues. Courses like The Montgomerie, The Els Club, or the Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club fall into this category. The quality is exceptional, and they often provide a sterner test for amateur golfers than their championship counterparts.
Don't overlook this category. Dubai offers several high-quality, more accessible tracks that provide an excellent golfing experience without the staggering cost. The Track at Meydan (overlooking the famous racecourse), Trump International Golf Club, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, and JA The Resort have fantastic layouts at a more wallet-friendly price point.
A round in Dubai is rarely just the cost of the green fee. Here are the other expenses you need to factor into your budget. Paying attention to these will save you from any nasty surprises at the pro shop.
Unless you're packing your travel bag, you’ll need to rent clubs. Dubai courses offer the latest models from top brands like Titleist, TaylorMade, Callaway, and Ping. You won’t be stuck with a mismatched set from the 90s.
Almost all courses require proper golf shoes (soft spikes only). If you didn't pack yours, you'll need to rent a pair.
At some of the most exclusive clubs, like Jumeirah Golf Estates or Emirates Golf Club, a forecaddie may be mandatory for visitor groups. They don’t carry your clubs, but they find your ball, read your putts, rake bunkers, and provide invaluable strategic advice. They are excellent at what they do.
The clubhouses in Dubai are luxurious and offer amazing food and drink options. Grabbing a post-round pint and a bite to eat is part of the experience, but be aware that prices are resort-level. A simple pint might cost AED 50-60.
Playing in Dubai doesn't have to bankrupt you. With a little planning and flexibility, you can enjoy these amazing courses for a fraction of the full price. Here are my top tips:
The single biggest way to save money is to play between May and September. The courses are kept in incredible condition year-round. It will be hot, but every cart is equipped with a cooler full of ice-cold water, and you go from an air-conditioned car to an air-conditioned clubhouse to the course. Alternatively, opt for night golf. The floodlit Faldo Course at Emirates GC or The Track at Meydan are incredible experiences where you play in much more comfortable temperatures.
Nearly every course offers "twilight" or "sundowner" rates, which start around 2:30 or 3:00 PM. The rate is lower because you may not finish all 18 holes before sunset (though with quick play, you often can). This is a fantastic way to experience a championship course and get some amazing "golden hour" photos for 30-40% less than the morning rate.
Don’t just book directly with the course. Check out online golf tee time aggregators that operate in Dubai. They often have special rates or packages, especially if you're willing to be flexible with your-day-of-the-week or time.
If golf is the main purpose of your trip, look for hotels that have partnerships with golf courses. Many hotels, especially those with their own course like JA The Resort or Address Montgomerie, will offer compelling packages that bundle your accommodation and green fees at a discounted rate.
Don't have the time or budget for a full 18? A 9-hole round is a great compromise. This lets you experience the feel and conditions of a top-tier course for about a half the price. The back nine on the Faldo course at night is an especially fun and manageable option.
Playing golf in Dubai offers a spectrum of options, from a value-driven round at a beautiful pay-and-play course to a bucket-list experience at a European Tour venue. A bit of research into seasonality and twilight rates can make even the most exclusive courses much more accessible, ensuring you find the right round for your budget.
When you're paying a premium for a round, you want to be sure you play your best and enjoy it. That often comes down to having a solid game plan and the confidence to execute your shots. To give you that pro-level support right in your pocket, our team developed Caddie AI. It gives you on-demand advice for any situation on the course, so whether you’re facing a tough tee shot on the Majlis or have a weird lie in the desert waste area, you'll feel confident about the right play. This allows you to focus on your swing and soak in the incredible scenery around you.
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