Emirates Golf Club — Majlis Course
Dubai’s original grass course and the desert home of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic — an immaculate, visitor-friendly oasis layout by Karl Litten beneath the city skyline.
Emirates Golf Club — Majlis Course in photos
Can I play Emirates Golf Club — Majlis Course?
Yes — the Majlis is a visitor-friendly, pay-and-play championship course, and tourists are genuinely welcome. It is the Middle East’s first grass course (Karl Litten, 1988) and the long-time home of the Dubai Desert Classic, now the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. There is no membership requirement to book, though a handicap certificate may be requested.
How to book: Reserve online at dubaigolf.com or through a Dubai golf concierge/tour operator; the winter high season (November–April) fills fast, so book ahead. Green fees normally include a cart, except during the walking-only window in the weeks before the Desert Classic (roughly December to early February).
About Emirates Golf Club — Majlis Course
Opened in 1988 as the first grass course in the Middle East, the Karl Litten-designed Majlis carved 18 lush holes through the desert dunes on the edge of modern Dubai. It has hosted the Dubai Desert Classic, now the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, almost every year since 1989, with a roll of champions including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. The course is fully open to visitors, usually played with a cart and in superb condition after a 2021 greens rebuild. With water hazards, dune framing and the famous sail-shaped clubhouse, it is Dubai’s signature golf experience.
Signature hole
The par-5 18th — a reachable, water-guarded closer sweeping back to the sail-shaped clubhouse, scene of countless Desert Classic finishes.
What makes it special
Home of the Dubai Desert Classic
The Majlis has staged the DP World Tour event almost every year since 1989, with winners from Seve Ballesteros to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
The Middle East’s first grass course
Karl Litten’s 1988 layout was the region’s first 18-hole grass course, carved through genuine desert dunes.
Desert oasis conditioning
Lush fairways, lakes and dune framing beneath the Dubai skyline, with USGA-spec greens rebuilt in 2021.
Tournament pedigree
- Dubai Desert Classic (host since 1989)
- Hero Dubai Desert Classic (DP World Tour Rolex Series — current title)
Need to know
Best time to play
November to April, when Dubai is warm and dry rather than fiercely hot — this is also tournament season around the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Summer (June–September) is very hot, so play early morning or twilight and expect lower green fees.
Dress code
Collared shirt, tailored trousers or shorts, and soft spikes; no denim. Sun protection and plenty of water are essential in the desert climate.
Good to know
A lush, immaculately conditioned desert oasis framed by dunes, lakes and the Dubai skyline, generally played with a cart (walking-only in the weeks before the Desert Classic). Caddies are available and the greens were rebuilt to USGA specification in 2021. The sister Faldo Course shares the site, so it is easy to pair two rounds.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Dubai International Airport (DXB) — about 25 km / 25–30 minutes by car. Al Maktoum International (DWC) is a similar distance to the south-west.
On arrival
From DXB it is a 25–30 minute drive along Sheikh Zayed Road to the club, which sits beside Dubai Marina, JLT and Emirates Hills. Taxis and ride-share are plentiful, and most Dubai hotels can arrange transfers.
Stay near the course
The club is minutes from the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers hotel clusters; golf-focused visitors often choose properties in Emirates Hills or along the Marina for easy access, with the wider city an easy drive away.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Hotel Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Dubai
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Marina Gate I
Dubai
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Jumeirah Living Marina Gate
Dubai
A taste of the luxury stays near Emirates Golf Club — Majlis Course — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Dubai — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Dubai.
Explore DubaiFrequently asked questions
Can I play the Majlis Course as a visitor?
Yes — it is a visitor-friendly, pay-and-play course with no membership requirement, though a handicap certificate may be requested. Book online or through a golf concierge, especially in the busy winter season.
How much does it cost to play?
Winter high-season 18-hole visitor fees are about AED 1,150–1,250 (roughly US$310–340) with a cart included; summer and twilight rates drop toward US$145. Check the official site for current pricing.
Is a cart included, or do I walk?
A cart is normally included in the green fee. The exception is the walking-only window in the weeks before the Desert Classic (roughly December to early February), when carts are not permitted; caddies are available.
When is the best time to play?
November to April offers warm, dry weather and tournament-season atmosphere. In the hot summer months, play early morning or twilight and take advantage of lower rates.
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Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Guide updated 2026-07-27.