Dubai Golf and Viya Golf Clubs dominate latest MENA Top 100 Courses rankings

Dubai Golf, Viya Golf and their golf clubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have excelled in the 2024 Golf World Top 100 MENA rankings.

Dubai Golf, Viya Golf and their golf clubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have excelled in the 2024 Golf World Top 100 MENA rankings.

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Yas Links maintained its #1 ranking in the region, and their seven remaining golf courses all improved their positions in the Middle East and North Africa ranking compared to previous years.

In addition to Yas Links, the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club has risen to #3 (#9 in 2021), Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course has risen to #7 (#14 in 2021), Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is up to #10 (#18 in 2021), Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club is at #11 (#17 in 2021), the Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates is #20 (#24 in 2021), Emirates Golf Club’s Faldo Course is at #34 (#37 in 2021), and Yas Acres Golf and Country Club (below) is a new entry as the best 9-hole course in the rankings at #53.

With three golf courses in the top 10 of the MENA rankings and six of the eight in the top 20, the continuous improvement and strength of Dubai Golf and Viya Golf’s venues is plain to see. These improved ranking positions come as no surprise as the brands’ clubs have played host to five prestigious events on the DP World Tour and Challenge Tour throughout the 2024 season.

The schedule began with the Dubai Invitational played at Dubai Creek and Yacht Golf Club (above), eventually won by Tommy Fleetwood. The following week, his Ryder Cup counterpart Rory McIlroy defended his Dubai Desert Classic title over the famous Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club in the 35^th playing of the event.

In April 2024, the UAE Challenge was played at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (below) for the second successive year, with the Challenge Tour event proving a huge success in Abu Dhabi and won by in-form Danish player Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.

Yas Links in Abu Dhabi is set to host the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in November. The first of the new two-part play-off series at the conclusion of the DP World Tour season will feature stars such as Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, Adam Scott, and Justin Rose.

The DP World Tour Championship in November represents the crescendo of the DP World Tour’s season-long Race to Dubai, and will take place on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates for the sixteenth consecutive year. The event will finalize the play-offs, and crown the season-long race winner. Nicolai Hojgaard won last year’s tournament with Rory McIlroy taking the season honours (below).

For visiting golfers looking to experience Abu Dhabi in the coming months, the Viya app is essential. The platform offers golf bookings and seasonal promotions at Dubai Golf’s and Viya Golf’s world-class golf venues and numerous other golf courses in the region.

When exploring off-course attractions in Dubai & Abu Dhabi, the Viya app is a necessity for all things dining & leisure. Explore exclusive offers and earn up to 10% back on every transaction at over 300 restaurants, pools, beaches, gyms, and much more – including thrilling attractions such as Topgolf Dubai.  The Viya app can be used at the pro shops located at each of the Dubai Golf & Viya Golf clubs, as well as to book spa days, treatments, and individual or recurring fitness experiences.

The 10% rewards program remains the stand-out feature of the Viya app; for each 10 UAE Dirhams spent, the guest receives 1 back to spend at any Viya outlet – whether it be in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, rewards earned on the platform can be redeemed at any other Viya venue.

Some visitors may have to wait until they land in the UAE to download Viya, before taking full advantage once the plane touches down! Viya has already acquired more than 190,000 users in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and visitors from around the world can now utilize the platform to make the most out of their visit. You can download the app here.

During a golf trip, good weather, easy access, and things to do off-course matter just as much as the premium golf courses. The UAE region reigns supreme across each category, firstly because Dubai and Abu Dhabi are easily accessible from all major UK airports.

The lowest temperatures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s winter period rarely drop below 12 degrees at night, and soar to between 20 and 28 degrees during the day, ideal for a round of golf.

Dubai Golf and Viya Golf Clubs: The courses

The Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club rose six places to #3 after placing #9 in 2021.

The Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates rose seven places to #7 after placing #14 in 2021.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club rose eight places to #10 after placing #18 in 2021.

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club –rose six places to #11 after placing #17 in 2021.

The Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates rose four places to #20 after placing #24 in 2021.

The Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club rose three places to #34 after placing #37 in 2021.

About the Author

Rob Jerram – Digital Editor

Rob specializes in the DP World Tour, PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the Ryder Cup, spending large chunks of his days reading about, writing about, and watching the tours each month.

He’s passionate about the equipment used by professional golfers and is also a font of knowledge about golf balls, trolleys, and bags, having tested thousands over the years.

Rob uses a Callaway Paradym driver, TaylorMade M5 5-wood, TaylorMade P790 driving iron, Callaway Paradym irons (4-AW), TaylorMade MG3 wedges (52º, 58º), Odyssey Tri-Hot 5k Double Wide putter, and Callaway Chrome Soft X golf ball.

You can email Rob or get in touch with him on X.