Abu Dhabi golf trips: Golf between the beach and Formula 1

Abu Dhabi is more than just the “little brother” of dazzling Dubai. The capital of the largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates in terms of area boasts top beaches and a surprisingly wide range of cultural activities.

In November 2023, the airport in Abu Dhabi doubled its capacity to handle up to 45 million travelers per year. Among other things, the annual Formula 1 race attracts tourists to the Emirates, and the DP World Tour has been a guest here for many years. Initially 16 times at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and from 2022 at the spectacular Yas Links.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi is the first true links golf course in the Middle East, designed by Kyle Phillips. Here you can see the sea from every fairway, sometimes playing almost on the beach and within sight of the Formula 1 circuit and “Ferrari World”. Among other things, there is the fastest and highest roller coaster in the world (Formula Rossa), as well as more than 40 other attractions.

The laps on Saadiyat Beach, for example, are much quieter and more leisurely. The course, which also has a great view of the sea, was designed by South African golf legend Gary Player. He used the existing salt water lakes and beach dunes for a special design.

The oldest golf club in Abu Dhabi opened in May 2000. The 27-hole championship course was designed by Swiss golfer Peter Harradine and became famous worldwide for its imposing clubhouse in the shape of a falcon with outstretched wings.

With lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers and generous greens, Abu Dhabi Golf Club has hosted the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship for 16 years. The German Martin Kaymer won there three times. The “relocation” of the major event has unfortunately had an impact on the quality of pitch maintenance. The course is still interesting, but since then it has not come close to its two younger alternatives.

If you need more golfing variety, you can be in Dubai in an hour. If you are looking for more than just golf and the sea, Abu Dhabi is also a good place to visit.

Here are some of the highlights that are part of a trip to Abu Dhabi for me.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

The outside of the mosque is gleaming white Italian marble. The place of worship with over 40 small and large domes and four minarets is the largest religious building in the United Arab Emirates. The prayer halls and outdoor area can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers. The interior of the mosque is covered with a 5627 square meter hand-knotted carpet from Iran. It is considered the largest of its kind in the world and weighs around 47 tons.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

The building designed by Jean Nouvel has been attracting art lovers to the emirate since 2017. Under the translucent domed roof, 55 individual buildings with an exhibition area of around 8000 square meters await visitors. The complex is modeled on an Arab medina with its winding alleyways. On display are paintings, sculptures and archaeological objects from different cultures and eras.

Qasr Al Hosn

The historic fortress is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi. Parts date from the 18th century. Today, Qasr Al Hosn is a museum and national monument. The exhibition traces the history of the emirate from a fishing and pearl diving village to a dynamic metropolis.

Al Ain

The oasis city forms an absolute contrast to the modern metropolis of Abu Dhabi, around 90 minutes away by car. Among the sights are the palm gardens with their traditional irrigation systems. The Al Jahili Fortress, Al Ain Palace and the local National Museum are also worth a visit.

Things often take a little longer, even in the otherwise dynamic regions of the Persian Gulf. A Guggenheim Museum, an offshoot of the famous New York art temple, was supposed to open its doors in Abu Dhabi years ago. However, there were repeated delays in construction – not only due to corona. Now, however, the Guggenheim Museum is due to open on the “art island” of Saadiyat in 2025 – and a large natural history museum at the same time.