UAE Trip April 2025

UAE Golf Trip 2025

Gentlemen,

As some of you may know, a few fellow Dun Whinny members (AL, DW, AMcG) and I recently had the pleasure of visiting Abu Dhabi and Dubai for a fantastic golf trip. Here’s a brief outline of our adventure.

We all traveled from Edinburgh to Abu Dhabi via Doha with Qatar Airways. The journey included ample food and beverages, as well as enjoyment of the exquisite First-Class lounge in Doha. A smooth passage through Abu Dhabi Airport led us to the Fairmont Bab Al Bahar in Abu Dhabi.

Day 1

Following an early night (or not!) and breakfast at the hotel, we arrived for our first round at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi. As the home of the HSBC Championship, the course was in immaculate condition and provided a true test of golfing skill.

Day 2

After a wonderful dinner and night at the Fairmont, we packed up and traveled to Dubai to play at the Els Course in Sports City. With its fast greens and deep bunkers, it presented a unique challenge. Later that evening, we checked into the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, near Dubai International Airport, and had dinner at the Irish Village.

Young Mr McGill ready to launch a bomb on the 1st at Els Golf Club.

Day 3

After breakfast at the hotel, amidst the gladiators preparing for the upcoming Bare-Knuckle championship, we traveled 45 minutes to the Emirate of Ajman to play at Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club. The recently opened clubhouse was exceptional, and the course was amazing, quickly becoming everyone’s second favorite after Yas. A certain young whippersnapper launched his 3-wood 380 yards on the par 5 4th hole. A scrumptious buffet dinner was enjoyed by all at the hotel, and we retired to the rooftop terrace for drinks, later witnessing a road traffic accident outside the hotel!

Day 4

Again, after breakfast at the hotel, we traveled to Ras al Khaimah to play at Al Hamra Golf Course. Set amongst housing and along the coast, the course featured meandering drives from greens to tees and some seriously challenging holes, especially the 18th. Dinner at the hotel was once again followed by drinks and cigars on the terrace.

2nd hole on Al Hamra Golf Club, with the Waldorf Astoria in the background.

Day 5

An early tee time for a shotgun start meant that breakfast was at Creek Golf Club. Everyone enjoyed the fast greens and the three finishing holes along Dubai Creek. The golf course was very well-manicured. Dinner was taken on the terrace, preceding an evening of watching men and women pummel each other in the name of sport. With everyone suitably traumatized, copious amounts of drink were consumed on the rooftop terrace.

18th on Creek Golf Club. Yes, I had to hit a provisional!

Day 6

Since the Qatar Airways return flight departed late evening, we were able to play a round on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Befitting the home of the Race to Dubai season finale, the course was immaculate and in great condition. Having played it a few times, I was finally able to par the long par 5 finishing hole.

Lots of bunkers on the Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates.

18th hole on Earth Course. Didn’t land in the water this time!

Two of our party were departing from Abu Dhabi Airport, so we drove back, only to discover upon arrival that someone had forgotten to collect our golf clubs. This necessitated a return trip to JGE early the following morning.

Day 7

Since I was left with none other than Mr. David Watt, we replayed the Motherwell (me) versus Kilmarnock (DW) match from the day before, but this time across Yas Links. After taking an early lead, I was able to claw back the lead and finished with a 2-up victory on the final hole.

All in all, it was a truly amazing trip, and I want to thank my fellow travelers for making it the best golf trip I have ever experienced. All games were played in the afternoon (apart from Creek), which meant the temperature dropped as we went around the course. We were very well looked after by all the staff at the golf courses and hotels. Apart from leaving our clubs at JGE, there were no mishaps or issues.

If you would like to join me next year, please drop me an email at tariq@redhorizon.ae for more information.

Best regards,

Taz