Emirates Golf Club

The Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, opened in 1988, holds the distinction of being the first all-grass championship golf course in the Middle East. Designed by Karl Litten, the course was developed on former desert terrain and represents a landmark achievement in golf course construction, requiring extensive irrigation infrastructure and turf management systems adapted to the extreme climate of the Arabian Gulf. The layout features the club's distinctive white clubhouse structures, designed to resemble Bedouin tents, which have become an iconic part of Dubai's skyline. The course plays through relatively flat terrain with strategic bunkering and water hazards coming into play on several holes. Mature landscaping now frames the fairways, providing definition and shade in contrast to the surrounding desert environment. The routing includes a mix of risk-reward opportunities and demanding approach shots to well-protected greens. Prevailing winds, particularly during winter months, add variability to club selection and shot strategy throughout the round. The Majlis has hosted the European Tour's Dubai Desert Classic since 1989, establishing itself as a regular stop on the professional circuit. Winners have included multiple major champions, and the tournament has contributed to Dubai's emergence as a significant destination in international golf. The course has undergone periodic updates to maintain championship standards while preserving its original character as the pioneering layout that introduced grass golf to the region.