The recent 12th edition of the World Golf Awards in Madeira has once again spotlighted the UAE as a premier destination for golf, celebrating its top courses, clubs, and partners in the tourism sector. This event highlighted how golf has evolved within the UAE, moving beyond a leisurely activity to a key component of its sports and lifestyle landscape.
Since its inception in 2014, the World Golf Awards has aimed to elevate standards in golf tourism by recognizing organizations that excel consistently. It is now seen as a standard-bearer for quality within the global golf industry, garnering votes from a diverse array of professionals and enthusiasts around the world.
The UAE’s status as a top golfing locale was reinforced with numerous awards. Trump International Golf Club Dubai was recognized as the Middle East’s Best Golf Course, thanks to its challenging design and pristine conditions. Meanwhile, Dubai secured the title of Middle East’s Best Golf Destination, showcasing its extensive range of golf courses, accessibility throughout the year, and a robust tournament schedule led by the DP World Tour.
Several other notable achievements from the UAE included:
- Middle East’s Best Nine-Hole Golf Course: Al Dhannah Golf Club, Abu Dhabi
- Middle East’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility: Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah
- Middle East’s Best Clubhouse: Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, Ajman
In addition to these highlights, the UAE received several other prestigious regional awards, highlighting the complete spectrum of its golf offerings. Noteworthy mentions included:
- Best Golf Course: The Els Club, Dubai
- Best In-Bound Golf Tour Operator: Arabian Oryx Travel & Tourism
- Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator: Etihad Airways – Destination Management
- Best Golf Hotel: St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Specific recognitions for Abu Dhabi featured the St. Regis Saadiyat Island as the Best Golf Hotel and Yas Links Abu Dhabi as the Best Golf Course. In Dubai, The Els Club was once again celebrated as the Best Golf Course and Park Hyatt Dubai was acknowledged as the Best Hotel.
An individual honor went to Sir Nick Faldo, awarded Golf Designer of the Year. The renowned six-time major champion continues to broaden his design portfolio with projects in various countries, including Vietnam, Brazil, Pakistan, and Madeira.
Chris Frost, Managing Director of the World Golf Awards, noted that the 2025 winners illustrate the sport’s expanding global reach. He remarked, “This year’s winners reflect the strength and innovation within the sport, showcasing an exceptional blend of excellence, sustainability, and passion. The record number of votes we received is a wonderful endorsement of the growing appeal of golf tourism.”
The voting process for the World Golf Awards is open year-round, collecting insights from industry executives, media members, and the global golfing audience. This broad participation indicates that the UAE is increasingly recognized as a model for developing a successful golf ecosystem focused on the future.
With its commitment to sustainability, high-quality course design, top-notch hospitality, and an exciting competitive calendar, the UAE is solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s leading golf destinations. For additional information on the World Golf Awards, visit their official website.