The forefront of the Arabian golf scene

Talk of the town: Some premier golfers are attracted to the city’s courses. Earlier this year, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy played—and lost—at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Abu Dhabi has worked hard to become a go-to destination for golfing enthusiasts, and the best course-designers that money can buy have helped smooth the way. One particular standout is the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, which, as the name suggests, has the ocean as a backdrop, plus a beautiful undulating design that mimics the region’s dunes.

For something a little more challenging, there’s also the Kyle Phillips-designed Yas Links Golf Course, the first links golf course in the Middle East. The Westin has also joined the act with a 27-hole championship course that is home to the PGA European Tour Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.