Golf as Part of Dubai Living
Golf became part of Dubai's identity with the opening of Emirates Golf Club in 1989, the first grass course in the Middle East. Since then, the city has developed into one of the region's leading golf destinations, hosting international tournaments including the DP World Tour Championship. Golf tourism now contributes close to a billion dollars annually to the regional economy.
As the sport grew, developers began designing entire residential communities around championship courses. Today, Dubai is home to several golf communities, each offering a different mix of amenities.
Emaar South
Emaar South is one of Emaar's newer residential developments in Dubai South, built around a golf course and part of a wider district planned around Al Maktoum International Airport. The golf course was designed by European Golf Design, the official golf course design company of the PGA European Tour Group and Ryder Cup Europe.
Nearby, Discovery Dunes is planned as a new golf community featuring a course designed by Tom Fazio, one of the world's most recognised golf course architects. The area is also linked to the expansion of the airport, with the planned terminal development expected to increase capacity significantly in the coming years.
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Dubai Hills Estate
Dubai Hills Estate is part of Mohammed Bin Rashid City, developed by Emaar and Meraas. Its location places it roughly between Downtown and Dubai Marina, with convenient access to two of the city's major destinations. Dubai Hills Golf Club opened in 2018 and was designed by European Golf Design, the same firm behind Emaar South's golf course.
The development is anchored by Dubai Hills Mall and Dubai Hills Park, with the mall serving as a major shopping destination. Villa communities such as Sidra, Maple, and Golf Place are positioned closer to the fairways, while apartment buildings are located around the central areas.
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DAMAC Hills
DAMAC Hills is built around Trump International Golf Club Dubai designed by Gil Hanse, the architect behind the golf course used at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The course opened in 2017 and later added a fully floodlit back nine, allowing play after sunset alongside the existing 9-hole floodlit par-3 course.
The wider development covers around 42 million sq ft and extends with DAMAC Hills Park, Malibu Bay, an ice rink, and stables. More than two dozen sub-communities are spread across the development, creating one of Dubai's largest golf-focused residential areas.
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Jumeirah Golf Estates
Jumeirah Golf Estates is the only community on this list where the golf course is the central attraction. The two championship courses, Earth and Fire, were designed by Greg Norman, a former world No. 1 golfer and two-time Open Championship winner. The Earth course hosts the DP World Tour Championship, the season-ending event of the DP World Tour.
The estate is home to the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, a European Tour performance institute and one of the region's leading golf training facilities. Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station opened as part of the Route 2020 extension in 2021, providing direct metro access. Wasl is also expanding the estate under "The Next Chapter," adding a third championship course and a tennis stadium.
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Emirates Living
Emirates Living is one of Emaar's earliest master communities, completed around 2006. At its centre is Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai, designed by Colin Montgomerie, one of Europe's most successful golfers, and Desmond Muirhead. Emirates Golf Club's Majlis and Faldo courses are located nearby.
Emirates Hills is one of Dubai's most exclusive villa areas, known for large custom-designed homes and some of the city's biggest plots. The Meadows, The Lakes, and The Springs offer more established family-oriented neighbourhoods. The area is largely completed, with most properties available through the resale market, though some off-plan developments remain active.
Browse properties in Emirates LivingChoosing Between Communities
All five communities are located in Dubai freehold areas, allowing international buyers to own property. The main differences come from the development stage and the property supply.
Emirates Living and DAMAC Hills are mostly resale, as both are already established, though Emirates Living has some active off-plan opportunities. Jumeirah Golf Estates is largely completed, with additional phases still under development. Dubai Hills Estate and Emaar South continue to offer off-plan opportunities.
Dubai Hills Estate, DAMAC Hills, and Emaar South offer a broader range of property types, attracting different tenant groups. Jumeirah Golf Estates and Emirates Living have a stronger focus on villas and larger homes.
Properties with direct golf course views are typically valued higher than comparable homes in the same development. The number of fairway-facing units is limited by the master plan, which makes them one of the key factors considered in property pricing.
Golf communities include ongoing maintenance for landscaped areas and golf-related amenities, which is reflected in service charges. Fees vary by building and sub-community, depending on the facilities and level of maintenance provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dubai's golf communities.
About golf communities
Does buying a home include golf club membership?
Usually not. Golf membership is generally purchased separately from the property, though residents may receive preferred rates on green fees and practice facilities. Some projects may include limited membership offers, so buyers should check the specific terms.
Which Dubai golf community hosts professional tournaments?
Jumeirah Golf Estates hosts the DP World Tour Championship every November on its Earth Course. The tournament is the season finale of the DP World Tour.
Do golf-facing properties cost more?
Usually. Homes with direct fairway views or a closer position to the course are limited by the master plan, which can make them more desirable on the resale market.
Choosing a community
Which Dubai golf community has the lowest entry prices?
Emaar South and DAMAC Hills generally have the lowest entry prices among Dubai's golf communities, with apartments starting from around AED 1,000,000. Prices vary depending on the property type, location, and stage of development.
Which golf community is fully completed?
Emirates Living, established around 2006, is largely built out, and most properties are available through the resale market. A small number of off-plan developments in the area are still active.
Which golf community is closest to Downtown Dubai?
Dubai Hills Estate has the most central location among Dubai's golf communities, positioned between Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.
Are there apartments in Dubai's golf communities?
Yes. Dubai Hills Estate, DAMAC Hills, and Emaar South include apartment options, while Jumeirah Golf Estates and Emirates Living are more focused on villas and townhouses.