How Emirates Golf Club and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic sparked a golfing revolution in the UAE
It’s hard to believe now, but back in 1988, the UAE’s golfing landscape was almost unrecognisable. Only a handful of courses existed, none of which featured grass. Instead, Dubai Country Club and Sharjah Wanderers offered sand courses with ‘browns’ replacing greens. Golfers would carry small astroturf mats to hit their shots off the sandy fairways.
These makeshift facilities held a certain charm, with many fondly recalling their early golfing days. However, it was clear that this was a stopgap solution, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the sport in a desert environment seemingly unsuitable for lush, grass courses.

Sheikh Mohammed’s Vision
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum had a different vision. As Dubai was undergoing a transformative period of rapid development, investing in business and tourism infrastructure to reduce reliance on its oil reserves, the idea of building a world-class golf course emerged as part of a forward-thinking strategy.
“An advisor suggested that a golf course could attract top executives and business leaders, giving them a place for leisure and networking,” explains Chris May, CEO of Dubai Golf. Speaking from the clubhouse terrace at Emirates Golf Club, overlooking the iconic Majlis Course, May adds, “The goal was to create an amenity that would help build the city by attracting key professionals to Dubai.”
The project, backed by Sheikh Mohammed, began with a one-square-kilometre plot of undulating land—an unusual feature in the otherwise flat terrain of Dubai. At the time, it was a remote patch of desert. The idea of creating a championship-standard grass golf course in such an environment seemed far-fetched, but in 1988, Emirates Golf Club opened its doors.

1999: Looking Back At Emirates Golf Club with Chris May
“When I arrived in Dubai in 1999, Emirates Golf Club still felt far removed from the city,” May recalls. “It required significant engineering ingenuity to make it happen. The water for irrigation came as a byproduct of the Dubai Aluminium plant, showcasing a pioneering approach to sustainable desert design.” Designed by Karl Litten, the course featured minimal turf areas and became a benchmark for desert golf.
Today, the club is no longer isolated. Framed by the towering skyline of Dubai Marina and the opulent Emirates Hills, it is at the heart of the bustling ‘New Dubai.’ Its creation played a pivotal role in the development of the surrounding areas, attracting luxury property developments and contributing to Dubai’s reputation as a global destination.
“It undoubtedly contributed to the growth of the area,” May notes. “The surrounding developments, like the Marina and Emirates Hills, capitalised on the stunning views of the greens, lakes, and landscaping. This created a ripple effect—golf courses drove real estate development, and in turn, the community flourished.”

A Game-Changer for UAE Golf
The Emirates Golf Club was not just an engineering marvel but also a proof of concept. Over the following decade, grass courses began to emerge across the UAE, establishing the region as a premier golfing destination.
Key to this transformation was the arrival of the European Tour (now the DP World Tour) in 1989. Just a year after the club’s opening, the inaugural Dubai Desert Classic was held at the Majlis Course. It was the UAE’s first international professional sports event, showcasing Dubai on a global stage.
“The idea of hosting a European Tour event in Dubai was bold,” says May. “To achieve it so soon after the club’s launch was remarkable. It was the first European Tour event held outside mainland Europe, and its success laid the groundwork for Dubai’s rise as a global sporting hub.”

The tournament proved an immediate hit, with Mark James claiming the inaugural Dallah Trophy. Over the years, it has been won by golfing legends such as Seve Ballesteros, Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy.
“The timing was perfect,” May explains. “Players found ideal conditions in Dubai during the European winter, combined with unparalleled hospitality and world-class facilities. It’s rare for a tournament to stay at the same venue for 36 years, but the Desert Classic remains an iconic event.”
A Lasting Legacy
So, what has made the Hero Dubai Desert Classic endure? According to May, it’s a combination of history, prestige, and the city’s evolution. “Players want to join a list of winners that includes names like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Dubai itself has grown, offering exceptional hotels, restaurants, and a golf course that is always in pristine condition.”
For Emirates Golf Club, the challenge has been maintaining its status as Dubai has rapidly transformed. “The club has remained iconic,” says May. “From its revolutionary design in 1988 to its evolution into a 36-hole facility with floodlit courses, it continues to innovate. That’s a significant achievement in a city known for constant change.”

The impact of Emirates Golf Club and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic extends far beyond golf. They have played a vital role in positioning Dubai as a global sports hub, attracting world-class events and driving sports tourism.
Together, they tell a story of vision and ambition, redefining golf in the Middle East and laying the foundation for Dubai’s rise as a premier destination for sport, leisure, and tourism.