Al Ghazal Golf Club: Abu Dhabi’s Distinctive 18-Hole Sand Course

Al Ghazal Golf Club offers an experience unlike a conventional grass course. It is a sand-golf venue built around compacted-sand playing surfaces rather than traditional grass greens. Located near Abu Dhabi International Airport, it combines a desert setting with strategic golf and a format that highlights the game’s adaptability to sandy terrain.

Opened in 1997, Al Ghazal has 18 holes and a Par of 71. The course measures 6,711 yards from the white tees. The front nine is Par 35 and the back nine Par 36, creating a varied test across the full round.

Instead of playing directly from grass fairways, golfers use a small piece of artificial turf beneath the ball. The putting surfaces, known as browns, are made from rolled, treated and compacted sand. The firm surface provides a consistent roll while creating a very different feel from conventional grass greens.

The course sits in a desert environment that supports a range of wildlife and birdlife. Part of the site is associated with an archaeological area, adding historical interest to the landscape. The club also has dining and other sports facilities alongside golf.