GOLF ALARAB · COURSE GUIDE / ARABIAN RANCHES · DUBAI
Arabian Ranches Golf Club: Dubai’s Desert-Style Championship Course
Arabian Ranches Golf Club offers a different side of Dubai golf: a desert-style championship course where the fairways sit within the natural sandy terrain rather than being separated from it. Designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design, the 18-hole Par 72 layout is known for its immaculate grass playing surfaces, sandy waste areas and native desert shrubs. The course opened in 2003 and has remained a distinctive part of Dubai’s golf landscape.
Arabian Ranches Golf Club offers a different side of Dubai golf: a desert-style championship course where the fairways sit within the natural sandy terrain rather than being separated from it. Designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design, the 18-hole Par 72 layout is known for its immaculate grass playing surfaces, sandy waste areas and native desert shrubs. The course opened in 2003 and has remained a distinctive part of Dubai’s golf landscape.
Dubai’s desert-style championship course
Arabian Ranches is described by the club as Dubai’s only true desert-style golf course. The design by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design makes the surrounding terrain part of the challenge: outside the maintained fairways and greens, sandy waste areas blend into the natural landscape with indigenous shrubs and bushes.
A strategic 18-hole Par 72 layout
The championship course has 18 holes and a Par of 72. Its routing combines generous landing areas with doglegs, elevated approaches, dunes and greens shaped by subtle slopes and run-offs. Each hole asks players to consider not only distance but also how the ball will move across the desert terrain. GPS yardage is available on the golf carts.
Academy, practice and clubhouse
The club’s Academy offers coaching programmes with PGA-qualified professionals and a Par 3 practice area. The wider facility includes practice greens and a Spanish Colonial-style clubhouse, home to Ranches Restaurant and Birdies Sports Lounge, with terraces overlooking the ninth and 18th holes. The official booking portal provides visitor tee-time requests.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Check availability and plan directly with the club
Before travelling, confirm course availability, tee times, visitor access and the services you may need. Use the official club website or booking channel for the latest information.
- Check tee-time availability for your preferred course.
- Confirm visitor access and any handicap or playing-certificate requirements.
- Check operating hours, practice facilities and equipment hire.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes are at Arabian Ranches Golf Club?
The championship course has 18 holes and a Par of 72.
Who designed Arabian Ranches Golf Club?
The course was designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design.
What makes the course different?
It is a desert-style layout where sandy waste areas and native shrubs blend with the maintained fairways and greens.
