I am delighted to provide my itinerary for a golf and sunshine holiday in Abu Dhabi next January.
Abu Dhabi is a more cultural-based alternative to Dubai with an even stronger accent on quality and with more space and nature too. There are three very fine golf courses and the city of Abu Dhabi is a super mix of entertainment and culture. Saadiyat Island is a nature reserve with several luxury hotels just 25 minutes north of the centre of the city and 90 minutes from Dubai Airport.
The Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is one of the best hotels in the upmarket All Inclusive Rixos group. The design is a mix of Mediterranean and Moorish and All Inclusive includes all food, all drinks (except the most premium brands), entertainment and activities. Bedrooms are 52m2 and there are six restaurants and four bars and you can eat and drink 24/7! My rates at the hotel are exceptional value for money.
For golf, all three courses are managed by Troon Golf and are impressive, modern designs – quite American in style – with Yas Links rated the best in the UAE, Saadiyat (pictured above) not too far behind and Abu Dhabi a decent third. Yas Links is currently upgrading 9 holes and will re-open this June. Clubhouse service and maintenance are impressive. I have not included transfers to/from the courses as taxis are plentiful and cost less than pre-arranged golf transfers.
Saadiyat Golf Club is just a two minute drive from the hotel, Yas Links 20 minutes and Abu Dhabi 30 minutes.
The hotel rates are very consistent throughout January but the flight costs are only available up to January 9, 2026 so I have based the flight cost/times on holiday January 1-8, 2026 as they are attractive.
