Two Viya Golf Courses Named Among Golf World’s Top 100

Thursday 13th August 2026; United Arab Emirates: Two of Viya’s championship golf courses have earned international recognition in Golf World’s Top 100 X Factor Courses in the World, with Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course ranked No. 36 and Yas Links Abu Dhabi placed No. 44.

Viya is pleased to announce the global recognition of two of its leading golf destinations, with Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course and Yas Links Abu Dhabi named among Golf World’s Top 100 X Factor Courses in the World. The ranking looks beyond traditional measures of course quality to highlight the features that make a golfing experience particularly memorable. Course design, surroundings, character and connections to major tournaments all contribute to the distinctive qualities celebrated across the list.

The achievement further highlights the quality of golf in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with Emirates Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi the only two courses from the UAE included in the global ranking.

Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course Ranked No. 36

Emirates Golf Club’s iconic Majlis Course has been ranked No. 36, further highlighting its position as one of the UAE’s most recognised championship golf courses and leading golfing destinations in Dubai.

Set within Dubai’s distinctive cityscape, the Majlis offers a striking golfing environment where the desert landscape meets the architecture of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. This unique setting adds to the character of the course and creates an experience that is distinctly Dubai.

Its reputation has been further shaped by its long-standing association with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which it has hosted since the tournament’s inaugural edition in 1989, welcoming many of the world’s leading golfers and establishing the Majlis as a bucket-list course for players from around the world. For golfers seeking world-class golf in Dubai, the course offers a unique combination of championship heritage, city views and a distinctly Dubai golfing experience.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi Ranked No. 44

Yas Links Abu Dhabi has placed No. 44 in the global ranking, reinforcing the golf course’s reputation as one of the world’s most distinctive golf destinations in the Middle East.

Designed by Kyle Phillips, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is distinguished by its traditional links characteristics and spectacular setting along the Arabian Gulf. As the Middle East’s first true links course, it combines the character of traditional links golf with a distinctive waterfront setting on Yas Island.

As the host venue of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the course is internationally recognised for it’s strong championship pedigree on the international golf calendar, further strengthening its appeal to golfers visiting Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.

Two UAE Courses Recognised in the Global Ranking

Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course and Yas Links Abu Dhabi are the only two courses from the UAE included in Golf World’s Top 100 X Factor Courses in the World.

The achievement adds to an impressive year for both courses in Golf World’s regional rankings. In the 2026 Top 100 MENA list, Yas Links Abu Dhabi retained its No. 1 position, while the Majlis Course was ranked No. 3, placing both among the leading golf courses in the Middle East.

With one course representing Dubai and the other Abu Dhabi, the recognition highlights the breadth of Viya’s portfolio and its role in delivering distinctive golf experiences across the UAE. From the iconic city skyline surrounding Emirates Golf Club to the Arabian Gulf setting of Yas Links Abu Dhabi, each offers a strong sense of place alongside world-class championship golf.

Commenting on the recognition, Christopher May, CEO of Viya, said: “To see the Majlis Course and Yas Links recognised together in a ranking focused on what makes a golf experience truly memorable is a proud moment for everyone at Viya. They are very different courses, but each has a strong sense of place, championship pedigree and a team committed to delivering exceptional standards every day.”

The recognition further strengthens Viya’s international profile, showcasing the heritage, quality and character of its golf destinations. For golfers seeking award-winning courses and bucket-list experiences in the UAE, Emirates Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi remain two of the country’s most memorable places to play.