Emirates Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi are the only UAE courses included in the new global list
Viya has received double international recognition after two of its championship courses were included in Golf World’s new Top 100 X Factor Courses in the World ranking.
Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis Course was ranked No. 36, while Yas Links Abu Dhabi placed No. 44.
The new ranking recognises courses that offer something distinctive and memorable beyond traditional measures of quality, celebrating the settings, design characteristics and tournament associations that give each venue its individual ‘X factor’.
At No. 36, the Majlis Course was recognised for the striking contrast between its championship layout and the gleaming glass and steel of the Dubai skyline, as well as its long-standing association with the Dubai Desert Classic. The course’s eighth tee shot was singled out as one of the memorable experiences that contributed to its ‘bucket-list’ appeal. Since Emirates Golf Club opened in 1988 as the region’s first all-grass course, the Majlis has established itself a long-standing reputation as one of the Middle East’s most iconic championship venues.
Yas Links Abu Dhabi, ranked No. 44, was highlighted for its Gulf-edge holes, expansive views and memorable closing stretch, including the par-three 17th, which requires a dramatic carry over the water. Designed by Kyle Phillips, the Middle East’s first true links course combines traditional links characteristics with a distinctive waterfront setting on Yas Island. A regular host venue of the Abu Dhabi Championship on the DP World Tour, Yas Links has established a proven championship pedigree on the international golf calendar.
The latest recognition follows another strong performance for both courses in Golf World’s 2026 Top 100 MENA ranking, in which Yas Links retained the No. 1 position and the Majlis Course ranked No. 3.
Christopher May, Chief Executive Officer of Viya, commented: “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.”
With one course representing Dubai and the other Abu Dhabi, the result underlines the breadth of Viya’s golf portfolio and its role in delivering distinctive golf and leisure experiences across the UAE.
Viya is the UAE’s leading golf and hospitality management group, operating a portfolio of championship golf courses alongside award-winning restaurants, premium leisure and recreation facilities, innovative entertainment concepts and digital platforms. Its portfolio includes Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club and Topgolf Dubai.
To explore Viya’s golf experiences, visit www.viyagolf.com.
To know more about Emirates Golf Club, visit: https://www.dubaigolf.com/egc/
To know more about Yas Links, visit: https://viyagolf.com/yaslinks/