His highness sheikh mohammed bin rashid al maktoum designed the emirates golf course, and his royal pavilion, which is modeled like a bedouin tent, is situated behind the 8th green. The majlis course was the first 18-hole grass golf course in the middle east when it opened in 1988. The design is based on a karl litten blueprint and is practically cut out of the desert. Narrow green fairway ribbons thread their way across the naturally undulating landscape. At the emirates club, you can prepare to play a few sand shots.

The majlis course is without a doubt one of the best in the united arab emirates, and it is the well-known host of the dubai desert classic tournament, which draws the best players from around the world every year. The majlis course measures 7,301 yards from the tips and has a par of 72. The course is surrounded by tall sand dunes, and there are several salt and freshwater lakes that come into play on some holes.

The emirates club is known for its large, fast greens, and these smooth putting surfaces can be problematic for club golfers, particularly if the course manager is being cruel with his pin placements.

The par three 7th hole, which must hold the entire length of a lake, will stick in the head, and, as with all great courses, the majlis has a beautiful closing hole that involves an approach shot through yet another lake to a long and narrow double green that is shaped like a bow tie. A host of future desert classic champions, including ian woosnam and tiger woods, have had their hopes dashed at this difficult par five finishing hole.