Semih
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-09-29
For golfers in the Gulf, one of the best winter options is just a short flight away: the Red Sea. World-class courses, perfect weather from October to April and short direct flights from Jeddah and Riyadh – and a reasonable flight time from Dubai. Here is the guide from a GCC traveller's perspective.
Why the Red Sea?
While summer heat peaks in the Gulf and Europe's courses cool down in winter, Egypt's Red Sea coast offers the perfect equation: mild winter sun, courses designed by world-famous names, competitive green fees compared with Europe, and resort hotels that combine golf, beach and family in one place.
The destinations: El Gouna, Soma Bay and Cairo
El Gouna near Hurghada pairs a course set among turquoise lagoons with a fully integrated resort town. Soma Bay is famous for the celebrated Cascades course right on the sea – one of the most beautiful layouts in the region. And around Cairo you'll find historic courses that suit anyone who wants to combine golf with a visit to the pyramids in a single trip.
Getting there from Saudi Arabia
From Jeddah, Hurghada sits almost directly across the Red Sea – very short flights make a long-weekend golf break genuinely realistic. From Riyadh there are direct options as well as connections via Jeddah or Cairo. The result: arrive in the morning and play your first round in the afternoon.
Getting there from the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait
From Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Kuwait, flights to Hurghada or Cairo are a little longer but still comfortably within evening-flight range. Always compare flying direct into Hurghada versus a stop in Cairo – sometimes the stopover gives you an extra Cairo night at a better price.
Practical tips
Book tee times together with your hotel in advance during the winter high season, and ask your airline about its golf-bag policy as sports luggage – conditions vary between carriers. And set a price alert on your route on Reisedrop to catch the winter drops early.
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