T he 600 km long coast of the United Arab Emirates was once known for its piracy. Armed with fearsome carved daggers and scimitars, Arab corsairs preyed on European ships trading in The Gulf. The ruined forts and watchtowers can still be seen along the shores. Piracy ended in the 19th century after Britain imposed a truce, and for this reason the area became knows as the Trucial Coast, the sigh of the trade winds in the rigging and the fierce cries of battle have given way to the sound of the engines of oil tankers making their way along The Gulf and the occasional “FORE”.

The 3rd at Tower Links in Ras el Khaimah

The Emirates is a federation of seven sheikdoms formed in 1971 when Britain left the region. Since 1962 oil production has brought undreamt of riches to the area which once traded in spices, pearls, sandalwood and slaves. Abu Dhabi, the largest of the group, is the richest state in the world while Dubai is the second largest, also a major oil producer. In the towns, new office blocks have replaced many of the traditional Arab buildings. The Burj Dubai, which is still under construction, has now reached 629 metres with 164 completed floors and holds the record for the world’s tallest building. Where once health and educational facilities were limited there are now hospitals and clinics, schools and universities. Fine modern roads now link the sheikdoms and modern day airports cater for international flights.

The world's tallest building Burj Dubai

Irrigation projects based on giant desalination plants producing fresh water from seawater have vastly extended agricultural beyond just the oases. Fields of wheat, tobacco and alfalfa lie among the sand dunes while thriving market gardens provide tomatoes, aubergines and melons for the home market.

The clubhouse at the Dubai Creek

And there is still plenty left over for the lush green fairways that have sprung up in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. To beat the sweltering daytime heat golfers can even play on floodlit courses after dark. Golf hasn’t exactly caught on with the indigenous population, so the promoters have successfully concentrated their efforts on the 1.5 million ex-pats and many more visitors each year to play their courses, stay in their hotels and buy luxury property. For this they have turned to some of the great golf course architects such as Robert Trent Jones Jr, Colin Montgomerie and Jack Nicklaus to produce some sparkling courses. The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, an impeccably designed establishment along the water’s edge is a classic example of what money can do.

In Dubai the lushness of the three major golf courses with an infrastructure of hotels and real estate are promoted worldwide by Dubai Golf, a government organization.

The Emirates Golf Club, Dubai

The European PGA was more than willing to add the Dubai Desert Classic to its already busy schedule, which has attracted top names of the Tour.

The latest additions are two 18-hole grass courses at Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton.

The Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton

The Montgomerie course, Dubai