Situated on 80 acres of landscaped lawns and exotic trees, the nine-hole par 36 Jebel Ali Resort Golf Course is appealing to both the beginner and seasoned golfer and has become a premier golfing destination in the region.

The course presents a fair and exciting challenge for players and each hole is landscaped with exotic trees, shrubs, wooden gazebos and panoramic views of the Gulf.

Some 250 peacocks, guinea fowl and partridges freely roam the green landscape, offering a pleasant surprise to the players, who often pick up an exquisite peacock feather as a souvenir.

Designed by Swiss course designer Peter Harradine, who has completed over 300 courses in Europe as well as the championship courses in Abu Dhabi and Doha, the course was launched in October 1998.

The course features a striking central lake which doubles as a hazard and an aesthetic feature, with its rock edges nearby guaranteeing some interesting strikes and surprising landings.

The availability of four tees creates a different aspect and playability of each hole and the opportunity to play an 18 hole round. Playing the course demands course management skills, strategic thinking and a good command of all strokes.

The putting green gives enough scope for players to learn this part of the game. The size and natural surrounds make it quite unique.

Every aspect of the game can be practised on the bermuda grass at the Old Stables Driving Range, where all the areas are floodlit for play after dark.

The golf course is only one of the many leisure and sporting facilities available at the Jebel Ali Hotel & Golf Resort.

There is a 90-berth marina offering water sports and fishing trips; a shooting club featuring clay and pistol shooting; horseback riding and tuition, tennis, badminton, squash, snooker, three temperature-controlled swimming pools including one filled with sea water, a children's club, numerous restaurants and bars catering to all tastes and preferences, and much more.

The 128-acre resort also has its own desalination plant.