Exclusive Guide to Elite Privileges in Middle Eastern Private Clubs: Featuring Infinity Pools, High-end Dining, and Yacht Docks
Exclusive Private Members' Clubs in the Middle East: A Guide
Explore the most prestigious private members' clubs in the Middle East, where culture, luxury, and social networking intertwine to create an unparalleled experience.
The Arts Club, Dubai
Located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), this branch of the London original founded in 1863 caters to financiers and art enthusiasts. The club boasts fine dining, a rooftop, a secret lounge called Vega, a library, and a packed cultural program with exhibitions. The club is devoted to literature, arts, and sciences, creating a cultured and refined atmosphere.
Nasab, Dubai
Positioned in a gated residential area, Nasab is a hybrid workspace and social club for entrepreneurs. It spans three floors with private offices, hot desks, meeting rooms, a photographic studio, an art gallery, and a library. Amenities include dining, a fitness studio, and a rooftop infinity pool set within lush gardens, offering a refreshingly private environment.
Dubai Marina Yacht Club
Known as the largest marina in the Middle East, it offers 500 sheltered berthing spaces and is highly exclusive with several membership tiers (individual, family, corporate, overseas). It provides yacht-related amenities, a swimming pool, fitness center, fine dining with marina views, and exclusive events like wine tastings and regattas. Membership is highly selective and limited to a privileged few.
Vacheron Constantin’s Suite 1755
A highly exclusive private watch lounge within the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, access is strictly by personal invitation to significant clients of the luxury watchmaker. The lounge combines Swiss watchmaking heritage with Emirati luxury and offers bespoke services like watch repairs, viewings of unreleased models, and private commissioning.
L’invité
Founded in Dubai in 2020, it’s distinguished by a highly selective vetting process focusing on the mindset and presence of individuals, not just wealth or status. It offers access to global luxury networks, exclusive events, concierge services, and a tightly knit community emphasizing meaningful connections and an elevated lifestyle.
Beast House in Riyadh
A creative hub for EDM lovers, Beast House in Riyadh offers studio space, food and event programming for those passionate about electronic dance music.
1833 in Dubai
Co-founded by Emirati entrepreneur Sultan Al Darmaki in 2024, 1833 connects creative innovators via curated events, chef's table evenings, and closed-door sessions across various locations.
The Club in Abu Dhabi
A family-friendly, private-members resort, The Club in Abu Dhabi offers dining, beach access, sports and fitness facilities, live entertainment, leisure, sailing, and cultural programming.
Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina
Boasting a beach club, spa, fitness centre, cigar lounge, and Michelin-star dining, Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina also provides dedicated berthing spots for sailing.
The Golf Club of Lebanon in Beirut
One of Lebanon's oldest sporting clubs and the country's only private golf club, established in 1923, it offers an 18-hole course, swimming, tennis, squash, football, and spans 400,000 square metres of manicured lawns.
Sanad in Doha
A private club aimed at those looking to immerse themselves in Arab culture, Sanad features works by Arab artists and specializes in Levantine food.
Ned's Club in Doha
A private members club located within The Ned Hotel, offering an exclusive roof terrace, private pool, gym, and benefits across the rest of the hotel.
Tiger 21 in Dubai
A private club for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, offering networking opportunities and tailored experiences.
Capital Club in Dubai
Aimed at the region's business leaders, with membership spanning chief executives, founders, directors, ambassadors, and government officials.
Gezira Sporting Club in Cairo
First opened in 1882, Gezira Sporting Club offers tennis, swimming, horse riding, and golf, and is known for its exclusivity, having past members including Egyptian aristocracy and leaders.
How to Secure Membership
Membership in these exclusive clubs is often by invitation or referral, such as The Arts Club, Vacheron Constantin Suite 1755, and L’invité. Clubs like L’invité assess candidates beyond wealth, considering personality and community fit. Successful applicants typically embody the club’s culture, values, and network vibe. Some clubs, like yacht clubs, offer formal application processes, sometimes with different membership tiers. Approval can depend on background checks, financial standing, and alignment with club values. Certain private clubs, especially brand-based ones, consider long-term interest and significant financial investment as prerequisites for invitation.
- The Arts Club in Dubai, founded in 1863, serves both financiers and art enthusiasts, offering fine dining, a rooftop, secret lounges, a library, and a packed cultural program.
- Nasab in Dubai, located in a gated residential area, caters to entrepreneurs with private offices, hot desks, meeting rooms, an art gallery, a library, dining, fitness studio, and a rooftop infinity pool.
- Dubai Marina Yacht Club provides exclusive memberships with yacht-related amenities, dining, swimming pool, fitness center, and events like wine tastings and regattas.
- Vacheron Constantin’s Suite 1755, a private watch lounge within the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai, offers bespoke services to significant clients of the luxury watchmaker.
- L’invité, founded in Dubai in 2020, a private club with a highly selective vetting process, offers access to global luxury networks, exclusive events, concierge services, and a close-knit community.
- Beast House in Riyadh is a creative hub for EDM lovers, offering studio space, food, and event programming for those passionate about electronic dance music.
- 1833 in Dubai, co-founded by Emirati entrepreneur Sultan Al Darmaki in 2024, connects creative innovators via curated events, chef's table evenings, and closed-door sessions.
- The Club in Abu Dhabi is a family-friendly, private-members resort offering dining, beach access, sports, leisure, and cultural programming.
- Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina boasts a beach club, spa, fitness centre, cigar lounge, Michelin-star dining, and dedicated berthing spots for sailing.
- The Golf Club of Lebanon in Beirut offers an 18-hole course, swimming, tennis, squash, football, and spans 400,000 square metres of manicured lawns.
- Sanad in Doha, a private club aimed at those seeking Arab culture immersion, features works by Arab artists and specializes in Levantine food. Membership in these exclusive clubs is often by invitation or referral, with some clubs selecting candidates based on personality and community fit.
