On the edge of desert cliffs, Saudi Arabia is engineering Golf's most daring destination
Qiddiya City will debut an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo , set to open in 2026 as part of Saudi Vision 2030 .
Aimed at nurturing youth golf and hosting Faldo Series events , Qiddiya is now a global partner of the Faldo Series.
The golf complex will include an academy, driving range, clubhouse, wellness hub, and training facilities.
Located along the scenic Tuwaiq Mountains , the course will offer night play, inclusivity for all skill levels, and on-site leisure amenities.
As part of its mission to establish Qiddiya City as a global sports and entertainment hub under Saudi Vision 2030. Qiddiya City is one of the world's largest urban developments, spanning 360 square kilometers.
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The city's master plan includes more than 20 districts dedicated to entertainment, sports, culture, residential spaces, and hospitality. In addition to the golf course, the city will feature a variety of sports and cultural attractions, including the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, which will host major events, such as the 2034 World Cup, and the Speed Park Track, designed for motorsports.
Qiddiya Investment Company has announced the development of an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, scheduled to open in 2026.
The facility will serve as a regional anchor for youth development and elite play, with complementary infrastructure built around a top-tier golf experience.
A Vision Rooted in Sports & Sustainability
Qiddiya's golf project aligns with its vision to combine play, wellness, and sport within a sustainable urban masterplan. The course, perched along 200-meter cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains, is engineered to accommodate beginners and professionals alike, emphasizing accessibility while maintaining championship standards.
The course is designed to cater to players of all levels, offering a combination of traditional golf elements and innovative entertainment experiences.
As global partner of the Faldo Series, Qiddiya aims to host youth competitions and training initiatives, positioning Saudi Arabia on the international golfing map.
Key Features & Facilities
Course Design & Lighting : A Sir Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole layout, featuring a unique 'three-hole return' system and floodlighting to allow night play.
: A Sir Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole layout, featuring a unique 'three-hole return' system and floodlighting to allow night play. Training Academy & Clubhouse : Designed by Pattersons, the campus will include a driving range, pro shop, fitness suites, indoor/outdoor pools, and wellness and social hubs.
: Designed by Pattersons, the campus will include a driving range, pro shop, fitness suites, indoor/outdoor pools, and wellness and social hubs. Public Experience Hub: A green-roofed central structure will link the golf club, academy, and social wellness zone, offering public spaces and event facilities.
Strategic Impact & Timing
With the course opening in 2026 and complementary facilities following by 2028, Qiddiya's golf hub supports broader goals:
Talent Pipeline : Hosting Faldo Series events and training programs to develop young Saudi golfers.
: Hosting Faldo Series events and training programs to develop young Saudi golfers. Tourism & Lifestyle : Enhancing visitor offerings at Qiddiya – which also includes theme parks like Six Flags and motorsports venues.
: Enhancing visitor offerings at Qiddiya – which also includes theme parks like Six Flags and motorsports venues. Vision 2030 Alignment: Supporting economic diversification and local sports infrastructure development with a strategic, leisure-driven urban model.
Why It Matters
First of Its Kind : A signature Faldo course in Saudi Arabia is unique in the region and sets new standards for golf accessibility and design.
: A signature Faldo course in Saudi Arabia is unique in the region and sets new standards for golf accessibility and design. Youth Development Focus : As a Faldo Series venue, Qiddiya provides a professional launchpad for Saudi and regional golf talent.
: As a Faldo Series venue, Qiddiya provides a professional launchpad for Saudi and regional golf talent. Integrated Experience : Golf is integrated into a wider ecosystem of leisure, wellness, and entertainment, reinforcing Qiddiya as a multi-disciplinary destination.
: Golf is integrated into a wider ecosystem of leisure, wellness, and entertainment, reinforcing Qiddiya as a multi-disciplinary destination. Long-term Positioning: Accelerates Saudi Arabia's ambition to diversify its economic base via sport tourism and global branding.
With its 2026 opening, Qiddiya City's Faldo-designed golf course is poised to become the Kingdom's flagship golf destination, ushering in a new era of sports-focused tourism, youth development, and integrated leisure infrastructure. Located within the broader Qiddiya masterplan, the project transforms abstract ambition into a tangible destination for both athletes and lifestyle seekers, underlining Saudi Arabia's growing presence in global sports and entertainment.
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