New golf course to boost Saudi Arabia's sports, entertainment vision

Arab News

2 days ago

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's upcoming entertainment and sports city, Qiddiya, has unveiled plans for an 18-hole golf course designed by English golfer Sir Nick Faldo.
The course, set along the 200-meter-high cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains, is part of Qiddiya's broader push to develop golf infrastructure in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The announcement follows Qiddiya's new global partnership with the Faldo Series, regarded as the world's leading development pathway for young golfers.
The partnership aims to grow the sport in Saudi Arabia and expand youth participation nationally and internationally, the SPA added.
Faldo called the partnership a unique opportunity to help shape one of the world's most ambitious cities, where modern lifestyles blend with sports, entertainment, and culture in an innovative urban model.
He said: 'The collaboration with Qiddiya City brings together one of the world's foremost sporting communities and a vibrant society passionate about discovering new sports experiences.'
The project aligns with Qiddiya's long-term vision to become a premier golf destination in Saudi Arabia, welcoming players of all ages and supporting the next generation of Saudi golfers.
Abdullah Al-Dawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Co., said: 'Our partnership with Sir Nick Faldo to design a new golf course, along with becoming the global partner of the Faldo Series, affirms our commitment to supporting golf and nurturing the next generation of Saudi golfers.'
The course will offer a variety of playing options and accommodate all skill levels. Alongside a layout designed to challenge professionals, it will feature evening lighting for night play and structured training programs for beginners. The design blends traditional elements with contemporary, inclusive features to broaden participation.
The larger golf destination will include a clubhouse, extensive training grounds, and an advanced academy developed by Patterson Design. These facilities are tailored to the desert environment, emphasizing sustainability and alignment with global golf standards.
Beyond the sport itself, the site is envisioned as a community hub, featuring fitness and wellness centers, social spaces, indoor and outdoor pools, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.
At the heart of the site, a green-covered structure open to the public will host events and serve as a central gathering space. It will connect the golf club, the multi-use sports and social complex, and the training academy, creating a unified destination for recreation, learning, and community activity.
This distinctive architectural centerpiece will link the three key areas: the golf club as the operational core, a sports and social activity center, and an academy focused on high-level golf instruction and training.
Qiddiya City includes more than 20 master-planned districts focused on entertainment, sports, and culture, along with housing, commercial, and hospitality offerings.
The golf project joins several other high-profile developments under the Qiddiya umbrella, including the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium — expected to host global sports and entertainment events such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup — the Speed Park motorsports venue, Mercedes-AMG World with public racing experiences, and the Performing Arts Center, which will support diverse cultural and creative programming.