Latest news with #SumouGlobalInvestment
CairoScene
26-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Arabia Secures USD 100 Million Golf Resort Investment
A USD 100 million deal with BlackBerry co-founder Jim Balsillie kicks off Saudi Arabia's plan to build up to 100 golf courses. Canadian tech entrepreneur and BlackBerry co-founder Jim Balsillie has invested USD 100 million to build a national network of luxury golf resorts in Saudi Arabia. The investment is part of a broader partnership with Sumou Global Investment and aligns with the country's Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and boost tourism. The first project is expected to break ground soon in Jeddah, on a site previously used as a sewage dumping ground. Plans include not only golf courses but also integrated hotels and residential developments. Balsillie aims to expand the country's existing portfolio of a dozen golf courses to up to 100, with seven to ten already in development and several expected to be completed by 2027. One strategic objective is to integrate golf tourism with religious tourism. By offering golf packages to Muslim pilgrims visiting Makkah, the initiative seeks to encourage longer stays and create new revenue streams from leisure-focused visitors. The move builds on momentum generated by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has invested nearly USD 5 billion into golf globally, including the controversial LIV Golf tour and domestic projects like a Jack Nicklaus-designed course near Riyadh. Saudi Arabia faces competition from regional neighbours such as the UAE, Qatar, and Oman, all of which have invested in golf infrastructure. However, the Kingdom's rapid pace of development has raised environmental concerns, particularly around water use for maintaining courses in arid climates. Developers have pledged to use recycled water and renewable energy solutions to mitigate impact.
Cision Canada
29-04-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
GolfNorth and Sumou Global Investment Partner to Build Golf and Lifestyle Destinations in Saudi Arabia and across The Middle East and North Africa
Project aim is to shape the future of travel and leisure using partners' deep expertise in development, golf management and technology WATERLOO, ON, April 29, 2025 /CNW/ - GolfNorth, Canada's leading golf course and technology company, is partnering with Sumou Global Investment, Saudi Arabia's premier real estate developer & investor, to develop a series of luxury golf communities and resort destinations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Middle East and North Africa. The joint venture aims to meet the Saudi government's ambitious Vision 2030 tourism and ecological and environmental goals by sustainably transforming the Kingdom's landscape, creating new investments, luxury real estate, five-star hospitality, championship golf and innovative technologies for a new global standard in lifestyle homes and destinations. Each destination developed by the two partners will feature high-end developments: 1. Luxury Villas and Residences set in stunning natural landscapes; 2. Championship Golf Courses designed by top international architects; 3. World-Class Hotels, Wellness Retreats, and Lifestyle Amenities, designed for both local residents and international travelers. The partnership brings together the Middle East's leading real-estate investor with a development exceeding 60 million square meter of land and history of developing visionary projects including Dhahiat Murouj Jeddah, Dhahiat Sumou Makkah and Sumou Towers on Jeddah Water Front and Canada's GolfNorth, the largest multi-course operator in Canada, featuring a full suite of technologies and services for golf course operations and management that currently supports 500 golf courses. "GolfNorth's expertise, proprietary technology and infrastructure are a perfect fit for Sumou's ambitious plans to build iconic golf courses, communities and destinations," said Jim Balsillie, Chair and owner of GolfNorth. "This is a unique opportunity to take Canadian brand, technology and management skills globally," he added. GolfNorth will take the lead in designing, operating, and maintaining all golf courses. In addition to its innovative technology services, the Canadian company will ensure tournament-grade course maintenance and elite playing conditions with sustainable practices including water conservation and ecological balance. Further, they will offer golf academies, member programs, and tournament and league hosting. "Today's announcement is a result of our vision to redefine luxury living on a global stage." said Abdulrahman Ayedh Al-Qahtani, CEO of Sumou Global Investment. "In line with Vision 2030, our partnership aims to position the Kingdom as a global hub for lifestyle, tourism and real estate innovation." Lead projects in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar are set to break ground in 2025, with phased openings beginning in 2027. Additional sites across Saudi Arabia and internationally are under consideration, aligning with the growing global demand for integrated lifestyle destinations. GolfNorth will continue its active growth plan for properties in Canada. Founded in 1994, the company is now the national leader in course management technologies with over 500 courses using its proprietary suite. As the largest multi-course operator in Canada, GolfNorth currently operates 43 golf properties, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, and has 5 active real-estate developments in Canada. About Sumou Global Investment Sumou Investment is part of Sumou Holding among Saudi Arabia's largest private real estate group. Established in 2008, today Sumou is developing more than 60 million square meters of land, specialized in creating transformative projects that contribute to the growth of different sectors in Saudi Arabia and around the globe. With major landmark projects in Saudi Arabia currently under development; Sumou Towers, the tallest 319-meter twin towers on Jeddah water front. Sumou Park, strategically located in the capital Riyadh, a 300 thousand square meter sustainable development. Sumou Views inspired by the city of Al Khobar's journey that grew from a tranquil fishing village to a flourishing urban hub in the eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. About GolfNorth GolfNorth Properties is a privately owned golf and resort management company, based in Waterloo, Ontario. Founded in 1994, the company grew steadily to become the national leader in the management of golf properties and is now the largest multi-course operator in Canada. GolfNorth currently operates 43 golf properties in Canada, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. Supporting its operational excellence is Tee-On, GolfNorth's innovative technology service platform for golf and resort operations that currently supports 500 courses and features e-commerce, analytics, POS integrations, loyalty and member optimization programs. The full roster of GolfNorth courses is available at SOURCE GolfNorth International Inc.
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sumou Global Investment and GolfNorth partner to develop Golf and Lifestyle Destinations in Saudi Arabia and across The Middle East and North Africa
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Sumou Global Investment, Saudi Arabia's premier real estate developer & investor, is partnering with Canada's GolfNorth, a leading golf course and technology company, to develop a series of luxury golf communities and resort destinations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa. The joint venture aims to meet the Saudi government's ambitious Vision 2030 tourism and ecological and environmental goals by sustainably transforming the Kingdom's landscape, creating new investments, luxury real estate, five-star hospitality, championship golf and innovative technologies for a new global standard in lifestyle homes and destinations. Each destination will feature high end developments: 1. Luxury Villas and Residences set in stunning natural landscapes; 2. Championship Golf Courses designed by top international architects; 3. World-Class Hotels, Wellness Retreats, and Lifestyle Amenities, designed for both residents in Saudi Arabia and international travelers. The partnership brings together the Middle East's leading real-estate investor with a development exceeding 60 million square meter of land and history of developing visionary projects including Dhahiat Murouj Jeddah, Dhahiat Sumou Makkah and Sumou Towers on Jeddah Water Front and Canada's GolfNorth, the largest multi-course operator in Canada, featuring a full suite of technologies and services for golf course operations and management. Together they will build a KSA headquartered technology and services company for recreation, lifestyle and hospitality services. 'Today's announcement is a result of our vision to redefine luxury living on a global stage.' said Abdul Rahman Ayedh Al-Qahtani, CEO of Sumou Global Investment. 'In line with Vision 2030, our partnership aims to position the Kingdom as a global hub for lifestyle, tourism and real estate innovation.' 'GolfNorth's management expertise, proprietary technology and infrastructure are a perfect fit for Sumou's plans to build iconic communities and destinations,' said Jim Balsillie, Chair and owner of GolfNorth. 'Together we are uniquely positioned to deliver for projects of this size,' he added. GolfNorth will take the lead in designing, operating, and maintaining all golf courses. In addition to its proprietary technology services, the Canadian company will ensure tournament-grade course maintenance and elite playing conditions; golf academies, member programs, and tournament and league hosting; sustainable practices including water conservation and ecological balance. Lead projects in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar are set to break ground in 2025, with phased openings beginning in 2027. Additional sites across Saudi Arabia and internationally are under consideration, aligning with the growing global demand for integrated lifestyle destinations. About Sumou Global Investment Sumou Investment is part of Sumou Holding among Saudi Arabia's largest private real estate group. Established in 2008, today Sumou is developing more than 60 million square meters of land, specialized in creating transformative projects that contribute to the growth of different sectors in Saudi Arabia and around the globe. With major landmark projects in Saudi Arabia currently under development; Sumou Towers, the tallest 319-meter twin towers on Jeddah water front. Sumou Park, strategically located in the capital Riyadh, a 300 thousand square meter sustainable development. Sumou Views inspired by the city of Al Khobar's journey that grew from a tranquil fishing village to a flourishing urban hub in the eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sumou Global Investment and GolfNorth partner
Project aim is to shape the future of travel and leisure using partners' deep expertise in development, golf management and technology Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Sumou Global Investment, Saudi Arabia's premier real estate developer & investor, is partnering with Canada's GolfNorth, a leading golf course and technology company, to develop a series of luxury golf communities and resort destinations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa. The joint venture aims to meet the Saudi government's ambitious Vision 2030 tourism and ecological and environmental goals by sustainably transforming the Kingdom's landscape, creating new investments, luxury real estate, five-star hospitality, championship golf and innovative technologies for a new global standard in lifestyle homes and destinations. Each destination will feature high end developments: 1. Luxury Villas and Residences set in stunning natural landscapes; 2. Championship Golf Courses designed by top international architects; 3. World-Class Hotels, Wellness Retreats, and Lifestyle Amenities, designed for both residents in Saudi Arabia and international travelers. The partnership brings together the Middle East's leading real-estate investor with a development exceeding 60 million square meter of land and history of developing visionary projects including Dhahiat Murouj Jeddah, Dhahiat Sumou Makkah and Sumou Towers on Jeddah Water Front and Canada's GolfNorth, the largest multi-course operator in Canada, featuring a full suite of technologies and services for golf course operations and management. Together they will build a KSA headquartered technology and services company for recreation, lifestyle and hospitality services. 'Today's announcement is a result of our vision to redefine luxury living on a global stage.' said Abdul Rahman Ayedh Al-Qahtani, CEO of Sumou Global Investment. 'In line with Vision 2030, our partnership aims to position the Kingdom as a global hub for lifestyle, tourism and real estate innovation.' 'GolfNorth's management expertise, proprietary technology and infrastructure are a perfect fit for Sumou's plans to build iconic communities and destinations,' said Jim Balsillie, Chair and owner of GolfNorth. 'Together we are uniquely positioned to deliver for projects of this size,' he added. GolfNorth will take the lead in designing, operating, and maintaining all golf courses. In addition to its proprietary technology services, the Canadian company will ensure tournament-grade course maintenance and elite playing conditions; golf academies, member programs, and tournament and league hosting; sustainable practices including water conservation and ecological balance. Lead projects in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar are set to break ground in 2025, with phased openings beginning in 2027. Additional sites across Saudi Arabia and internationally are under consideration, aligning with the growing global demand for integrated lifestyle destinations. About Sumou Global Investment Sumou Investment is part of Sumou Holding among Saudi Arabia's largest private real estate group. Established in 2008, today Sumou is developing more than 60 million square meters of land, specialized in creating transformative projects that contribute to the growth of different sectors in Saudi Arabia and around the globe. With major landmark projects in Saudi Arabia currently under development; Sumou Towers, the tallest 319-meter twin towers on Jeddah water front. Sumou Park, strategically located in the capital Riyadh, a 300 thousand square meter sustainable development. Sumou Views inspired by the city of Al Khobar's journey that grew from a tranquil fishing village to a flourishing urban hub in the eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. About GolfNorth GolfNorth Properties is a privately owned golf and resort management company, based in Waterloo, Ontario. Founded in 1994, the company grew steadily to become the national leader in the management of golf properties and is now the largest multi-course operator in Canada. GolfNorth currently operates 43 golf properties in Canada, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. Supporting its operational excellence is Tee-On, GolfNorth's proprietary technology service platform for golf and resort operations, also featuring e-commerce, analytics, POS integrations, loyalty and member optimization programs. The full roster of GolfNorth courses is available at
