Shura Links, First Island Golf Course in Saudi Arabia, Opens at The Red Sea to Boost Tourism and Support its Vision 2030 Goals

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Published on
October 1, 2025

The long-awaited Shura Links Golf Course has now opened on Shura Island at The Red Sea, becoming Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course. Designed by Red Sea Global (RSG), this 7,400-yard, par-72 championship course provides an unrivalled experience in the midst of one of the Kingdom’s most breathtaking destinations. The course, created by world-famous designer Brian Curley, combines natural surroundings with international-standard golf design, establishing a new benchmark for golf courses in the area.

The Vision Behind Shura Links: A Sustainable Golf Experience

Shura Links is not only a luxury destination for golfers but also embodies the core values of regenerative tourism championed by Red Sea Global. The course was designed with minimal environmental interference, utilizing the natural topography of the island. Through its thoughtful design, Shura Links integrates seamlessly with its surroundings, allowing players to enjoy breathtaking views of the Red Sea, mangroves, and sand dunes, while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental preservation.

John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, shared his excitement about the project: “Shura Links sets a new benchmark for the game of golf in the region. It’s more than just a course – it’s a place to connect, challenge yourself, and experience the full beauty of The Red Sea. This is a proud milestone in our mission to reshape global tourism through sustainability and design, aligning perfectly with Vision 2030’s goal of establishing Saudi Arabia as a premier global sporting destination.”

A World-Class Golfing Experience: Features and Amenities at Shura Links

Shura Links offers more than just a traditional golf course—it’s designed to deliver a premium, all-encompassing golfing experience for both seasoned pros and new players. The course includes several standout features:

Family-friendly adventure putting course: Located near the clubhouse, perfect for all ages and skill levels.Premium Callaway practice balls: Used by professional golfers on global tours, ensuring top-tier quality.Curated golf retail boutique: Offering leading brands, accessories, and Shura Links merchandise.Elevated clubhouse experience: Guests can enjoy dining options, both indoors and on the terrace, with stunning views across the 18th green and the Red Sea.Extensive practice range: A full-length grass practice range, putting green, and short game area for golfers to perfect their skills.Tailored green fee options: Whether it’s a 9-hole or 18-hole round, Shura Links offers flexibility for all types of visitors.Golf coaching: On-site PGA-qualified instructors offer private lessons for individuals, families, and groups, providing professional coaching to elevate players’ skills.The Role of Shura Links in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

The launch of Shura Links is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy by expanding into tourism and sports. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to make Saudi Arabia a top global destination for luxury tourism, sports events, and cultural experiences. Golf tourism is expected to be one of the key drivers of this growth, with Shura Links setting the stage for the development of more world-class golf courses and sports facilities across the country.

Shura Links: A Social Hub for Golf and Leisure

Beyond the golfing experience, Shura Links is also designed to be a social hub. The beachfront clubhouse serves as the heart of social life at the golf course, offering guests a space to connect, unwind, and enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere. Inspired by the native flora and fauna of the region, the clubhouse provides stunning views of the Red Sea and the 18th hole, making it the perfect place to relax after a round of golf.

The clubhouse features a variety of amenities, including elevated dining options, retail spaces, and relaxation areas that enhance the overall guest experience. It is the ideal location for both golfers and non-golfers to enjoy the spectacular surroundings and hospitality that Red Sea Global is known for.

Tailored Experiences for All Levels of Golfers

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Shura Links caters to all levels of play. The course was designed to challenge the most experienced golfers, while also being welcoming to newcomers. With its combination of challenging tournament tees and beginner-friendly features like the adventure putting course, Shura Links ensures that everyone can enjoy a memorable experience. Additionally, the PGA-certified instructors provide tailored lessons for golfers of all skill levels, offering expert guidance to improve technique and enjoyment.

Shura Links as a New Landmark in Saudi Arabia’s Golf Scene

With the opening of Shura Links, Saudi Arabia positions itself as an emerging force in the global golf tourism industry. The course offers not only a fantastic golfing experience but also a luxurious resort-style setting that is perfect for travelers seeking a combination of sports, relaxation, and adventure. As golf tourism continues to grow globally, Saudi Arabia is capitalizing on the increasing demand for high-end golf resorts, making Shura Links an important part of the Kingdom’s strategic growth.

Shura Links and the Future of Sports Tourism in Saudi Arabia

The opening of Shura Links is just the beginning for Saudi Arabia’s sports tourism ambitions. The Kingdom’s commitment to developing world-class sports infrastructure is reflected in the ongoing development of golf courses, sports arenas, and fitness resorts across the country. As part of Vision 2030, the government is actively working to increase the Kingdom’s appeal as a top destination for sports tourism.

With its stunning coastal location, luxury amenities, and world-class design, Shura Links sets the stage for future developments that will help Saudi Arabia become a global hub for golf and other major sports. The course will continue to play a key role in attracting both international tourism and sports enthusiasts to the Kingdom.

Sustainability at Shura Links: A Regenerative Approach to Golf Course Design

In line with Red Sea Global’s regenerative tourism vision, Shura Links was designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The course blends into the natural environment, ensuring minimal disruption to the local eco-systems while providing a world-class golf experience. The commitment to sustainable design is evident in the use of eco-friendly practices that minimize the impact on the surrounding environment.

This dedication to sustainability ensures that Shura Links is not just a luxury golf destination but also a model for regenerative tourism in Saudi Arabia, where environmental responsibility and tourism development go hand in hand.

Shura Links – A New Chapter in Saudi Arabia’s Luxury Tourism and Golf

With the launch of Shura Links on Shura Island, Saudi Arabia moves another important step closer to its vision of becoming the world’s top tourist and sports destination. The synergy of luxury golf, sustainable development, and unparalleled natural beauty makes Shura Links a ‘golfer’s and traveler’s must-visit destination.’ As one of the key objectives of the wider vision as set out in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Shura Links is not just a world-class golf course but also a critical component of the Kingdom’s new identity as a luxury tourism, sports tourism, and regenerative travel destination.