Home » SPORTS TOURISM » Qiddiya City’s Visionary Golf Hub: World Class Course And Youth Golf Partnership Redefine Saudi Arabia’s Sports Landscape: Read It Now
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Deep in the heart of Saudi Arabia, Qiddiya City, the first city built for play anywhere on Earth, is set to rock the global golf world to its very foundations. The forward thinking city, which is already a global hub for entertainment, arts and culture and sports, today revealed news of two unprecedented programmes that are set to confirm its status as a leading golfing destination. These advancements center on accessibility, state-of-the-art amenities and a direct-to-consumer style fan experience that will appeal to golfers of every age, skill level and background.
A Strategic Partnership: Qiddiya City and the Faldo Series
The Faldo Series is widely regarded as being an exceptional junior golf programme that not only identifies the next generation of young golf stars but also gives them a platform and pathway to play at the very highest level on the world stage. As a global partner of the Faldo Series, Qiddiya City are committed to building a steady and sustainable base of youth golf participation in Saudi Arabia, and provide opportunities for local Saudi talent to compete on the world stage.
As part of the collaboration, Qiddiya will become the host of Faldo Series events in Saudi Arabia, playing a role as the youth golfing hub in the region, as the Faldo Series continues to inspire the next generation of champion golfers. The partnership will allow young Saudi golfing talent the opportunity to play alongside some of the world’s great in the game and learn from the finest of teachers, a transformative move in the development of Saudi Arabia’s golf landscape.
Qiddiya City is using the Faldo Series to inspire and help groom the next wave of Saudi golfers, to give them the resources and the opportunities to do well. It’s an ideal fit – Qiddiya City exists to provide a pumped-up, participatory culture where sports, arts and entertainment come together, and the Faldo Series is the perfect vehicle for developing and raising awareness of grass-roots golf across the country.
Sir Nick Faldo’s Signature Course: A Golfing Masterpiece in the Desert
The jewel in Qiddiya City’s golfing crown is the Nick Faldo-designed championship golf course, which will open in 2026. Faldo, one of the most decorated golfers in history, has carefully designed the course to offer an exceptional golfing experience, blending the beauty of nature with cutting-edge design elements. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains, this 18-hole course will challenge golfers with its strategic layout, while also being accessible to beginners and amateurs.
One of the course’s standout features is its ‘3-hole return layout system’, designed to allow players more flexibility and a quicker, more inclusive experience. This layout caters to the busy modern golfer, offering the option to play shorter, enjoyable rounds without compromising the quality of the game. It’s the perfect example of how Qiddiya City is redefining golf in a way that’s both innovative and accessible.
Additionally, the course will feature floodlighting, allowing golfers to extend their play well into the evening—a rare but exciting feature in the desert, where cooler temperatures make night golfing a delight. Designed to push the boundaries of traditional golf, Qiddiya City’s course will be at the forefront of modern golf design, offering a truly global golfing experience.
Beyond the Golf Course: A World-Class Golfing Hub
But the new golf course is just the beginning. Qiddiya City will also be home to an iconic clubhouse, academy, and practice facilities, all set to open by 2028. The facilities will feature state-of-the-art technology to enhance both play and learning experiences. Designed by Patterson’s, the clubhouse will serve as a social and wellness hub, offering a wide range of amenities, including fitness centers, wellness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, and a variety of restaurants and lounges.
What makes this development even more exciting is the creation of a Social Wellness Hub and a cutting-edge academy, both integrated seamlessly into the golf precinct. These spaces will provide holistic experiences that go beyond the game itself—encouraging a lifestyle of fitness, well-being, and community. Whether you’re looking to hone your golf skills or simply relax and rejuvenate, the Qiddiya Golf Academy will offer expert coaching, tailored training sessions, and fitness programs designed for golfers of all levels.
A New Era of Golf Tourism in Saudi Arabia
Qiddiya City is part of the Kingdom’s grand vision to diversify its economy and develop tourism as a key sector through Saudi Vision 2030. As part of this long-term strategy, the government has committed to transforming Saudi Arabia into a leading global sports hub, and golf is at the heart of this transformation. Qiddiya’s world-class golfing facilities are expected to attract golf tourism, with players from around the globe flocking to the Kingdom to enjoy its cutting-edge courses and breathtaking landscapes.
By creating a destination that seamlessly combines world-class golfing, luxury accommodations, and cultural attractions, Qiddiya City is positioning itself as the premier destination for golf lovers. From professional events to amateur play, it’s set to be a magnet for international visitors. With its modern infrastructure, luxurious amenities, and stunning desert surroundings, Qiddiya City is ready to offer a golfing experience like no other.
Qiddiya City: A Vision of the Future
More than just a golf destination, Qiddiya City is a 360-square-kilometer entertainment and lifestyle development that will redefine the concept of city living. Just 40 minutes from Riyadh, it will offer a variety of attractions, including the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, which will host events such as the 2034 World Cup, as well as the Speed Park Track for motorsports and the Mercedes AMG World of Performance.
The city’s development plans include over 20 districts that will feature luxury homes, retail spaces, offices, and entertainment hubs, all designed to cater to the needs of residents and visitors. The inclusion of a world-class golf course further underscores Qiddiya City’s ambition to be a vibrant center of activity and tourism in Saudi Arabia.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Golf in Saudi Arabia
Qiddiya City will be a hub of golf in Saudi Arabia and a major golf destination internationally. Combining unparalleled course design with the most advanced technologies, together with a commitment to investing in the next generation of golf professionals via the Faldo Series, Qiddiya City promises to deliver the ultimate golfing playground. As the Kingdom readies for its pivotal role as a sports tourism destination, however, Qiddiya City’s grand ambitions go far beyond a game; they are rooted in a community with golf woven into its lifestyle, offering new experiences to both domestic and foreign visitors.
Tags: Faldo Series, Golf Academy, golf destination, golf hub, Golf in Saudi Arabia, Middle East, Nick Faldo golf course, Qiddiya, Qiddiya City, Riyadh, saudi arabia, Saudi Arabia Golf, Saudi tourism, Saudi Vision 2030, Tuwaiq Mountains
