Riyadh: Qiddiya City, recognized as the world's first city constructed with a focus on play in Saudi Arabia, has declared its new role as a global partner of the Faldo Series, a leading platform for budding golfers worldwide. This collaboration aims to bolster grassroots golf development within the Kingdom and on an international scale.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Qiddiya City will serve as a host venue for the Kingdom's Faldo Series events, establishing itself as a central hub for youth golf in the region. As part of this initiative, Qiddiya City has also revealed the design of a new 18-hole championship golf course, crafted by Sir Nick Faldo, which is scheduled to open to the public in 2026. Accompanying this course will be a state-of-the-art clubhouse, academy, and practice facilities, accessible from 2028. The course is designed to emphasize accessibility and innovation, featuring a '3 hole return' layout system to facilitate greater participation from golfers of all levels.
This development is part of Qiddiya City's broader aim to become the premier golfing destination within the Kingdom, drawing in players of varied ages and skills, from young golf enthusiasts to seasoned professionals, while nurturing the next generation of Saudi golfers. Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, "Qiddiya City's collaboration with Sir Nick Faldo in designing a new golf course and becoming a global partner of the Faldo Series underscores our commitment to growing the game of golf and nurturing the next generation of Saudi golfers."
Sir Nick Faldo also expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, remarking, "This is a unique opportunity to become involved in one of the most exciting cities being developed today where a new way of city life is fused together with sport, entertainment, and culture. Our partnership with Qiddiya City brings together the golf community with a whole nation bubbling with energy to be active and try new sports."
The flagship golf course, designed to maximize playability, will be set against the breathtaking 200-metre cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains. It will include floodlighting for extended play hours and will be constructed to challenge professional golfers while remaining accessible to amateurs. The course will offer tailored learning pathways for newcomers and those seeking to elevate their game, combining traditional golf elements with innovative entertainment experiences.
The course will be complemented by an iconic clubhouse, and a state-of-the-art driving range and academy designed by Patterson's, seamlessly integrated into the desert landscape with sustainability and world-class golfing features at its core.
The clubhouse will provide a comprehensive range of facilities, supporting the golf course while also functioning as a vibrant community social and wellness hub. It will offer amenities such as fitness and conditioning, wellness facilities, social meeting spaces, indoor and outdoor pools, and a variety of food and beverage options, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually.
A unique green-roofed structure will connect three main zones: the central Golf Clubhouse, the Social Wellness Hub offering extensive sports and leisure amenities, and the Academy dedicated to golf instruction and practice.
Located within the expansive 360 sq km development of Qiddiya City, just 40 minutes from Riyadh, the new golf facilities will be part of one of the world's largest city projects. The city is planned to include over 20 districts, anchored around entertainment, sports, and culture, with state-of-the-art facilities and events alongside new homes, offices, retail, and hospitality offerings.
These new golfing facilities will complement a broad array of entertainment, sports, and cultural attractions in Qiddiya City, including the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, set to host major sports and cultural events like the 2034 World Cup, and the Speed Park Track for motorsports, among others.