Latest news with #QiddiyaCity


Zawya
23-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi: Qiddiya City to become new global golfing hub
Qiddiya City, the world's first city built for play in Saudi Arabia, has announced two key developments that aim to make the city an international golfing hub. Qiddiya City said it has become a global partner of the Faldo Series, the world's leading pathway for young golfers, to help support grass roots golf in the kingdom and internationally, said a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report. Qiddiya City will be a host venue for the kingdom's Faldo Series events, establishing Qiddiya City as the regional hub for youth golf. Qiddiya City also unveiled on Monday a new, Sir Nick Faldo signature designed 18-hole championship golf course set to open to the public in 2026 along with a state-of-the-art clubhouse, academy and practice facilities open from 2028. Placing a major emphasis on accessibility and innovation, the course features a number of unique design features, including a '3 hole return' layout system to allow greater access for all players. The announcement is also part of Qiddiya City's long-term ambition to become the premier destination in the kingdom for golf, attracting players of all ages and skills from young players to professionals and supporting the next generation of Saudi golf. Qiddiya Investment Company Managing Director Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood said: 'Qiddiya City's partnership with Sir Nick Faldo in designing a new golf course and becoming 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, commenting on the partnership, added: '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 new flagship golf course is set within a dramatic landscape, nestled against the towering 200-metre cliffs of the Tuwaiq Mountains. Designed to maximise playability, the course features floodlighting for extended hours and is thoughtfully crafted to challenge professionals while remaining accessible to amateur players. It will also offer tailored learning pathways for newcomers and those looking to elevate their game, combining traditional golf elements with innovative golf entertainment experiences. The course will be complemented by an iconic clubhouse and state-of-the-art driving range and academy designed by Patterson's which sits perfectly in the desert environment. It has both sustainability and world-class golfing features embedded within the design. The clubhouse will offer a comprehensive range of facilities to support the golf course while also serving as a vibrant community social and wellness hub. It will feature leisure amenities such as fitness and conditioning, wellness facilities, social meeting places, indoor and outdoor pools, and a variety of food and beverage options. The venue is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors annually. A green-roofed structure, open to the public for viewing and events, will connect three main zones: the Golf Clubhouse, serving as the central hub for operations and player interaction; the Social Wellness Hub, offering a wide array of sports and leisure amenities; and the Academy, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to golf instruction and practice. Qiddiya City is one of the world's largest city developments at 360 sq km and located just 40 minutes from Riyadh. With over 20 districts planned, the new city will be well-connected and anchored around entertainment, sports and culture with world-class facilities and events alongside new homes, offices, retail and hospitality. The new golfing attractions add to an impressive list of entertainment, sports and cultural facilities at Qiddiya City such as the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium which will host major sports and cultural events including the 2034 World Cup; the Speed Park Track for motor sports; the Mercedes AMG World of Performance which is an immersive and interactive experience including a public race track and the Performing Arts Center.


Gulf Insider
22-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
New Golf Course to Boost Saudi Arabia's Sports
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. Also read: Saudi Municipalities Crack Down on Unlicensed Housing Subdivisions


Gulf Business
21-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Saudi's Qiddiya City unveils Faldo-designed golf course and joins global Faldo Series
Image: Saudi Press Agency/Qiddiya City golf course rendering As part of the agreement, Qiddiya City will serve as a host venue for Qiddiya City also unveiled plans for a new Sir Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole championship golf course, which is set to open to the public in 2026. A state-of-the-art clubhouse, academy and practice facilities will follow in 2028. Designed to promote accessibility and inclusivity, the course will feature a unique 'three-hole return' layout, enabling flexible play and encouraging broader participation. Read: Qiddiya Investment Company managing director Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood said: 'Qiddiya City's partnership with Sir Nick Faldo in designing a new golf course and becoming 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 added: '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 course The new course will be located against the dramatic backdrop of the 200-metre-high Tuwaiq cliffs, offering floodlit play, advanced learning pathways, and interactive golf entertainment experiences. It has been designed to challenge elite players while remaining accessible to amateurs and beginners. The project will also feature an iconic clubhouse and driving range designed by architecture firm Patterson's. Sustainability is a core aspect of the design, alongside world-class golfing features. The clubhouse will double as a vibrant social and wellness hub, housing amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, fitness and conditioning zones, wellness facilities, social spaces, and a diverse mix of food and beverage outlets. The entire complex is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors annually. A green-roofed public structure will link three zones: the Golf Clubhouse, the Social Wellness Hub, and the Academy. This interconnected layout supports Qiddiya's goal of blending recreation, health and community. The golf precinct is situated in a dynamic district within Qiddiya City, one of the world's largest city developments spanning 360 sq km and located just 40 minutes from Riyadh. With more than 20 districts planned, Qiddiya City will integrate entertainment, sports, and cultural landmarks with residential, commercial and hospitality offerings. Other major attractions in Qiddiya include the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, which will host global sporting and cultural events such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup; the Speed Park Track for motorsports; Mercedes AMG World of Performance with its public racetrack; and a landmark Performing Arts Center.


Leaders
19-06-2025
- Science
- Leaders
AlUla Deploys Advanced SHIMM System to Advance Astronomy, Boost Tourism
The Royal Commission for AlUla has launched the state of the art SHIMM astronomical monitoring system at the AlUla Manara site near the Gharameel Nature Reserve. This initiative is designed to evaluate the site's suitability for hosting cutting-edge astronomical research and activities, while reinforcing AlUla's status as a leading destination for both scientific exploration and astro-tourism. The SHIMM system implemented in AlUla ranks among the most advanced globally. Engineered to endure extreme environmental conditions—ranging from intense sandstorms to dramatic temperature shifts—it is equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities that enable continuous, automated monitoring. Moreover, the system ensures high-precision data collection by detecting and alerting to any variables that could affect the quality of astronomical observations. Over a 12-month period, SHIMM will gather and analyze atmospheric and weather-related data to assess visibility and image clarity. Finally, this project aligns with the commission's broader vision to support the future development of AlUla's astronomical infrastructure and solidify its role in global space science and tourism. Related Topics: AlUla Manara Unveils Stellar Experience at AlUla Skies Festival 2025 Eid Al-Fitr 2025: Enjoy Unmissable Experiences in AlUla AlUla Skies Festival 2025: Spectacular Celebration of Celestial Heritage, Discovery Play Qiddiya City Joins the World Travel, Tourism Council Short link : Post Views: 29 Related Stories


Asharq Al-Awsat
22-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Culture Ministry, Qiddiya Investment Company Sign MoU to Promote Saudi Culture in Qiddiya City
The Saudi Ministry of Culture signed on Thursday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Qiddiya Investment Company to collaborate on a number of cultural projects within Qiddiya City and to develop an enriching cultural experience for tourists and visitors that reflects the depth of Saudi heritage. The MoU was signed by Vice Minister of Culture Hamed Fayez and Qiddiya Investment Company Managing Director Abdullah Aldawood in Riyadh. The agreement outlines cooperation in several areas, most notably coordination on cultural assets and projects planned for Qiddiya City through early alignment and planning, as well as coordination across all stages of development and implementation. This includes joint efforts to develop cultural infrastructure across various locations in the city, such as heritage and cultural sites, museums, and culinary exhibitions. The MoU reflects the shared commitment of the Ministry of Culture and Qiddiya Investment Company to highlighting the cultural dimension, reinforcing national identity, and delivering a rich cultural experience aligned with the Kingdom's aspirations and future vision.