Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia, the world’s first city purpose-built for play, has announced a landmark global partnership with the Faldo Series, the premier international junior golf development programme. This milestone agreement is part of Qiddiya’s broader commitment to growing the game of golf in the Kingdom and aligns directly with the nation’s Vision 2030 goals of youth empowerment, sports development, and tourism growth.
As part of the partnership, Qiddiya City will serve as a host venue for the Faldo Series in Saudi Arabia, establishing itself as a regional hub for youth golf and offering a powerful platform to nurture the next generation of Saudi talent.
Adding to the momentum, Qiddiya also unveiled a new 18-hole championship golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo, scheduled to open in 2026, along with a state-of-the-art clubhouse, academy, and practice facilities set to debut by 2028. The development promises to position Qiddiya as a must-visit destination for golfers of all levels.
“This partnership with Sir Nick Faldo and the Faldo Series reaffirms our ambition to be at the forefront of golf in the region,” said Mr. Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company. “We are committed to building world-class facilities that not only attract elite talent but also make the game more accessible to youth and newcomers alike.”
Sir Nick Faldo, a six-time Major Champion and one of the game’s most respected course designers, shared his enthusiasm for the project:
“This is a rare and exciting opportunity to help shape a city where sport, culture and lifestyle converge in new and imaginative ways. Qiddiya’s vision perfectly aligns with the Faldo Series mission to develop young talent. I’m proud to contribute to such a dynamic and forward-thinking project.”
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains, the new Faldo Signature course will incorporate unique design features, including a flexible “3-hole return” routing system for shorter rounds—alongside floodlighting for night play, making it one of the most inclusive and technologically advanced golf courses in the region.
The development also includes an iconic green-roofed clubhouse designed by Patterson’s, which will anchor the golf complex and serve as a vibrant social and wellness hub. Alongside the golf academy, the venue will offer comprehensive training programs, wellness amenities, pools, social spaces, and multiple dining options. It’s expected to welcome over 200,000 visitors annually.
The clubhouse will seamlessly integrate three core zones:
The Golf Clubhouse, the operational heart of the complex
The Social Wellness Hub, offering fitness, leisure, and community engagement
The Golf Academy, a cutting-edge learning facility for players at all levels
Situated just 40 minutes from Riyadh, Qiddiya City spans 360 square kilometers and will ultimately include more than 20 districts dedicated to entertainment, sport, culture, housing, retail, and hospitality. Already home to landmark projects like the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, Speed Park Track, Mercedes AMG World, and the Performing Arts Center, Qiddiya is fast becoming the centerpiece of Saudi Arabia’s cultural and sporting future.
This latest golf initiative reinforces Qiddiya’s standing as a key player in the global golf ecosystem and a catalyst for change across the region.
