From l/r: Ahmed Alkoky -Partner Enlightened Minds Investments, Jake Shepard- Co -Founder Xrange, MJ Kreiser — Co-Founder, XRange, Amit Kaushal – Chairman, Akcel Holding, Sultan Al Hosani - Chairman, Chairman of International Business and Investment Union London, and Timur Kudratov- Co-Founder Enlightened Mind. Image: Akcel Holding
DUBAI, UAE – In a move set to transform the Middle East’s leisure and sports landscape, Dubai-based conglomerate AKCEL Holding has signed a strategic development agreement with XRange Golf Entertainment. The venture, valued at over AED 1 billion, will see the rollout of high-tech, "next-generation" golf venues across the United Arab Emirates.
The project marks a significant convergence of digital gaming, professional-grade sports technology, and luxury hospitality. Development is currently being explored in three key emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.
The partnership arrives as the UAE’s tourism and gaming sectors hit record highs. Current projections suggest the UAE gaming market will reach $857 million by 2032, while the broader tourism industry is expected to contribute AED 267.5 billion ($72.8 billion) to the national GDP this year alone.
To fuel this expansion, the partners are utilizing the AKCEL Growth Fund, an institutional investment platform based in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). AKCEL Realty has been appointed to spearhead the physical development of the sites.
Leadership from the involved firms highlighted the shift toward "experiential infrastructure" as the primary driver for the deal.
"By combining sport, technology and hospitality, we see a significant opportunity to create scalable entertainment platforms that appeal to both residents and international visitors," said Amit Kaushal, Chairman of AKCEL Holding.
Timur Kudratov, Founder of Enlightened Minds Investments, emphasized the financial logic behind the fund’s involvement, noting that XRange represents more than just a leisure spot:
"XRange is not just a venue concept; it is a modern experiential infrastructure play with clear regional and international potential."
Highlighting why the UAE was chosen as the launchpad for this tech-heavy venture, MJ Kreiser, Co-Founder of XRange, stated:
"The UAE offers the right combination of ambition, market energy and global visibility to launch a platform built around sport, technology and social experience."
While the initial AED 1 billion investment is focused on the UAE, the partnership has confirmed that this is only the first phase of a broader roadmap. Plans are already in motion to export the XRange brand to India and other high-growth tourism hubs.
This expansion targets the burgeoning "off-course" golf industry—a sector now estimated to be worth over $80 billion globally.
