ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — November 4, 2026 — Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has officially retained its designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary following a recertification audit by Audubon International.
The Aldar-owned facility remains the only golf course in the United Arab Emirates to hold this environmental certification.
Located along the coastline of Saadiyat Island, the championship venue operates alongside local wildlife, including free-roaming gazelles and multiple bird species.
Audubon International evaluates facilities across six core standards:
The facility completed a transition in 2020 to use 100% treated effluent water for course irrigation, lowering its reliance on fresh water while maintaining playing conditions in Abu Dhabi's climate.
The property participates in Winged Horizons, a conservation initiative led by Miral in partnership with the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund and Aldar Education. Through the project, local students installed nest boxes for kestrels and barn owls across three Aldar properties: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club.
The recertification aligns with wider initiatives managed by Aldar, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and Emirates Nature–WWF to support marine and coastal protection in the Saadiyat Marine National Park.
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Corey Finn, Golf Course Superintendent at Viya, commented on the operational requirements of the facility:
"Retaining this certification is a significant achievement for the entire team and reflects the work that goes into managing the course responsibly every day. Operating a golf course in this environment comes with unique challenges, particularly when it comes to water management and protecting the surrounding wildlife. Our aim has always been to deliver exceptional playing conditions while ensuring we are doing everything possible to safeguard the natural environment around us." |
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Karl Whitehead, General Manager at Viya, noted the regional impact of the recertification:
"This recognition is a source of great pride for everyone involved with Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Viya. As the only golf course in the UAE to hold this certification, Saadiyat has an important role to play in demonstrating how environmental responsibility can be integrated into the management of a world-class golf facility. Retaining this status reflects the team's dedication and our continued commitment to more sustainable golf operations." |
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Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Owned by Aldar and managed by Viya, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is a beachfront course located along the Arabian Gulf. It is the first course in the UAE to earn Audubon certification. |
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Viya
Viya is a UAE-based golf and hospitality management group operating championship courses, dining options, leisure venues, and digital platforms. Originating with the opening of Emirates Golf Club in 1988, Viya's portfolio includes Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Topgolf Dubai, Tiger Strikes, Viya Fit, and Viya Padel. Viya operates as part of wasl Hospitality & Leisure. |
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Aldar
Aldar is a real estate developer, investor, and manager based in Abu Dhabi, operating across the UAE, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
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Audubon International
Audubon International is a non-profit organization that provides environmental education and sustainability certifications. Its Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses assesses facilities across six operational areas, requiring recertification every three years. |
