Saudi Arabia’s newest championship venue, The National Golf Club Qiddiya, opens on 30 October 2026. Designed by six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo, the 18-hole course sits beneath the 200-metre Tuwaiq cliffs, 45km from Riyadh. It is open to the public, and no membership is required.
Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) confirmed the club’s name on 29 October. It also appointed Golf Saudi as operator under a five-year management agreement. Golf Saudi will run golf operations, events, course management and player development. In addition, it will link the club to its national network of facilities, programmes and competitive pathways.
Three six-hole loops built for every level
The layout is built around three six-hole loops. As a result, golfers can choose a short round or a full 18. Beginners get a gentler introduction to the game, while stronger players still face a championship-level test.
Practice and coaching facilities, beginner programmes and a planned academy support the same goal. QIC says the club is part of Saudi Arabia’s drive to raise sports participation under Vision 2030.
“Qiddiya City has a landscape with real character, and our aim has been to build a course that is challenging, enjoyable and welcoming for players at different levels,” said Faldo, who heads Faldo Design.
QIC managing director Abdullah Aldawood added: “It’s a championship course with international credibility and designed to open golf to everyone.”
Clubhouse, driving range and academy at The National Golf Club Qiddiya
From opening day, players will use a dedicated clubhouse. A new signature clubhouse, a driving range and an academy, all designed by Patterson’s, are due to open in 2028.
Night golf is also planned. Energy-efficient LED floodlighting will be added in future to allow extended-hours play.
Sustainability credentials
The course has achieved GEO Certified Development status from the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf. Key measures include:
- recycled-water irrigation and smart water management
- green roofs and water refill points
- electric golf carts
- a predominantly electric maintenance fleet
Developing Saudi talent through the Faldo Series
The club has partnered with the Faldo Series, which gives emerging Saudi players a recognised pathway into competitive golf. It will also host regular junior events.
Golf Saudi CEO Noah Alireza said the venue fits a wider plan to build an integrated golf ecosystem across the Kingdom. “Through projects like this, we are helping broaden participation, attract visitors and investment, and support the long-term growth of golf,” he said.
Meanwhile, Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said the club would help identify and develop Saudi talent. He added that it would strengthen the Kingdom’s readiness to host major international tournaments.
Part of Qiddiya City’s sports and entertainment hub
Qiddiya City is being developed as an entertainment, sport and culture destination, with homes, offices, hotels and retail. The golf club sits next to the National Tennis Centre, which is under construction.
It joins attractions already open, including Six Flags Qiddiya City, Aquarabia and PlayMaker Studios. Future venues include the Speed Park Track, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium and a horse racing venue.
For bookings, coaching and opening hours, visit thenationalgolfclub.sa.
