Golf Saudi has signed a five-year agreement to operate the newly opened National Golf Club Qiddiya. The 18-hole course near Riyadh was designed by Sir Nick Faldo. It is open to everyone, from beginners to tour professionals, and no membership is required.
Qiddiya Investment Company signed the deal with Golf Saudi on 5 November 2026. It came less than a week after the club officially opened on 30 October.
Who runs what at Qiddiya
Under the agreement, Golf Saudi will handle course management and day-to-day golf operations. It will also look after the player and visitor experience. In addition, it will host tournaments and events, working with Qiddiya Investment Company.
Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, signed for the developer. Noah Alireza, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Saudi, signed for the operator.
Aldawood said the club brings Qiddiya City’s “Powered by Play” idea to life. “Our partnership with Golf Saudi combines world-class sporting expertise with opportunities for players of all abilities,” he said. He added that the project supports the Kingdom’s goals to raise sports participation under Vision 2030.
Alireza called the deal “another strategic milestone” for Golf Saudi as a facility operator. “We are building an integrated network of destinations that deliver world-class experiences,” he said. He also pointed to the chance to bring tournaments and events to the venue.
A Faldo course built for every golfer
Six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo designed the course against the backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains. Unusually, the layout is built as three six-hole loops. As a result, golfers can play a quick six, a twelve, or a full 18 holes.
The focus on access goes beyond the layout. For example, the club offers practice and coaching facilities as well as programmes for beginners. An academy is also planned for the future.
The club’s motto, “Play like no one is watching,” sums up the approach. Newcomers can learn the game, while others can simply enjoy the social side of the clubhouse.
Part of a city built around play
The National Golf Club Qiddiya sits 45km from Riyadh inside Qiddiya City. The developer calls it the world’s first city built for play. Homes, offices, hotels and retail are planned around the course, and the future National Tennis Centre will be next door.
Meanwhile, the golf club joins several venues that are already open. These include Six Flags Qiddiya City, Aquarabia and PlayMaker Studios. Future additions include the Speed Park Track, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, a horse racing venue and the Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre.
For golfers, the opening adds another destination to Saudi Arabia’s growing golf map. With Golf Saudi in charge, the club now has an experienced operator. It is also well placed to host events in the years ahead.
Tee times and further information are available at thenationalgolfclub.sa.
