Diriyah Company has partnered with Golf Saudi to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and Royal Golf Club in Historic Diriyah.
Designed by Greg Norman, the recently completed Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course spans 630,000 square meters and features an 18 hole championship golf course.
This partnership supports Vision 2030 and aims to enhance Diriyah’s appeal as a global cultural destination.
Diriyah Company and Golf Saudi Partnership
The collaboration between Diriyah Company and Golf Saudi represents a strategic alliance that brings together expertise in development and golf management. This partnership is set to redefine the golfing landscape in Saudi Arabia and position the country as a premier golf destination.
Under this partnership, Diriyah Company, known for its expertise in large-scale development projects, will oversee the overall integration of the golf facilities into the broader Diriyah development. This includes ensuring that the golf courses align with the area’s cultural and historical significance.
With its specialized knowledge in golf course management and promotion, Golf Saudi will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club.
Both of these establishments are set to become integral components of the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh, showcasing the perfect blend of world-class sporting experiences and rich cultural heritage.
Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course
The completed Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course stands as a crown jewel in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning golf scene. This meticulously crafted facility spans an impressive 630,000 square meters, offering a comprehensive golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
Championship Course
At the heart of the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course lies an 18-hole championship course designed to challenge even the most seasoned golfers.
Each hole has been carefully crafted to provide a unique playing experience, with strategically placed hazards, undulating greens, and multiple tee positions to accommodate players of varying abilities.
The championship course features a diverse range of holes, from long par 5s that reward strategic play to short par 3s that demand precision. The layout takes full advantage of the natural terrain, with elevation changes that add to the challenge and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Academy Course
Recognizing the importance of nurturing new talent and providing learning opportunities for golf enthusiasts, the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course includes a 9-hole academy course.
This shorter course is designed to be less intimidating for beginners while still offering enough challenges to help improve their skills.
The academy course features wider fairways, larger greens, and fewer hazards compared to the championship course. It serves as an ideal training ground for novice golfers to hone their skills before taking on the more challenging 18-hole course.
State-of-the-Art Practice Facilities
The Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course boasts extensive practice facilities to complement the playing courses. These include:
- A spacious driving range with multiple hitting bays allows golfers to work on their long-game
- Short game practice areas featuring putting greens, chipping areas, and bunkers for honing precision shots
- Advanced swing analysis technology to help golfers improve their technique
- Professional instruction from PGA-certified coaches
These practice facilities cater to golfers of all levels, from beginners looking to learn the basics to professionals fine-tuning their skills.
The Royal Golf Club
While the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course caters to a broad spectrum of golfers, the Royal Golf Club is designed to offer an exclusive, high-end golfing experience. This facility embodies the luxury and prestige associated with royal patronage, setting a new standard for regional golf clubs.
Exclusive Membership
The Royal Golf Club operates on a membership model, offering a limited number of exclusive memberships to ensure a premium experience for its patrons. Members enjoy a range of privileges, including:
- Priority tee times on the golf course
- Access to members-only events and tournaments
- Exclusive use of certain club facilities
- Reciprocal arrangements with other prestigious golf clubs worldwide
This exclusivity not only enhances the prestige of the club but also ensures that members can enjoy the facilities without overcrowding.
Course Design and Features
The golf course at the Royal Golf Club is designed to be both challenging and visually stunning. Some key features include:
- A championship-level 18-hole course with multiple tee positions to accommodate different skill levels
- Strategically placed bunkers and water hazards that add to the challenge and aesthetic appeal
- Meticulously maintained fairways and greens using the latest in turf management technology
- Scenic views of the surrounding landscape, including glimpses of the historic Diriyah area
The course layout is designed to provide a different playing experience each time, ensuring that members never tire of the challenges it presents.
Promoting Cultural Tourism
The proximity of these golf facilities to important historical sites creates opportunities for promoting cultural tourism. Visitors coming primarily for golf can be encouraged to explore the nearby historical and cultural attractions, potentially extending their stay and increasing their overall spending.
Wadi Safar Community
Wadi Safar holds a unique place in history. It was once an ancient trade and pilgrimage route, serving as a strategic meeting point for travelers from Asia, Africa, and Europe. These travelers would gather around night fires, sharing food and stories and creating a rich tapestry of diverse cultural exchanges.
Known as the ‘Bel Air’ of Saudi Arabia, The Wadi Safar community is due to feature homes priced at a minimum of $25 million, targeting ultra-high net worth buyers, and they already have a long waiting list.
With an estimated population of 15 million by 2030, Riyadh is gearing up to become one of the world’s top ten cities. As part of this vision, Diriyah is being developed as a pedestrian-friendly city akin to Beverly Hills.
However, Wadi Safar, the location of the ultra-luxury homes, is likened to Bel Air, which is famous for its luxury.
Mr Inzerillo, Diriyah’s Company CEO, told reporters at a media event in Diriyah:
“Diriyah is the Beverly Hills. But Wadi Safar is Bel Air – very, very high-net-worth.”
The Diriyah Project
The expansive Diriyah project, worth 63.2 billion dollars, is expected to span 14 square kilometers. Once completed in 2030, it will house 42 hotels, over 100 restaurants, nine museums, and 30,000 homes. The project aims to create over 178,000 jobs and attract over 50 million visits annually.
In alignment with this project, Diriyah Company has joined the United Nations World Tourism Organization as an Affiliate Member to help boost global tourism collaboration and advance Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.
Diriyah is envisioned as the Silicon Valley of Saudi Arabia, hosting 500 technology companies, 100 media firms, and 50 entertainment companies. This influx of businesses will likely create demand for a range of residential options, from studio apartments to two-bedroom houses.
Reshaping Global Golfing Landscape
As these golf courses take shape and begin operations, they are set to redefine the golfing landscape in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East region.
By offering unique experiences that blend sport with culture and heritage, they have the potential to attract both domestic and international visitors and potentially transform Saudi Arabia into a leading golf destination on the global stage.
More Exciting Projects in Diriyah
Diriyah’s 2 Multibillion Dollar Districts
Saudi Arabia has announced the unveiling of two major districts as part of the $63 billion Diriyah Gigaproject. The first is the Qurain Cultural District, and the second is the Northern District.
The Qurain District will host two luxury hotels, while the Northern District, already under development, will feature the King Salman Foundation, a university, museums, a library, and a public plaza.
These new districts are set to enhance Riyadh‘s cultural and tourism attractions, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Raffles Residences Diriyah
Diriyah Company has introduced the remarkable Raffles Residences Diriyah during the Cityscape Global 2024 event in Riyadh.
This unique development will feature 90 luxury apartments and townhouses inspired by Najdi architecture, offering breathtaking views of Wadi Hanifah and access to top-tier facilities at the Raffles Diriyah Hotel.
The Raffles Residences initiative aligns with Diriyah’s vision to become a leading luxury destination, welcoming over 100,000 future residents and 50 million visitors annually.
Diriyah 8 New Hotels’ Construction
Diriyah Company will launch construction on 8 New Luxury Hotels this November as part of its $63 billion mega-project.
The lineup features The Ritz-Carlton, The Baccarat Hotel, The Armani Hotel, The Address Hotel, The Rosewood Hotel, and Raffles.
These hotels are scheduled to be fully open to guests by 2027, while the new Bab Samhan Marriott Luxury Hotel is set to welcome visitors this November.
Designs of Wadi Safar Equestrian and Polo Club
Diriyah Company has introduced the Najdi-inspired architectural plans for Wadi Safar Equestrian and Polo Club, situated close to Riyadh.
Wadi Safar is a high-end, master-planned community featuring hotels and residences located in the historic Diriyah area of Riyadh.
Recently, Diriyah Company awarded a $2.1 billion contract to construct the Equestrian and Polo Club and four luxury hotels, including the renowned Six Senses brand.
Diriyah’s $2.13 Billion Contract
Diriyah Company has granted its biggest ever $2.13 billion contract to date, valued to Albawani and Urbacon Company for the development of Wadi Safar in Riyadh.
The contract will consist of four high-end hotels, including Aman, Six Senses, Chedi, and Faena, along with the Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club, retail spaces, mosques, and clinics.
This aligns with Diriyah’s goal to accommodate 000 individuals and tourists and to evolve into a top cultural and leisurely tourism hotspot.
Diriyah Zallal
Diriyah company has announced the details of its upcoming premier commercial and retail center, Zallal, which is set to open in 2025.
Located next to the renowned Bujairi Terrace and At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage site, Zallal will have direct access to Wadi Hanifah.
The development will consist of two low-rise office buildings and 12 retail and dining places and has already sparked interest from national and international brands.
Zallal is expected to bring vibrancy to Diriyah’s ever-changing landscape, providing a prime location near the new luxurious Bab Samhan Hotel.
Diriyah Square
Located near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Diriyah Square is a future retail and innovative cultural hub that is part of the larger Diriyah Gate project.
Encompassing 186 square kilometers, Diriyah Square seamlessly combines contemporary amenities with traditional Najdi architecture that is 300 years old.
The destination will feature more than 400 stores, 100+ dining options, nine cultural theaters, six high-end hotels and resorts, 34 branded residential units, three integrated residential communities, five office complexes, underground parking, and a Kindergarten.
Diriyah Arena
Diriyah Company has announced plans for a 20,000 Seater Arena in Diriyah as part of Diriyah’s $63 billion Gigaproject master plan located on the outskirts of Riyadh.
London’s HKS architects have introduced groundbreaking designs, unveiling a 76,000 square-meter Diriyah arena embraced by an urban park.
Drawing inspiration from the intricate motifs of Najdi forts and palaces, the Arena’s design harmonizes Saudi heritage with a touch of modern sophistication.
Upon its completion, the arena aspires to establish itself as a frontrunner in the Middle East, welcoming prominent sports and cultural events.
The Ritz-Carlton Branded Residences
Diriyah Company and Ritz-Carlton have also announced the launch of the first Ritz-Carlton Luxury Branded Residences in the Kingdom to nurture a harmonious community experience and promote social interaction through cultural venues, plazas, and leisure facilities.
The Villas will have 3 distinct luxury interior designs ranging from Najdi to contemporary. On completion, the Diriyah Project will feature 20,000 residential units, luxury hotels, and restaurants.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences offers six residential villa layouts with three to five bedrooms. Each villa includes a courtyard, an ideal space for residents to relax and unwind. Furthermore, residents can choose three interior designs, from traditional Najdi to contemporary.
Keep Reading: Saudi Arabia Announces 2 Multibillion Dollar Districts in Diriyah
