The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) and Golf Saudi aim to jointly develop a new Greg Norman 27-hole championship golf course in Diriyah, Jewel of the Kingdom.
Last year, Diriyah Gate Development Authority had signed a landmark deal with the Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD) Company, the world’s premier signature golf course design firm, at the Open Hearts, Open Doors event in Saudi Arabia that introduced the splendours of Diriyah to the world.
The 27-hole Golf Course is being designed as part of an exclusive new residential district (developed by DGDA) which will be known as Wadi Safar in a valley 30 minutes north-west of the centre of Riyadh, in Diriyah, it stated.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Yasir Al Rumayyan, Chairman of Golf Saudi and Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of DGDA, at the Golf Saudi Summit; an innovative, global golf business event, held in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
Created by the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi, the event brought together leaders of the industry and key stakeholders.
As per the deal, Golf Saudi will work alongside DGDA for the development of the signature Greg Norman championship golf course, providing technical and management services as an expert in the field.
The two entities will form a joint working team, comprising specialists from both sides to activate areas of collaboration as envisioned in the memorandum.
Diriyah Gate Development Authority CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: "Diriyah is set to become a global cultural icon and one of the world’s greatest gathering places. A mixed-use traditional urban community which celebrates the rich cultural history of Saudi Arabia."
"Diriyah, Riyadh’s new global cultural and lifestyle destination, will be home to leading luxury and lifestyle retail brands as well as over 100 cafes and restaurants and world-class events," stated Inzerillo.
"With Saudi Arabia swiftly establishing itself as one of the world’s most dynamic golf markets, we are incredibly excited about our partnership which fits into our mission to make Diriyah a global icon and a must-visit destination," he noted.
Golf Saudi Chairman Yasir Al Rumayyan said: "This partnership demonstrates the ambition of the kingdom to become a global destination of interest attracting international visitors and we are delighted to be part of it through our partnership with Diriyah Gate Development Authority to bring this sport to life."
The kingdom’s impressive Vision 2030 recognises the importance of encouraging physical and social well-being and a healthy lifestyle in reinforcing the nation’s ambition of creating a vibrant society with fulfilling lives, he added.-TradeArabia News Service