SAGIA embraces golf as Saudi Arabia targets growth

The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) has announced its partnership with the inaugural PGA European Tour golf championship to be played in the Kingdom: The Saudi International powered by SBIA.

The event, which will see four of the world’s top five golfers compete within King Abdullah Economic City at the award-winning Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, will be broadcast to over 450 million homes, showcasing the beauty of the region along the Red Sea coastline and putting Saudi on the map for companies already invested in the sport.

The week also sees a calendar of wider commercial and entertainment activities hosted by SAGIA through Invest Saudi, the Kingdom’s inward investment brand, with Saudi Arabia aiming to become the leading and most competitive sports economy in the region, targeting 140,000 new jobs in the sector by 2030, with an annual contribution to GDP of SR25 billion.

“The sport and entertainment sectors present excellent potential for investors,” said Governor Ibrahim Al-Omar, SAGIA. “Saudi Arabia has a large, young and affluent population with a growing interest in sports, and government support and a wide range of regulatory reforms are opening more and more opportunities across the sector.”

Additionally, SAGIA has unveiled a new partnership between Invest Saudi and the top-ranked Saudi golfer, Othman Almulla, who will be the first professional to represent the Kingdom when he tees it up in the event.

This new partnership aims to showcase the talent within Saudi Arabia’s young population and further highlight how its economic and social transformation is opening opportunities for international business, especially within sport and entertainment.

“Our partnership with Othman is based on our belief in nurturing Saudi talent and our recognition of the power of the game of golf, which has long gone hand-in-hand with the development of business opportunities,” commented Khaled Tash, deputy governor of marketing and communications, SAGIA.

“Othman has been a standout player in the region and is an inspiration to many up-and-coming national players, as well as to many young Saudis with ambitions to become global leaders, whether in sport or in business. We will stand as proud partners alongside Othman as he represents his country.”

Almulla, competing alongside golfing legend, Ernie Els, for his first professional round, said: “I am blessed with the support I have had in my career and today’s announcement is further evidence golf is being embraced in Saudi Arabia.

“The opportunity to participate in our first European Tour event alongside the world’s best is something that I am humbled and honored by. I am thankful for the support of SAGIA and look forward to working with them to help promote the Invest Saudi brand and expand international understanding of the opportunities in Saudi Arabia for sportspeople and businesses, alike.”

The Saudi International presented by SBIA is ongoing till Feb. 3 within King Abdullah Economic City. Outside of the on-course action, the event will cater for all the family, with a host of activities within the Championship Village and entertainment for all tastes and age groups.

Selected guests of SAGIA will also be treated to an exclusive hospitality program that is expected to set a new standard in quality and experience in golf, with gourmet cuisine, private meeting areas and bespoke viewing platforms to enjoy a unique perspective of the action.