Diriyah Gate

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) and the Aramco Team Series (ATS) have signed a year-long agreement that makes DGDA the Official Cultural Destination Partner of the ATS. The deal cements DGDA’s long-term commitment to the sport of golf.    

With the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia swiftly establishing itself as one of the world’s most dynamic golf markets in the world, this partnership will provide a sporting legacy for Saudi citizens with the intent of hosting the Aramco Team Series in Diriyah in the future. By hosting a tournament on-site, DGDA will underscore its reputation as a global cultural icon and one of the world’s greatest gathering places, by showcasing its unique historical and cultural values to a new worldwide audience. 

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) said: “Diriyah is already well on its way to becoming a global cultural icon, and following this agreement with the Aramco Team Series we look forward to becoming one of the world’s greatest gathering places for golf. Built in a Najdi architectural style, our community celebrates the rich cultural history of Saudi Arabia. Diriyah, Riyadh’s new global cultural and lifestyle destination, has already established itself as a home of world-class sporting events and this agreement will continue that tradition. With Saudi Arabia swiftly establishing itself as one of the world’s most dynamic golf markets, we are incredibly excited about our partnership with the Aramco Team Series, which not only gives prominence to women’s golf but also fits into our mission to make Diriyah a global icon and a must-visit destination.”

DGDA previously worked with Golf Saudi (the owner of the Aramco Team Series) in 2019 when both parties signed a landmark deal with the Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD) Company. A 27-hole Golf Course is due to be built, as part of the exclusive new Wadi Safar residential district in Diriyah, developed by DGDA. As part of the agreement, Golf Saudi has been providing DGDA with technical and management services as an expert in the field with the two entities having formed a joint working team, comprised of specialists from both sides to activate areas of collaboration as envisioned in the original agreement.

Commenting on the partnership Majed Al Sorour, CEO of Golf Saudi and Deputy Chairman of the Saudi Golf Federation said: “I am delighted to once again be working with Jerry and his team at DGDA. This deal underscores our joint desire to ensure Saudi Arabia becomes a destination of choice for international travellers, as we look to attract new audiences through the medium of golf. We both know that sporting events can be a vehicle to bring both Diriyah and Kingdom to the world and this agreement will ensure that Saudi Arabia remains on the sporting map in the years ahead.”

The Kingdom’s impressive Vision 2030 recognises the importance of encouraging physical and social well-being and a healthy lifestyle. This agreement will therefore reinforce the Kingdom’s ambition of creating a vibrant society with fulfilling lives by directly bringing another sporting event to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has made huge strides in the promotion of sports and athleticism in recent years with world-class events including the Jeddah Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Saudi Cup, the Dakar Rally and the Spanish Super Cup. DGDA’s role in fuelling the Kingdom’s distinction in sport includes hosting the Formula E auto racing events and the heavyweight title boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. in December 2019.   

For more background on the agreement and further information on the Aramco Team Series, please visit: https://aramcoteamseries.com/