Golf, traditionally associated with lush, green landscapes in the West, is rapidly gaining traction in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, an area more commonly associated with desert landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Over the past two decades, golf has evolved from a niche pastime into a key component of the region’s burgeoning sports tourism industry. This transformation is driven by a combination of factors, including economic growth, infrastructure development, and strategic government initiatives aimed at diversifying economies.
A New Frontier for Golf
For many years, golf was considered an elite sport in the MENA region, primarily enjoyed by expatriates. However, with the economic growth of countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Morocco, golf has started to attract local participation. The introduction of world-class golf courses, designed by some of the sport’s most renowned architects, has been a significant catalyst in this shift. Iconic courses like the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai and the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Morocco have played a key role in positioning the region as a premier golf destination.
Globally recognized tournaments have further accelerated the sport’s popularity. Prestigious events like the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and the Saudi International have garnered significant attention, drawing top international players and boosting local interest. In 2022 alone, the DP World Tour Championship attracted over 65,000 spectators, reflecting the growing appeal of the sport. These events not only spotlight the region’s ability to host high-profile competitions but also help to inspire a new generation of local golfers.
Government Support
The rapid growth of golf in the MENA region owes much to government support, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a long-term strategic plan to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and diversify its economy, has earmarked sports tourism, including golf, as a key area for development. Through initiatives like Golf Saudi, the country is investing heavily in golf infrastructure, with major projects such as the Red Sea Project, which will feature luxury golf resorts and attract international tourists.
The UAE has similarly focused on golf as part of its broader tourism strategy. Dubai, in particular, has emerged as a global hub for golf, boasting some of the world’s most luxurious courses. In 2023, Dubai’s golf courses were ranked among the top 50 in the world, with unique designs that incorporate the region’s desert landscapes. In 2021, golf tourism in Dubai contributed an estimated $500 million to the local economy, a figure that continues to grow.
Golf Tourism: A Booming Industry
Golf tourism has become one of the key drivers of the sport’s growth in the MENA region. With its year-round sunshine, luxury resorts, and cutting-edge facilities, the region has become a favorite destination for golf enthusiasts. In particular, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Marrakech have emerged as top destinations that offer a unique blend of world-class golf courses and high-end hospitality.
According to a report by KPMG, golf tourism in the MENA region is growing at an annual rate of 5-6%, with the UAE alone attracting over 20,000 golf tourists annually. This has spurred an expansion of the region’s hospitality industry, with hotels, resorts, and golf academies all benefiting from the sport’s increasing popularity. By 2025, experts predict that golf tourism in the region could be worth over $1 billion, as more international tourists seek out the high-quality experiences on offer.
Local Talent and Grassroots Initiatives
While the early growth of golf in the region was largely driven by expatriates and tourists, there is now a concerted effort to cultivate local talent. National golf federations, such as the Emirates Golf Federation and Golf Saudi, are actively investing in grassroots programs aimed at introducing golf to younger generations.
These efforts are beginning to bear fruit. Golf academies across the region are seeing a rise in the number of young local players. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the number of registered golfers grew by 30% between 2019 and 2023. The emergence of local golf heroes, such as Saudi Arabia’s first professional golfer Othman Almulla, is further fueling this trend. Programs like the “Schools Golf Initiative” in the UAE are designed to make golf more accessible to youth, with the aim of nurturing the next generation of golfers.
Challenges and Sustainability Concerns
Despite its growing popularity, golf in the MENA region faces significant challenges, particularly around sustainability. Water scarcity is a pressing issue in many parts of the region, and maintaining the lush, green landscapes of golf courses requires substantial water resources. The typical 18-hole golf course consumes between 500,000 and 1 million gallons of water per week during peak season, a significant concern in arid environments.
To address these challenges, golf course developers in the region are increasingly adopting innovative technologies to reduce water consumption. Many courses in Dubai and Saudi Arabia now use treated wastewater for irrigation, and drought-resistant grass species are becoming more common. These efforts are part of a broader sustainability movement aimed at balancing the sport’s growth with environmental responsibility.
A Promising Future
The rise of golf in the MENA region reflects the region’s evolving sports culture and its ambition to become a global hub for tourism and recreation. With governments investing heavily in infrastructure, international tournaments drawing global attention, and grassroots initiatives encouraging local participation, the future of golf in the region looks bright.
As more people take up the sport and as the MENA region continues to host high-profile golf events, it is evident that golf is no longer just a Western pastime but a global sport with a strong and growing foothold in the Middle East and North Africa. With projections estimating the MENA golf market could grow by 15% over the next decade, the region’s rise as a golf destination is set to continue.
