Media Centre

KING ABDULLAH ECONOMIC CITY, 28th April 2018:

The top-level discussion on Harnessing the Power of Sports in Saudi Arabia was held as part of the opening celebration for Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, the Kingdom’s first championship-standard golf course.

Speaking to an audience of government and private sector-delegates, Prince Abdulaziz praised the leaders of the federations tasked with expanding the role of sport in Saudi Arabia. He said that Foundations are central to growth of sport in the Kingdom, providing umbrella organizations that encourage mass participation and support athletes in their personal and professional development.

In a wide-ranging conversation, moderated by CNN anchor Becky Anderson, panellists including H.R.H. Princess Reema bint Bandar, President, Saudi Federation for Community Sports; H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Fahd bin Salman Al-Saud, President of the Saudi Maritime Sports and Diving Federation; and H.R.H. Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Faisal Al-Saud, President of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation; were joined by world champion golfer Ernie Els and European Tour CEO Keith Pelley.

Princess Reema said that the General Sports Authority plays an essential role not only encouraging people to have fun in sport but also to makes a positive contribution to improving levels of general health and wellness in the nation. She encouraged the private sector to invest not only in new sports facilities but also in training academies, human capital development and other elements of the sporting ecosystem.

“Sport plays a vital role in promoting healthier, happier lifestyles,” said Fahd Al-Rasheed, GCEO of King Abdullah Economic City. “It is an inspiration to see sport take its place at the heart of conversations around the future of the country and to see such dynamic, devoted leadership at the head of our Federations.”

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About King Abdullah Economic City

King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) is the largest privately-funded new city in the world. Situated on the west coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KAEC covers an area of 181 square kilometers of land, approximately the size of Washington DC. KAEC comprises King Abdullah Port, the Coastal Communities residential districts, the Haramain Railway district and the Industrial Valley. The city is under development by Emaar, The Economic City, a publicly listed Saudi joint-stock company established in 2006.

About The Royal Greens Golf and Country Club

The Royal Greens Golf and Country Club is an exclusive, first-class golfing experience set within King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. The beautiful beachside 18-hole championship golf course, designed by European Golf Design, offers an unparalleled golfing experience. The majestic clubhouse boasts a panoramic view of the Red Sea and offers an exclusive members area with private dining, a board room, cigar room, library, executive business center and other luxury amenities. With its state-of-the-art practice facilities, Golf Academy, Spa and array of fine dining options, Royal Greens is set to become one of the region’s finest sports and leisure destinations.