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The project aims to shape the future of travel and leisure using partners’ deep expertise in development, golf management and technology
May 08, 2025 | Staff Reporter | KSA | Property Management
Sumou Global Investment, Saudi Arabia's premier real estate developer & investor, is partnering with Canada’s GolfNorth, a leading golf course and technology company, to develop a series of luxury golf communities and resort destinations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa. The joint venture aims to meet the Saudi government’s ambitious Vision 2030 tourism and ecological and environmental goals by sustainably transforming the Kingdom’s landscape, creating new investments, luxury real estate, five-star hospitality, championship golf and innovative technologies for a new global standard in lifestyle homes and destinations.
Each destination will feature high end developments: 1. Luxury Villas and Residences set in stunning natural landscapes; 2. Championship Golf Courses designed by top international architects; 3. World-Class Hotels, Wellness Retreats, and Lifestyle Amenities, designed for both residents in Saudi Arabia and international travelers.
The partnership brings together the Middle East’s leading real-estate investor with a development exceeding 60 million square meter of land and history of developing visionary projects including Dhahiat Murouj Jeddah, Dhahiat Sumou Makkah and Sumou Towers on Jeddah Water Front and Canada’s GolfNorth, the largest multi-course operator in Canada, featuring a full suite of technologies and services for golf course operations and management. Together they will build a KSA headquartered technology and services company for recreation, lifestyle and hospitality services.
“Today’s announcement is a result of our vision to redefine luxury living on a global stage.” said Abdul Rahman Ayedh Al-Qahtani, CEO of Sumou Global Investment. “In line with Vision 2030, our partnership aims to position the Kingdom as a global hub for lifestyle, tourism and real estate innovation.”
“GolfNorth’s management expertise, proprietary technology and infrastructure are a perfect fit for Sumou’s plans to build iconic communities and destinations,” said Jim Balsillie, Chair and owner of GolfNorth. “Together we are uniquely positioned to deliver projects of this size,” he added.
GolfNorth will take the lead in designing, operating, and maintaining all golf courses. In addition to its proprietary technology services, the Canadian company will ensure tournament-grade course maintenance and elite playing conditions; golf academies, member programs, and tournament and league hosting; sustainable practices including water conservation and ecological balance.
Lead projects in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar are set to break ground in 2025, with phased openings beginning in 2027. Additional sites across Saudi Arabia and internationally are under consideration, aligning with the growing global demand for integrated lifestyle destinations.
