Shura Island, September 2025 — As part of its Vision 2030 push to expand tourism and sports, Saudi Arabia has unveiled its first-ever island golf course, named Shura Links, located along the Red Sea. This landmark course is part of the larger Red Sea development, which continues to be a key pillar in the Kingdom’s plans to become a global destination for luxury, culture, and sports.
What We Know
- Location & Setting: Shura Links sits on Shura Island in the Red Sea. The landscape uses coastal beauty, ocean views, and elevated terrain to offer a unique golfing environment.
- Vision 2030 Alignment: The project is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, aimed at diversifying the economy, boosting tourism, and promoting sports and wellness.
- Opening & Access: The course has just opened up, and preparations are underway to receive guests. It’s expected to attract both regional and international golfers, as well as tourists seeking luxury sports experiences.
Why It Matters
- New Sports Tourism Landmark
The island golf course adds a high-end sporting destination to Saudi’s offerings. Golf tourism tends to attract wealthier visitors with higher spend, so Shura Links could bring both financial and prestige returns. - Diversification of Sports Infrastructure
While most headlines focus on football, motorsport, or combat sports, golf is another sport that appeals to different demographics. Developing world-class golf facilities helps broaden Saudi Arabia’s sports portfolio. - Long-Term Sustainability & Lifestyle
Projects like this help promote active lifestyles among residents, contribute to environmental planning (if done carefully with the coastal ecosystem), and signal Saudi Arabia’s intent to balance development with leisure and quality of life.
What to Watch
- How the Shura Links course will be managed: Will it be open to public play, members only, or operate mostly as resort/golf tourism?
- Tournaments & Events: Will there be regional or international golf events held at Shura Links? Hosting pro tournaments can put the facility on the global map.
- Environmental impact & maintenance: Island courses often face unique challenges (water use, ecological sensitivity, erosion). How these are addressed will matter for sustainability and public perception.
Final Word
Shura Links isn’t just another golf course — it’s symbolic of Saudi Arabia branching out in its sports infrastructure and its push toward becoming a global hub not just for major events, but also for premium sports experiences. For KSAsportz, it offers a fresh angle: golf, luxury, and sports tourism are becoming increasingly part of the Saudi story.