Saudi Ladies International tees off
Yasir O. Al-Rumayyan, chairman of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation on Wednesday kicked off the inaugural Aramco Saudi Ladies International, presented by the Public Investment Fund, a historic occasion for the Kingdom. The tournament launch was accompanied by an announcement that Saudi Arabia has also created a comprehensive national golf sustainability strategy that embraces an innovative culture and ambitious outlook across key environmental, economic and social aspects of the sport.
“The central tenet of our national golf strategy is sustainability. The ambition is for Golf in Saudi Arabia to be recognized for taking a highly advanced approach to establishing the most socially beneficial, economically productive and environmentally responsible sector possible. This week’s tournament is an example of how the sport can inspire positive social outcomes,” commented Al-Rumayyan.
Saudi Aramco, the chief sponsor, was represented by Nabil A. Al-Nuaim, vice president of corporate affairs, who said the company’s decision to sponsor Saudi Arabia’s first women’s golf tournament reflected its commitment to supporting the empowerment of the country’s female citizens, as well as promoting positive values in the community.
“By sponsoring this event, we are displaying our support and commitment to women’s inclusion through sport,” said Al-Nuaim. “The tournament is a historic landmark for the Kingdom and will contribute to changing perceptions and changing lives.”
The sustainability program includes a comprehensive system of verifiable standards and performance indicators within the design, construction and operational phases, that will both guide the sector and substantiate future claims and communications.
The announcement was supported by several of Saudi Arabia’s leading stakeholders, including Saudi Aramco. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Golf Saudi and Saudi Aramco signaling an intent to pursue environmental
and sustainability initiatives.
Golf Saudi continues to explore strategies to support country-wide interest in the game.
Designed in conjunction with GEO Foundation, the international sustainable golf non-profit, and leading soil science consulting group, STRI, the sustainability strategy pushes new boundaries by putting in place standards, policies and expectations across the sector’s approach to development.