Riyadh Celebrates the Launch of the 50th Arab Golf Championship
for Men and Seniors, Sponsored by Arab National Bank
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, witnessed the official opening of the Arab Golf Championship for Men and Seniors, presented by Arab National Bank, at Riyadh Golf Club, marking the start of one of the region’s most prestigious sporting tournaments. The event brings together top golfers from 13 Arab countries under the umbrella of the Arab Golf Federation, in collaboration with the Saudi Golf Federation.
The opening ceremony celebrated five decades of Arab sporting excellence, reaffirming the Kingdom’s leading role in hosting major regional and international sports events. The evening reflected the spirit of unity and fair competition, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the first Arab Golf Championship (1975–2025).
The sponsorship by Arab National Bank highlights its continued commitment to supporting sports initiatives and fostering community engagement. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this historic championship reinforces its pioneering role in advancing the sport of golf both regionally and globally, cementing Riyadh’s position as the capital of Arab golf and a world-class sporting destination aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Abdulaziz Al Mulla, Vice President of the Arab Golf Federation, delivered a speech in which he praised the efforts of the Saudi Golf Federation for hosting the event.
He stated:
“Today we celebrate a significant Arab gathering under the banner of unity and brotherhood, expressing our pride in fifty years of achievement and dedication. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Saudi Golf Federation for its warm hospitality and excellent organization, and we wish all participating champions great success in their journey toward the top.”
Mr. Noah Alireza, Executive Manager of the Saudi Golf Federation, also delivered a speech welcoming the participating teams and conveying the greetings of His Excellency Mr. Yasser Al-Rumayyan, President of both the Arab and Saudi Golf Federations, who reaffirmed his full support for developing the sport across the region.
Mr. Alireza said:
“This 50th edition of the championship embodies a rich Arab legacy and an inspiring journey in developing the sport of golf over five decades of collaboration and unity among Arab federations.
I am pleased to convey to you the greetings of His Excellency Mr. Yasser Al-Rumayyan, who continues to extend his full support to all efforts aimed at enhancing the growth of golf across the region.
We in Saudi Arabia believe that sport — and golf in particular — is a universal language that unites people and strengthens cultural connections. This championship, proudly hosted in Riyadh, is a testament to that belief.
This milestone edition serves as a gateway for Arab champions to qualify for the PIF Saudi International Golf Championship, which will take place next week at the same venue as part of Riyadh Season, reinforcing the Kingdom’s standing as a global destination for both sports and entertainment.”
The ceremony also featured the inauguration of the Arab Golf Federation’s 50th Anniversary Exhibition, which showcased rare photographs and documents chronicling the federation’s journey since its founding. The exhibition highlighted key milestones and celebrated the figures who contributed to the sport’s growth and development across the Arab world.
The event concluded with a vibrant Saudi Ardah (traditional sword dance) performance, adding a touch of national pride and cultural authenticity to the festivities, as attendees celebrated the blend of Arab heritage and modern sporting spirit.
Participating nations include Morocco, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Lebanon, Libya, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia – the host nation.
