31st August 2022, United Arab Emirates: Viya Golf, part of wasl Hospitality & Leisure, has entered into a management deal with Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties (“Aldar”), to manage its golf operations (courses and clubhouses), leisure facilities, and all dining outlets at some of the world’s finest golf courses; Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club.
The new agreement, effective 1st September 2022, will see Viya Golf look at all aspects of the golf operations; maintaining areas of existing excellence and delivering operational improvements to enhance all golf, leisure and dining experiences for members and visitors. This includes adding Aldar’s clubs to the popular Viya App, giving its members unrivalled rewards and access to golf, leisure and dining experiences.
Viya Golf Chief Executive Officer, Christopher May, said: “We are proud to announce the addition of Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club to our golf portfolio. We are excited by our new relationship with Aldar. We will deploy our best-in-class golf services, dining, leisure and management expertise, alongside industry leading technologies, to not only deliver Abu Dhabi’s very best golf and leisure experiences but to grow the game of golf and help drive tourism in the Emirate.”
Klaus Assmann, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Hotels and Hospitality said: “Our golf portfolio includes some of the world’s best courses and complements our diverse range of leisure and hospitality assets located at two of Abu Dhabi’s most desirable destinations, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. With Viya Golf, we hope to further expand the experience at our courses, attracting even more visitors from local communities, the wider region and overseas.”
Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a true links golf course, perfectly located on the western shores Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Home to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championships and consistently ranking in the Top 50 world’s golf courses, Yas Links is a must-visit golf destination for residents and tourists alike. The Kyle Phillips designed 18-hole course presents a challenging test to all golfers, whilst the 9-hole par 3 course and flood-lit practice facilities, complete with Toptracer, complete Yas Links.
The Arabian Gulf’s first beach-front golf course, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is a Par 72 links courses set amongst a stunning eco-conscious landscape. Designed by golf legend, Gary Player, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has a total yardage starting at 5,290, although the course can be extended to 7,784 yards for professional tournaments. More than 60 bunkers, three salt-water lakes and restored sand dunes provide breath-taking on-course hazards.
Yas Acres Golf & Country Club offers both world-class golf and a country club experience, the Fry/Straka-designed 3700 yard nine-hole golf course is nestled across 130 acres within one of the capital’s most in-demand communities, Yas Acres. The floodlit Par-36 course features long holes, large bunkers and water in play on four of the holes to offer fun for golfers of all levels.
Viya is the region’s fastest-growing golf business, transforming and modernising the game across the Middle East through technology-led innovation. Alongside its sister business, Dubai Golf, Viya forms part of wasl Hospitality & Leisure’s diverse, fast-growing golf and leisure portfolio. The Group holds the regional license for the widely popular Topgolf entertainment venues, in addition to developing and operating its successful golf booking, lifestyle and membership app. Viya also recently launched the new golf holidays booking website, Viya Holidays, to help grow inbound tourism to the UAE.