The GCC Countries Golf Tourism Market is expected to grow from an estimated USD 2.2 billion in 2025 to USD 4.1 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035.
| Attributes | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated GCC Industry Size (2025E) | USD 2.2 billion |
| Projected GCC Value (2035F) | USD 4.1 billion |
| Value-based CAGR from (2025 to 2035) | 6.1% |
An increasing number of international golf tournaments, world-class golfing facilities, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) visiting the GCC countries for golfing holidays are expected to drive market growth. The growing popularity of golf tourism, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, has made the region a key destination for global golfers.
The trend of eco-friendlier and sustainable golf courses, combined with luxury resorts, will support further market expansion in the next decade. This growth trajectory will result in a 1.8X increase in market size, translating to an absolute dollar opportunity of USD 1.8 billion between 2025 and 2035.
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A comparative assessment of the changes in CAGR for the base year (2024) and the current year (2025) is provided below, highlighting the shifts in market dynamics and outlining revenue trends.
CAGR Values for GCC Countries Golf Tourism Market (2024 to 2025)
It is predicted that the GCC Countries Golf Tourism Market will grow at a CAGR of 4.4% in the first half of 2024, with a slight increase to 4.7% in the second half of the year. This increase in growth rate indicates that new destinations and golfing events are expected to attract more international golfers in 2025.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Value | The GCC countries’ golf tourism industry is estimated to generate USD 201.86 million in 2024, contributing a significant share to the Middle East’s overall golf tourism market, which was valued at USD 823.6 million in 2023. |
| Regional Contribution | The GCC contributes significantly to the Middle East’s golf tourism, with destinations in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia leading the market. |
| Domestic Market Share | Domestic golfers within the GCC represent a growing segment, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where Vision 2030 initiatives are promoting local participation. |
| International Market Share | International visitors account for a major portion of GCC golf tourism, with European tourists drawn to courses like Emirates Golf Club in Dubai and Education City Golf Club in Doha. |
| Key Destinations | Popular destinations include Emirates Golf Club (Dubai), Yas Links (Abu Dhabi), and Royal Greens Golf & Country Club (Saudi Arabia). |
| Economic Impact | Boosts regional hospitality sectors, supporting luxury hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. |
| Key Trends | Growth in hosting high-profile tournaments like the Saudi International, eco-friendly golf courses, and luxury golf resorts. |
| Top Travel Seasons | Peak seasons include winter and early spring, offering favorable weather for international and regional players. |
The GCC states are the key drivers of golf tourism in the Middle East as international players remain attracted to it year in, year out, with destinations like the UAE and Qatar. Examples include Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, which houses the Dubai Desert Classic, and Education City Golf Club in Doha, host to the Qatar Masters. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiatives have also spurred golf tourism, with Royal Greens Golf & Country Club hosting the Saudi International and building domestic interest.
The economic impact extends beyond golf, with luxury resorts like Yas Links in Abu Dhabi and Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai boosting revenue in hospitality and leisure industries. Emerging trends include eco-friendly courses, such as Troon Golf facilities, and the integration of cultural tourism, where visitors can combine golf with exploring local traditions. Winter and early spring are peak seasons, drawing European tourists escaping colder climates and regional players taking advantage of favorable conditions.
Investments in state-of-the-art facilities, coupled with high-profile tournaments, position GCC countries as leaders in Middle East golf tourism with blends of luxury, culture, and world-class golfing.
| Date | Development/M&A Activity & Details |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Opening of Luxury Golf Villas at Emirates Golf Club: Emirates Golf Club introduced a new range of luxury golf villas designed to cater to high-end tourists. The villas offer exclusive golf packages, ensuring that international visitors experience the best of golf tourism with private amenities and direct access to the golf course. |
| Oct 2024 | New Golf Tournament Series by UAE Golf Association: The UAE Golf Association unveiled a new international golf tournament series, attracting golfers from around the world. |
| Sept 2024 | Expansion of Golfing Facilities in Saudi Arabia: The Saudi government announced investments to expand its world-class golf resorts and courses as part of the nation’s tourism diversification strategy under Vision 2030. |
| June 2024 | Emirates Golf Federation launches new handicap software: The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) has launched a new handicap software that will provide members with an updated platform to measure their ability to compete on an equitable basis. |
| May 2024 | Luxury Golf Resorts Opened in Qatar: A new luxury golf resort with state-of-the-art facilities has been opened in Qatar, attracting both leisure and corporate golf tourists. |
Golf tourism continues to dominate the GCC thanks to the luxurious resorts and renowned, internationally accredited golf courses offered by the UAE, especially Emirates Golf Club in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Golf Club. The world-class calendar of golf events held in the country also attracts global attention. The infrastructure of golf throughout the year and appealing climate make the UAE a leading market for golf tourism.
Saudi Arabia is becoming a crucial player in golf tourism. Vision 2030 reforms have placed significant investments in golf infrastructure. The country aims to host more international tournaments in the future. The Red Sea coastal areas are being developed as golf resorts and are attracting golfers who wish to have a leisurely tour with adventure.
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% share of individual categories by Booking Method and Group Type in 2025
Dominance of Travel Agent Bookings in GCC Golf Tourism Market
Travel Agent would dominate the market of GCC Golf Tourism in the year 2025 with an approximate market share of 39%. Travel Agent will remain the preferred option for the golf tourists, mainly because they are seeking services which are very personal, inclusive, and one-stop, wherein all aspects related to their trips such as air travel, luxurious stay, bookings on golf courses, and entrance tickets to major events can be obtained at the same time. These packages ensure, therefore, to be seamless and hassle-free, and thus, make travel agents a trusted partner in the golf tourism sector.
This method of booking is particularly popular among corporate groups and international tourists, who prefer having saved time and effort in moving the logistics of their golf vacations on to other people. Corporate groups, for instance, appreciate travel agents' services in organizing golf events and tournaments that are integral to business networking as well as client engagement.
With established ties to premium golf resorts and elite golf courses within the GCC, the travel agent delivers access to much sought after destination venues like Emirates Golf Club, Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, and The Montgomerie Dubai, and more significantly, will always ensure they receive the best possible deals as well as guarantee services of the highest quality to continuously strengthen their leading position within the GCC golf tourism market. Travel agents, consequently, remain critical to the area's future continued growth in golf tourism.
Corporate Golf Tourism to Lead GCC Market in 2025
Corporate Golf Tourism is expected to dominate the GCC Countries Golf Tourism Market in 2025, which is likely to hold 28% of the overall market share. Golf has been a popular business networking activity, team-building exercise, and corporate incentive for years.
As GCC countries continue to improve their business destination appeal, they are emerging as key destinations for corporate golf events. The region's luxury resorts and world-class golf courses are designed to meet the needs of corporate clients, offering packages that blend golfing with functions. These packages may include lodging accommodations, golf course reservations, meeting facilities, networking events, and even team-building exercises.
They enjoy full-service golf packages where even the smallest of details, starting from tee times to transportation, is taken care of in advance. This detailed organization makes them dependent on the travel agents as well as on luxury resorts while organizing such an event. Major resorts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh offer exclusive service for corporate customers with a special eye on delivering the event perfectly.
The rising investment in business tourism and the rising number of international conferences, summits, and corporate events in the GCC are expected to continue driving demand for corporate golf tourism. The fact that this sector is at the forefront puts the GCC firmly on the path toward becoming a prime destination for corporate leisure and networking activities.
The GCC golf tourism market, therefore, will be moderately segmented, with important players such as the Emirates Golf Club, Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, and The Montgomerie Dubai. Many new players entered the market within the last four years, adding unique experiences through exclusive resorts on offer to appeal to a mushrooming demand from luxury golf travellers. Local players will continue to gain in market share as they tailor packages for different types of golfers, but global brands will always lead high-end markets in the region.
Leading players in the GCC Countries Golf Tourism Market include Emirates Golf Club at 23.4%, Royal Greens Golf & Country Club at 18.2%, and The Montgomerie Dubai at 15.6%. Other regional operators are expanding their presence by offering unique experiences such as specialized luxury golf packages, eco-friendly resorts, and customized golf itineraries for various types of golfers.
The GCC Countries Golf Tourism Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2035.
The market is expected to reach an estimated value of USD 4.1 billion by 2035.
The market is expected to be driven by world-class golf events, the rise of luxury golf resorts, and increasing international interest in golf tourism.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are expected to be key regions with high consumption rates in the GCC golf tourism market.
Leading players in the industry include Emirates Golf Club, Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, and The Montgomerie Dubai, known for their premium golf offerings and exceptional resorts.
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GCC Countries Golf Tourism Market
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