Dustin Johnson’s victory at the inaugural Saudi International powered by SBIA has been heralded as the beginning of a new era for sport and entertainment in the Kingdom, delivering the first example of a modern Saudi lifestyle for global audiences.
On a weekend which will be remembered in the annals of golfing history, four of the five best-ranked players on the Official World Golf Ranking joined the field at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, a leisure development which epitomizes King Abdullah Economic City’s (KAEC) status as a champion of sports and entertainment in the Kingdom.
As world Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 5, Justin Rose, Brooks Koepka, Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau blazed a new trail for golf on-course, history was being made away from it, as globally recognized entertainers Mariah Carey, Sean Paul and Tiesto performed in the Kingdom for the first time.
Drawing over 10,000 revelers, the household stars headlined an entertainment program, which also saw the premiere of the critically-acclaimed film, Rise.
“There is no question, the week of the Saudi International powered by SBIA will stand as one of the most important in KAEC history,” said Ahmed Linjawy, KAEC Group CEO. “For me, it has been an honor to see King Abdullah Economic City play a central role in proceedings and to set the stage for a moment which will live long in the memory of our nation, and hopefully with audiences worldwide.”