RIYADH: As the world’s elite golfers gather at Riyadh Golf Club for the PIF Saudi Ladies International from Feb. 11-14, the event is shifting the spotlight toward Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing sports tourism sector and its growing commitment to sustainability.

Boasting a $5 million prize fund that matches the men’s equivalent, the PIF Saudi International, the tournament is a headline event on the PIF Global Series, designed to elevate the Kingdom’s profile as a premier destination for international travelers and local sports enthusiasts alike.

By establishing Riyadh as a premier destination on the international sporting circuit, the tournament is looking to accelerate both local engagement and global tourism, directly advancing the economic diversification and societal transformation goals of Vision 2030.

With Riyadh serving as the high-performance headquarters for the Saudi National Team, the tournament provides a unique bridge for local talent to transition from grassroots programs to the global stage, drawing inspiration from national team members who are already competing and excelling across the Middle East and North Africa region.

The tournament will host a high-profile WIMENA (Women in the Middle East and North Africa) panel, providing a platform for Saudi sporting pioneers to share their insights on the evolution of women’s sports.

Confirmed panelists include Saudi Olympic stars Kariman Abuljadayel (sprinter), Dunya Abutaleb (Taekwondo), and Lama Al Fozan (fencer and businesswoman), alongside Razan Al-Ajmi, the first female Saudi skydiver. This session, part of the “Change with Conversation” initiative, focuses on creating leadership and career pathways for women within the sports and tourism sectors as it continues to redefine the role of sport, not only as a competition, but as a platform for empowerment, innovation and global connection between female leaders and aspiring girls in the world of sports.

Golf Saudi Ambassador Alison Lee said: “We are very aware of the positive impact we make each time we return to Riyadh. Seeing families and children actively engaging with the golf experience, especially during our grassroots clinics, is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing the tournament’s direct influence on the local community is a powerful feeling, and our goal remains to inspire the next generation of young players throughout the region.”

At the heart of the event is the Sustained Futures initiative, which will welcome up to 450 young adults to the tournament and engage them in exclusive workshops designed to increase participation across women and young adults. With star ambassadors like World No. 5 Charley Hull and Major champion Patty Tavatanakit taking to the fairways, the tournament inspires the next generation of regional athletes to see that with discipline and the right support, there are no limits.

Under its slogan, “Made for the Future,” the tournament catalyzes long-term development in Saudi Arabia. This slogan reflects Golf Saudi’s commitment to creating an enduring legacy that extends beyond the final putt, focusing on environmental sustainability, professional equity, and the empowerment of local talent to build the industry ecosystems of tomorrow.

The tournament further invites attendees to be more than just spectators through the Go Golf program. This interactive experience features clinics and driving range sessions led by world-class Golf Saudi ambassadors, designed to dismantle barriers to the sport and encourage healthy, active lifestyles for all residents and visitors.