Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, one of Abu Dhabi’s leading golf destinations, has successfully retained its designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary following its latest recertification by Audubon International.
The achievement sees the Aldar-owned golf club maintain its position as the only golf course in the United Arab Emirates to hold the prestigious certification, recognising its continued commitment to environmental stewardship, wildlife conservation, and responsible golf course management.
Situated along the coastline of Saadiyat Island, the championship golf course demonstrates how golf and environmental conservation can coexist. Its distinctive setting is home to a diverse range of indigenous wildlife, including free-roaming gazelles and numerous bird species, making the protection of natural habitats a central part of its operations.
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses recognises facilities that demonstrate high standards of environmental management across six key areas: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, and water quality management.
Following a comprehensive recertification process, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has once again demonstrated its dedication to these principles, highlighting the work undertaken by its course maintenance team to protect the surrounding environment while delivering championship playing conditions.
Water conservation remains a particular priority at the facility, which transitioned to using 100% treated effluent water for irrigation in 2020, reducing its reliance on freshwater resources while maintaining high-quality playing conditions in Abu Dhabi’s demanding climate.
The club’s environmental initiatives also extend to the protection of its surrounding ecosystem, with ongoing efforts to preserve wildlife habitats and support biodiversity across the property. This includes its involvement in Winged Horizons, a conservation project launched by Miral in partnership with the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund and Aldar Education.
Students from local schools helped install nest boxes for kestrels and barn owls across Aldar’s three golf courses, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, providing safe nesting habitats while engaging young people in wildlife conservation.
Corey Finn, Golf Course Superintendent at Viya, said: “Retaining this certification is a significant achievement for the entire team and reflects the work that goes into managing the course responsibly every day. Operating a golf course in this environment comes with unique challenges, particularly when it comes to water management and protecting the surrounding wildlife. Our aim has always been to deliver exceptional playing conditions while ensuring we are doing everything possible to safeguard the natural environment around us.”
The recertification follows an on-site assessment by Audubon International, which commended Saadiyat Beach Golf Club for its continued efforts to minimise its environmental footprint, enhance wildlife habitats and protect environmental quality.
Karl Whitehead, General Manager at Viya, added: “This recognition is a source of great pride for everyone involved with Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Viya. As the only golf course in the UAE to hold this certification, Saadiyat has an important role to play in demonstrating how environmental responsibility can be integrated into the management of a world-class golf facility. Retaining this status reflects the team’s dedication and our continued commitment to more sustainable golf operations.”
The recertification reflects Aldar’s wider commitment to protecting nature across its portfolio and the rich biodiversity of Saadiyat Island in particular. Aldar works with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Emirates Nature–WWF to support the long-term protection of the island’s marine and coastal habitats, including through conservation work in Saadiyat Marine National Park. These efforts form part of Aldar’s broader approach to integrating biodiversity considerations into planning, development and operations.