Sustainability Milestone for Viya Golf’s Yas Links and Yas Acres
Viya Golf has announced that both Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club have achieved GEO Certification, marking a significant milestone in sustainable golf development in the UAE.
The recognition from the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, the leading organisation dedicated to promoting sustainability in the sport, highlights Viya Golf’s commitment to environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and positive community impact.
This double certification places Viya Golf at the forefront of sustainable practice in the region and reinforces the growing importance of ecological and social responsibility in modern golf facility management.
A First for Abu Dhabi’s Leading Golf Venues
GEO Certified® is the industry’s most recognised standard for sustainability, awarded following an independently verified on-site assessment aligned with the International Voluntary Standard for Sustainable Golf.
At Yas Links, key initiatives such as the use of treated sewage effluent (TSE) for irrigation, restoration of native mangrove and dune habitats, and advanced irrigation audits have resulted in reduced water consumption and increased biodiversity.
The club’s environmental practices have helped foster a more natural, ecologically sound golf landscape along Abu Dhabi’s coastline.
Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, meanwhile, has focused on desert-adapted landscaping, turf reduction, and supporting local biodiversity. The site has recorded 94 bird species, including seven of global conservation concern – a sign of a healthy, thriving ecosystem.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire agronomy and operations teams,” said Corey Finn, Cluster Director of Agronomy at Viya Golf. “Sustainability isn’t just a department – it’s a mindset embedded across our clubs.”
Community Engagement and Inclusivity
The certification also acknowledges each venue’s contribution to community outreach and education.
At Yas Links, programmes with local schools and youth groups help promote environmental awareness through hands-on conservation experiences.
Over at Yas Acres, initiatives such as the annual Pink Run for breast cancer awareness and the Get into Golf programme have broadened participation and promoted a culture of inclusivity and wellness within the community.
These initiatives reflect Viya Golf’s goal to not only manage exceptional golf courses but also create positive social and ecological value for the communities they serve.
Looking Ahead: Continued Commitment to Sustainability
Both clubs will continue to build on the findings of the GEO assessment, with plans to improve waste tracking, renewable energy use, and ecological education already in motion.
The announcement follows continued growth across Viya Golf’s Abu Dhabi portfolio, which also includes Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, further strengthening the group’s position as a sustainability leader in Middle Eastern golf.
Golfers and visitors can learn more about Viya Golf and its courses at www.viyagolf.com.
