AKCEL and XRange Tee Up AED 1bn Golf Entertainment Play Across the UAE

AKCEL Holding and XRange Golf Entertainment have signed a AED 1 billion strategic agreement to develop a network of high-tech golf venues across the UAE. Utilizing the AKCEL Growth Fund (DIFC), the partnership will build interactive driving ranges and digital gaming hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. The venture targets the "off-course" golf market—a sector globally valued at over $80 billion—by blending high-end hospitality with proprietary tech-enabled leisure.

This deal represents a critical shift in regional real estate: the move toward "experiential infrastructure." By integrating technology directly into the sports experience, the partnership effectively de-risks traditional hospitality investments through diversified revenue streams—memberships, corporate event licensing, and data-driven user engagement. The financial structure, backed by a dedicated growth fund, signals that regional players are no longer just buying assets; they are building scalable operating platforms. For the wider market, this highlights the "off-course" trend where the sport serves as the primary "relationship driver" while the underlying technology and hospitality engine capture the long-term commercial value.