Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Sports Turf Solutions (STS) has been honoured with the Future Innovations Award at FutureScape Global.

Staged at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre, FutureScape Global brings together all aspects of landscaping, from public space projects to residential developments that enhance outdoor living and wellness.

The award recognises the commitment of STS to bringing nearly 50 years of sustainable turfgrass research, development, and innovation from Bladerunner Farms to the forefront of future projects across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A key factor in this recognition is the role that advanced Zoysia turfgrass varieties can play in helping the region achieve its sustainability objectives. Developed through decades of rigorous breeding and selection, these grasses have been specifically chosen for their ability to thrive in challenging environments while requiring significantly fewer inputs than traditional turf species.

Zoysia grasses offer exceptional drought tolerance, reducing overall water consumption without compromising playability, aesthetics, or performance. They also require fewer pesticide applications due to their natural tolerance to many pests and diseases, helping to minimise environmental impact and reduce long-term maintenance costs. Their lower nutrient requirements and slower growth habit also result in less mowing, reduced fuel consumption, and lower labour demands.

These benefits are not theoretical. They have been proven for many years in climates that closely resemble those found throughout the Middle East. Across Arizona and Texas, Zoysia has demonstrated its ability to maintain high-quality playing surfaces while using significantly less water and fewer inputs than many traditional turfgrass species.

These real-world results provide developers, operators, and government stakeholders with confidence that sustainable turf management can be achieved without sacrificing quality or user experience.

For regions such as Saudi Arabia, where water conservation and environmental stewardship are critical to the success of future developments, these characteristics make Zoysia an ideal solution. By combining world-class playing surfaces with measurable reductions in water, chemical, fertiliser, and maintenance requirements, Zoysia is helping shape a more sustainable future for golf courses, sports facilities, public spaces, and large-scale landscape projects across the Kingdom.

“As the region continues to invest in transformative developments, Sports Turf Solutions is proud to lead these sustainable initiatives and support projects that deliver both exceptional performance and long-term sustainability. This award is a reflection of that commitment and the growing recognition that the future of turf management lies in smarter, more resilient, and more sustainable solutions,” said a spokesperson for STS.

*Sports Turf Solutions is a member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation