Saudi Arabia is taking another major step in its ambition to become a global destination for sport with the announcement of a landmark horse racing venue in Qiddiya City. Developed by Qiddiya Investment Company, the state of the art facility will become the permanent home of the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race, bringing together elite racing, entertainment, hospitality, and equestrian excellence in one destination.
The Saudi Cup, launched in 2020, has quickly established itself as one of the most prestigious events in international horse racing. With a prize purse of US$20 million for its flagship race and more than US$35 million awarded across Saudi Cup weekend, the event attracts many of the world’s finest thoroughbreds, jockeys, trainers, and owners. Until the new venue is completed, the Saudi Cup will continue to be held at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh before relocating to its new home in Qiddiya City.
Designed to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s rich equestrian heritage while embracing the future of horse racing, the new venue will feature a racing configuration built to international standards. It will include the Middle East’s first straight mile turf course, alongside a 2,200 metre main turf track and a 2,400 metre inner dirt track. This combination will allow the venue to host a wide variety of international racing formats while delivering world class conditions for horses and competitors.
One of the venue’s standout features will be its 21,000 seat grandstand, which can expand to accommodate up to 70,000 spectators during major race days. At the centre of the complex will be a spectacular 110 metre parade ring, giving fans an immersive view of horses and jockeys before every race and creating a closer connection between spectators and the sport.
The development goes far beyond racing. Qiddiya Investment Company has designed the venue as a year round destination that combines sport, culture, and entertainment. Visitors will enjoy nine fine dining restaurants curated by Michelin star chefs, premium hospitality lounges, social spaces, and a calendar of cultural events that extend well beyond race weekends.
Equine welfare also plays a central role in the project. The venue will feature a world class equine hospital equipped with advanced diagnostic, surgical, rehabilitation, and emergency treatment facilities. The hospital will support horses competing at the venue while also serving the wider equestrian community across the Riyadh region.
According to Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, every aspect of the venue has been designed to meet the standards of the world’s leading racing jurisdictions, from racing performance and horse welfare to hospitality and fan engagement. The project also aims to set new benchmarks in accessibility, ensuring visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy the experience.
The new horse racing venue is another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy through tourism, entertainment, and world class sporting events. Alongside Formula 1, football, golf, esports, and major boxing events, the Saudi Cup’s future move to Qiddiya City further strengthens the Kingdom’s growing position on the global sporting stage.
Once completed, the venue is expected to transform the Saudi Cup from a world class race into a complete international festival, attracting visitors from around the globe and creating a new home for one of horse racing’s most prestigious events.
