Saudi Arabia: 21,000-seat horse
racing venue to be built at Qiddiya
A major new horse racing destination is set to
rise in Qiddiya City, as
Qiddiya Investment Company reveals plans for a state-of-the-art venue designed
to honour the Kingdom’s equestrian heritage while elevating its global racing
profile.
New home for the Saudi
Cup
The development will become the permanent host
of the Group 1 $20 million Saudi Cup, widely regarded as the world’s richest
horse race. The event is currently staged at King
Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh but will relocate to Qiddiya
following the current season, marking a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s
racing landscape.
International-standard track design
At the core of the project is a versatile
racing configuration built to meet international standards and optimise equine
performance. The venue will introduce the region’s first straight-mile turf
course, alongside a 2,200-metre main turf track and a 2,400-metre inner dirt
track — three elite racing surfaces integrated within a single complex.
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A 21,000-seat grandstand will anchor the
facility, with capacity expandable to 70,000 spectators during major events
through temporary overlays. A 110-metre parade ring will place horses and
jockeys at the centre of the fan experience, offering close-up views for
racegoers.
Focus on equine welfare
The venue will also feature a fully equipped
Equine Hospital, providing advanced diagnostics, surgical procedures,
rehabilitation services and emergency care. The inclusion underscores Saudi
Arabia’s commitment to maintaining high welfare standards alongside elite competition.
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A year-round entertainment hub
Beyond race days, the complex is designed to
function as a multi-purpose destination. Plans include nine fine-dining
restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs, premium hospitality lounges and
social spaces aimed at delivering a full-day leisure experience that blends
sport, cuisine and culture.
In addition to the Saudi Cup, the site is set
to host the Turf Racing Festival and other events, positioning it as a
year-round platform for racing and entertainment.
Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s racing ecosystem
Qiddiya Investment Company and the Jockey Club
of Saudi Arabia are expected to formalise cooperation through
a memorandum of understanding at the Asian Racing Conference, focusing on
long-term collaboration and development of the Kingdom’s racing sector.
The
horse racing venue forms part of Qiddiya City’s broader vision to establish
itself as a national hub for sport, entertainment and culture, reinforcing
Saudi Arabia’s expanding presence on the global sporting stage.
Source:
Curly Tales
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