Qiddiya Investment Company has announced plans for a landmark new horse racing venue in Qiddiya City, celebrating Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted equestrian heritage while shaping the future of horse racing in the Kingdom.

The new venue is designed as a national destination for sport, culture, and entertainment, reflecting the Kingdom’s long-standing relationship with horses and its continued investment in world-class sporting infrastructure. 

Qiddiya City’s Horse Racing Venue will become the new permanent home of the prestigious Group 1 $20 million Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race, which is currently being staged for the seventh time on Saturday 14 February at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, ahead of its relocation to Qiddiya City, a statement said.

Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, said: "This venue reflects Qiddiya Investment Company’s ambition to set new global benchmarks. Every element, from racing performance and equine welfare to hospitality and fan engagement, has been designed to meet the expectations of the world’s leading racing jurisdictions. In line with our wider vision for Qiddiya City, this state-of-the-art venue is designed to be fully accessible, pioneering a new chapter in spectator engagement and experiences."

At its core, the Horse Racing Venue will feature a distinctive and flexible racing configuration, designed to support a broad range of international race formats while delivering high-performance conditions for equine athletes and enhanced visibility for spectators. The venue will include the region’s first straight-mile turf course, alongside a 2,200-metre main turf track and a 2,400-metre inner dirt track, bringing elite racing together within a single integrated environment.

A 21,000-seat grandstand will anchor the venue, with the ability to expand capacity to up to 70,000 guests through event overlays during major race days. A 110-metre parade ring will place horses and riders at the heart of the spectator experience, offering an immersive setting that highlights the skill, precision, and tradition of the sport.

Equine welfare is a defining priority of the development. A world-class Equine Hospital will provide advanced veterinary services, including diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation, and emergency care, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to the highest standards of horse welfare.

Beyond race days, the Horse Racing Venue is designed to operate as a year-round destination. It will feature nine fine-dining restaurants curated by Michelin-star chefs, alongside premium hospitality and social spaces that extend the experience beyond the track. The venue will also host the Turf Racing Festival, further strengthening its position as a platform for elite racing and cultural celebration.

Qiddiya City’s Horse Racing Venue’s inaugural programme of racing, cultural, and showcase events will attract international participants, industry leaders, and audiences from around the world, setting a new global benchmark for equestrianism.

As part of strengthening alignment and coordination within the horse racing ecosystem, Qiddiya Investment Company and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the Asian Racing Conference, focusing on collaboration, coordination, and the long-term development of horse racing in the Kingdom, the statement said.

The Horse Racing Venue forms part of Qiddiya Investment Company’s wider vision to develop Qiddiya City as a national hub for sport, entertainment, and culture, driven by the Power of Play. - TradeArabia News Service