Saudi Arabia to develop new horse racing venue at Qiddiya City

Saudi Arabia has revealed plans to build a world‑class horse racing venue in Qiddiya City, which will become the permanent home of the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race. First staged in 2020 at Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Racetrack, the Saudi Cup carries a purse of US$20 million and has rapidly risen among the most prestigious events in global horseracing.

 

Developed by Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), the new venue will anchor Qiddiya City, a flagship destination for sport, culture, and entertainment just 40 minutes from Riyadh. The giga‑project already includes Six Flags Qiddiya, the kingdom’s largest theme park, and Aquarabia, one of the region’s biggest water parks opening in March 2026.

 

Purpose‑built to meet international racing standards, the facility will include Saudi’s first straight‑mile turf course, a 2,200‑metre main turf track and a 2,400‑metre inner dirt track. A 21,000‑seat grandstand expandable to 70,000 will ensure capacity for major race days, while a 110‑metre parade ring and a world‑class equine hospital will underscore Qiddiya’s focus on equine excellence and welfare.

 

QIC Managing Director Abdullah Aldawood said every element of the venue is being 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 experience,” he said.

 

RELATED:

Saudia, Six Flags partner to boost travel to Qiddiya City attractions

Introducing the Middle East’s largest water park

Inside Saudi Arabia’s new Six Flags Qiddiya City theme park

 

By developing this premier venue, Saudi aims to create a global racing spectacle with a tourism impact comparable to the Dubai World Cup, one of the UAE’s most successful sporting exports. The event attracts more than 60,000 spectators annually, lifts hotel occupancies beyond 90% and generates a multimillion‑dirham boost to tourism revenues across hospitality, retail and entertainment sectors.

 

The Qiddiya development forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider investment in world‑class sporting infrastructure, spanning motorsport circuits, boxing arenas, golf courses, esports venues and football stadiums set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

 

Together, these projects advance Vision 2030’s goal of attracting 150 million visitors by the end of the decade, creating new opportunities for the travel trade to design sports‑led itineraries, premium event packages and MICE programmes that harness the kingdom’s rapidly expanding sporting calendar.

 

For more information, visit qiddiya.com