Saudi Arabia accelerates its sporting ambitions with a spectacular new horse racing venue taking shape in Qiddiya City, as Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has unveiled detailed plans this week that honor the Kingdom’s deep-rooted equestrian heritage while embracing tomorrow’s entertainment standards. Furthermore, the development will serve as the permanent home for the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race.
Every design element prioritizes racing performance, equine welfare, hospitality, and fan engagement to meet global standards. Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, emphasized their commitment to excellence and accessibility throughout the project. He explained that the venue pioneers a new chapter in spectator experience aligned perfectly with Qiddiya City’s wider vision. Consequently, visitors will enjoy seamless access and immersive interactions with the sport they love.
The facility features a flexible racing configuration that supports multiple international formats while optimizing conditions for horses. Additionally, it introduces the region’s first straight-mile turf course alongside a 2,200-meter main turf track. An inner 2,400-meter dirt track complements these features, bringing world-class racing disciplines together under one roof. Spectators benefit from enhanced sightlines across all configurations for an unforgettable viewing experience.
Unmatched Hospitality and Equine Care
A magnificent 21,000-seat grandstand forms the venue’s centerpiece with expansion capacity reaching 70,000 seats for marquee race days. Meanwhile, a striking 110-meter parade ring places horses and riders directly within the spectator experience. This design choice celebrates the skill, grace, and rich tradition inherent in equestrian sports culture. Visitors will feel intimately connected to every moment of pre-race ceremony and competition.
Equine welfare remains a non-negotiable priority throughout the development process and operational planning phases. Therefore, planners incorporated a world-class equine hospital offering comprehensive veterinary services on site. The facility provides advanced diagnostics, surgical capabilities, rehabilitation programs, and emergency care for competing horses. Such commitment underscores Saudi Arabia’s responsible leadership within the global racing community.
Qiddiya Investment Company and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia will soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the Asian Racing Conference, in a partnership that aims to foster collaboration and drive the long-term development of horse racing across the Kingdom. Together, these institutions will elevate Saudi Arabia’s position as a premier international racing destination for decades ahead. The Kingdom gallops confidently toward a future where heritage and innovation race side by side.
