Saudi Arabia has revealed ambitious plans to construct a new state-of-the-art racecourse in Qiddiya City, designed to become the permanent home of the world's richest horse race, the £14 million Saudi Cup. This announcement marks a significant development in the Kingdom's efforts to establish itself as a global hub for equestrian sports and luxury tourism.
Relocation to a Futuristic Tourism Destination
While the King Abdulaziz racetrack in Riyadh will host the Saudi Cup this Saturday, as it has since the race's inauguration in 2020, future editions are set to be relocated to Qiddiya City. This vast tourism destination, currently under construction outside the capital, aims to provide world-class sport, culture, and entertainment facilities on an unprecedented scale.
Design and Infrastructure Details
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the new racecourse will feature a comprehensive track configuration to accommodate various horse racing formats. It 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. These facilities are intended to meet international standards and attract top-tier racing events.
The grandstand will initially seat 21,000 spectators, with the capability to expand capacity to up to 70,000 guests during major race days. A 110-metre parade ring will be set within an immersive space, enhancing the spectator experience. Additionally, a world-class Equine Hospital will be constructed on-site to provide advanced veterinary services, including diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation, and emergency care for horses.
Strategic Vision and Global Ambitions
Abdullah Aldawood, the managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company, emphasized the project's ambitious goals. He stated, "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."
Aldawood added, "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." This focus on accessibility and innovation underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to transforming its tourism and sports sectors.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Developments
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. This agreement will focus on collaboration, coordination, and the long-term development of horse racing in the Kingdom, ensuring the project aligns with broader national and international racing standards.
The construction of this racecourse in Qiddiya City represents a pivotal step in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and boost tourism. By hosting the world's richest horse race in a cutting-edge facility, the Kingdom seeks to enhance its global profile in the sports and entertainment industries, attracting visitors and investors from around the world.
