Saudi Cup - Sports Tourist

The Saudi Cup is the pinnacle of international horse racing, renowned globally as the “World’s Richest Race.” As a Group 1 flat race with a staggering $20 million purse for the main event alone, it attracts the finest thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers from every corner of the globe. Since its spectacular debut in 2020, the event has transformed into a two-day festival of sport, fashion, and Saudi heritage, serving as the glittering crown jewel of the Riyadh racing season.

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📅 When is the Saudi Cup?

The event is the centerpiece of the Saudi Arabian racing season and traditionally takes place over the last weekend of February. The two-day festival follows a consistent schedule:

Friday: Opening Night (featuring the International Jockeys Challenge).
Saturday: Saudi Cup Day (headlined by the $20m Group 1 main event).

📍 Where is the Saudi Cup?

The races are held at one of the most sophisticated equestrian facilities in the world:

Venue: King Abdulaziz Racecourse
Location: Janadriyah, Riyadh 13645, Saudi Arabia

🏟️ About King Abdulaziz Racecourse

Located just north of Riyadh city center, this venue is designed to blend modern luxury with traditional hospitality.

The Main Track: A 2,000-meter dirt oval widely praised by international jockeys for its “kind” surface, alongside a lush turf track for the weekend’s grass races.
The Grandstand: A multi-tiered architectural marvel offering panoramic views of the finish line, housing both general admission fans and high-end hospitality suites.
The Cultural Village: A sprawling area adjacent to the track where Saudi heritage is celebrated through food, music, and the “Walk of Fame” fashion experience.

King Abdulaziz Racecourse

🏇 Tournament Format & Featured Races

The weekend features a total of 19 races with a combined prize pool of over $35 million.

The Saudi Cup (Group 1): The main event on Saturday, run over 1,800m on dirt. It is open to thoroughbreds aged four and up.
International Jockeys Challenge: Held on Friday, where seven top male and seven top female jockeys from around the world compete for individual and team honors across four races.
The Obaiya Arabian Classic: A Group 1 race specifically for Purebred Arabians, highlighting the deep cultural roots of the horse in Saudi history.
The Neom Turf Cup: A prestigious Group 1 grass race attracting elite middle-distance specialists.

🎟️ Tickets and Sessions to the Saudi Cup

Tickets for the Saudi Cup are high in demand and typically sold via the official Webook platform or the JCSA (Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia) website.

General Admission: Includes access to the trackside lawns, the Cultural Village, and the Grandstand. This is the most popular way to soak up the atmosphere.
Al Thuraya Trackside Restaurant: A premium experience offering a buffet and a reserved table with prime views of the finishing straight.
Private Suites: For groups and corporate guests, these exclusive suites provide the highest level of privacy and luxury, often including all-inclusive catering.
The Dress Code (Important): The Saudi Cup is a major fashion event. While traditional Saudi attire is encouraged (Thobe for men, Abaya for women), international guests are expected to wear formal or smart-casual attire. Jeans, t-shirts, and shorts are strictly prohibited in most hospitality and grandstand areas.

✈️ Travel & Transit to Riyadh

Riyadh is a major global hub, making it easy to reach for the international racing community.

International Arrival

Air: Fly into King Khalid International Airport (RUH). The racecourse is conveniently located just 15–20 minutes from the airport, making airport-area hotels a practical choice for racegoers.

Local Transit

Ride-Sharing: Uber and Careem are the most reliable ways to get to the racecourse. It is highly recommended to book your return trip in advance on race night due to the massive volume of fans leaving at once.
Driving: Ample parking is available at King Abdulaziz Racecourse for those with rental cars, though traffic around Janadriyah can be heavy during the event.

🏨 Where to Stay in Riyadh

The city offers everything from ultra-luxury palaces to modern business hotels.

Close to the Racecourse (North Riyadh)

Fairmont Riyadh: A luxury pick located within the Business Gate, offering world-class amenities and short commute times to the track.
Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport: Located very close to the venue and airport, featuring spacious rooms and great leisure facilities.
Riyadh Airport Marriott: A reliable 5-star option just 10 minutes from the racecourse.

City Center & Social Hubs

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh: Located in the iconic Kingdom Centre, offering the height of luxury and incredible views of the city skyline.
Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel: An elegant, Parisian-inspired hotel located near the city’s vibrant dining and shopping districts.

💡 Know Before You Go

Visas: Most international visitors can apply for an e-Visa through the official Saudi portal. It is recommended to secure this at least two weeks before travel.
Alcohol & Culture: Saudi Arabia is a “dry” country; alcohol is not served or permitted at the racecourse or in public places.
Climate: February in Riyadh is pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 20–25°C, but it can get quite chilly (10°C or lower) after sunset. Bring a formal coat or pashmina for the evening races.
Photography: While photography of the horses and event is encouraged, be mindful and avoid taking photos of locals without their explicit permission.