Billion-dollar Qiddiya racecourse to become new home of Saudi Cup
Saudi Arabia has reinforced its commitment to becoming a global racing powerhouse, unveiling plans for a new US$1.1 billion (NZ$1.8bn) thoroughbred racecourse that will become the future home of the world’s richest horse race.
Qiddiya Investment Company has awarded an estimated SR4.3 billion (US$1.1 billion) contract for the construction of the racecourse at Qiddiya City, a vast entertainment and sporting precinct on the outskirts of Riyadh. The project will span 1.3 million square metres and accommodate up to 70,000 spectators.
The venue will replace King Abdulaziz Racecourse as the home of the US$20 million Saudi Cup once construction is complete, giving the Kingdom’s flagship race a purpose-built facility designed to rival the world’s premier racing venues.
At the heart of the development will be a 21,000-seat grandstand overlooking three separate racing surfaces, including the Middle East’s first straight-mile turf course, a 2200-metre turf track and a 2400-metre dirt track. The complex will also feature a world-class equine hospital, extensive training facilities and premium hospitality areas designed to transform the venue into a year-round destination.
The racecourse forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 strategy, which is reshaping the country through significant investment in sport, tourism and entertainment. Qiddiya City will also feature Formula One, motorsport, golf, theme parks and a range of cultural attractions.
The announcement is the latest indication of Saudi Arabia’s long-term commitment to thoroughbred racing. Since launching the Saudi Cup in 2020, the Kingdom has rapidly established itself as one of the sport’s biggest financial players, attracting the world’s leading horses, trainers and jockeys with unprecedented prizemoney.
Once complete, the new Qiddiya racecourse is expected to become one of the most expensive and technologically advanced racing venues ever built, providing a fitting stage for a race that has quickly become one of the sport’s marquee international events.
