Saudi Cup 2026: The World’s Richest Race is Riyadh’s Ultimate Day Out
The Saudi Cup is back in Riyadh and it has ridden into town with the world’s biggest horseracing prize purse – just under $40 million (about €33/£29 million)! The two-day event kicks off on February 13 as more than 70 championship horses, jockeyed by the best of the best, line up at the lush, palm-lined grounds of the King Abdulaziz Racecourse. We’ve got the rundown of why the fun starts way before the horses sprint, with music, food, fashion, handicrafts, and plenty of social media ready photo ops. So saddle up, let’s find out more!
What it is
The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia has been putting on races since 1965 (!) and hosts more than a hundred every year. Of those, the Saudi Cup is one of the most anticipated on the calendar – not just because it’s the world’s “richest” or “most valuable” horseracing competition, it’s also a chance for regular Saudis, residents, and visitors to enjoy the mild spring weather in good company and with plenty of food, fashion, arts, and entertainment. Think Royal Ascot with a big helping of Saudi hospitality and style!
What to do
The event kicks into gear at 2 pm, and from the moment you arrive at the Walk of Fame, you’ll be arriving in style, with curated photo areas for you to snap pics to your heart’s content in the beautiful surroundings. You’ll catch roving performers all over the track, with skilled musicians, dancers, and all kinds of unique moments popping up throughout the day. You’ll also see big stages set up where you can catch the traditional Ardah dance (the one with the swords!) and live music.
That’s not to mention the Cultural Village, where you’ll find a celebration of Saudi culture and heritage in an uber-modern, interactive space where Saudi artisans get to crafting and more than 100 Saudi fashion brands go on display. Don’t miss the award-winning fine dining and the lineup of food trucks there to keep everyone satiated throughout the day. Of course, no visit is complete without swinging by the merch store for some keepsakes and, if you’ve got kids, we’ve got you covered – there’s a dedicated kids’ area to make their visit just as memorable as yours.
Need a moment? Why not check out one of the Social and Lifestyle Spaces carefully placed all around the racecourse, where you can pause for a bit, enjoy stunning views of the racecourse, or just catch up with friends over coffee.
What to wear
Like top horseracing events around the world – the Kentucky Derby, or the Melbourne Cup – the Saudi Cup has definite once-a-year FOMO energy, and everybody wants to look their best, with unique takes on classic looks. You’ll see a properly cosmopolitan mix of traditional Saudi fits, smart-chic fare, and some going all out with couture vibes. Still unsure? Check out this official style guide for some springtime inspiration.
Let’s get after it
Tickets are selling out fast, but general admission is still open, and you can even bundle in a second day to make a weekend out of it. General admission is set at around $60 (about €50/£40) and under-12s get in half-price, so it’s well within reach for an all-day event the whole family can enjoy. Book yours before it’s gone!
Can’t make it?
You can watch it around the world!
