Everything you need to know about The Saudi Cup 2024
The world’s richest horse race is heading back to the capital…
Like clockwork, we’re back to the end of February, and all eyes are on Saudi Arabia as the world’s richest horse race returns to the Kingdom. The Saudi Cup 2024 is one of the most anticipated events on the global racing calendar, and it’s finally upon us this weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about the event.
Happening from Friday February 23 and Saturday February 24, 2024 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, The Saudi Cup will boast a new prize fund worth an additional USD2 million when compared to 2023’s version.
What to expect
The Saudi Cup was launched in 2020, and each year, we look forward to two days of top-quality racing, including an International Jockeys Challenge, two Group 1 purebred Arabian races, and the USD500,000 Al Tuwaiq Cup for locally-trained horses.
There’s also an exciting programme of top-calibre dirt and turf races culminating in Group 1 and the main event, the USD20 million Saudi Cup, the richest race in the world. Adding further international flavour to the Friday card is the 2100-metre USD500,000 Saudi International Handicap for horses trained in IFHA-registered Part II and III racing countries.
Saturday is all about the Group 1 USD20m Saudi Cup where the world’s top horses and jockeys compete for the ultimate prize in racing over 1800m of the King Abdulaziz dirt track. It is the final contest on an eight-race card that attracts horses from as far afield as Japan, Argentina, the USA and Europe.
Entertainment
In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Cup offers a wide range of activities throughout the Obaiya Enclosure for all guests.
You can look forward to a contemporary music performance exploring the close relationship between purebred Arabian horses and local people titled “Saheel.” There will also be two innovative art experiences known as “Window of Culture,” and “Luminous Patterns” inspired by the traditional Qitān al-Bisht.
Another area to explore is Al Berdakh. The area gets its name from the last stage of the Bisht industry, specifically the polishing of Zari. The exhibition offers a look into Saudi culture including handicrafts and live music experiences.
An absolute favourite each year is the 100 Brands Fashion exhibition. Take a look at over 100 emerging or established Saudi designers and brands showcasing their talents with a spectacular exhibition of inspiring race-day wear across luxury fashion, ready-to-wear clothing, footwear, bags, perfumes, and jewellery.
Next up, we’ve got Srooj. The area blends Saudi Arabian art and heritage, showcasing adorned horse saddles with exquisite artistic works inspired by the culture.
Looking to go shopping? The venue is also offering artisan local gifts, a pop-up by Artfeena, and all your official Saudi Cup merchandise. The Cultural Store brings together local shops to showcase and sell creative products in conjunction with “Designed in Saudi” by The Architecture and Design Commission.
Food & Drink
This year, we’re looking forward to dining at the Irth walk-up restaurant that takes us through the heritage of culinary arts in Saudi Arabia. It will offer a diverse menu of Saudi Arabian dishes, such as Ha’il’s Kibbeh, Mtabaq, Qursan, Marasig, Kleeja, and other famous traditional dishes.
Another venue to look out for is Al-Thuraya. Introduced just last year, the new a la carte trackside restaurant is on the ground floor of the trackside Al-Thuraya building.
Founding Day Pavillion
Since it is Founding Day weekend, you can dive deeper into the culture of Saudi Arabia by viewing historical stories depicted on a canvas by 10 Saudi artists. Put together in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), the experiences are expected to present history in an easy, contemporary, and interactive way.
What to wear
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One unspoken rule about The Saudi Cup since its inception is that the race weekend is also a massive runway. Everyone attending dresses up to the nines in traditional Saudi attire to celebrate the heritage of the Kingdom. For men, casual attire, including jeans, t-shirts, shorts, and branded items are not allowed.
Permitted outfit choices include Daglah or Sayah with agal and ghutra or shemagh. Thobe and bisht with agal and ghutra or shemagh. Formal national dress of your country. Formal dress uniform of any serving military personnel. A suit, including the jacket.
For women, the dress code is similar. In terms of lengths and fabrics, a modest approach aligned with Saudi traditions should be taken.
Tickets
Tickets for the most massive horse race in the Kingdom have already gone on sale and cost SAR199 for general admission, SAR1,600 for the Al-Thuraya trackside restaurant.
The Saudi Cup 2024, King Abdulaziz Racecourse. Book your tickets starting at SAR199 here.