The Saudi Cup returns to Riyadh this weekend
Tickets are still available
Recognised as the world’s most valuable horse race, The Saudi Cup is racing back next month for its seventh edition. The Saudi Cup 2026 is set to raise the stakes and bring an even bigger spectacle to the capital.
Happening from Friday February 13 and Saturday February 14 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, the Saudi Cup 2026 will, as always, feature a collection of glorious races that boast a total prize fund worth over USD39.6 million, headlined by the Saudi Cup itself, the world’s richest horse race, with a prize purse of USD20 million.
Friday February 13
Day one of the Saudi Cup will feature eight elite races, headlined by the International Jockey Challenge, which brings together the world’s best male and female jockeys to compete for the Challenge Cup across four thrilling races. Other highlights of the day include the 1,200-metre Sarawat Cup and the Ministry of Culture’s prestigious Group 1 Al Munifah Cup, which boasts a major prize purse of USD1.5 million.
Saturday February 14
Now, day two is when the main event is going to take place. Considered the richest race in the history of horse racing, the Saudi Cup will also feature a selection of internationally ranked races that attract the finest horse breeds and the most skilled jockeys from around the world.
Equally important: The fashion
One unspoken rule about the Saudi Cup since its inception is that the race weekend is also a massive runway, so you need to serve looks. 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, is 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
General admission tickets start at SAR 225 for adults per day, while tickets for children under 12 are SAR 112. Children under 5 enter free. Weekend passes are also available for SAR295 for adults and SAR149 for children under 12.
General admission offers visitors trackside views and access to grandstand seating, as well as free entertainment in the Al-Abiyah area, featuring fashion shows, cultural and art exhibits, and foodie activities organised by the Ministry of Culture.
Location: King Abdulaziz Racecourse
Times: Feb 13 to 14, gates open daily from 2pm, and the square closes at 10.30pm
Tickets: You can get tickets starting from SAR112 here
