The Saudi Cup, a global spectacle in horse racing, is set to return to Riyadh on February 5 and 6, 2027.
Once again the Kingdom's most anticipated racing weekend is back. Taking place at the prestigious King Abdulaziz Racecourse, this two-day horse racing event will once again attract a global (and local) audience of racing enthusiasts and industry leaders. Since its inception in 2020, the Saudi Cup has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of international horse racing, attracting top-class thoroughbreds and world-renowned jockeys from across the globe.
Raising the stakes from last year's edition his year's edition where the prize pot was a whopping US$38 million across 19 horse races, the 2027 edition will see the prize pot increase to US$39.6 million. With this in mind, its unsurprising that this event is known within the horse-racing circuit as 'the world's richest horse race'.
The biggest and most famous race of the weekend, aptly named 'The Saudi Cup' will take place on Saturday February 6, and it will be during this race where a whopping US$20 million is on the line to be won.
Promising to be another year of thrilling racing, the Saudi Cup will showcase with a competitive international field vying for the coveted title, in addition to a substantial prize purse. Beyond the exhilarating competition, the Saudi Cup has emerged as a significant contributor to the Kingdom's burgeoning tourism sector.
The event attracts a diverse international audience, showcasing not only the thrilling spectacle of world-class horse racing but also the Kingdom's world-class facilities, its rich cultural heritage, and its rapidly evolving tourism landscape.
This prestigious event has not only elevated the Kingdom's position on the global sporting stage but also serves as a powerful platform for showcasing Saudi Arabia's ambition and its commitment to hosting world-class events and sporting events. The Saudi Cup has become a symbol of the Kingdom's dynamic transformation and its growing influence on the international stage.
Tickets for Saudi Cup 2027
Tickets for the Saudi Cup 2027 are not yet on sale, but are set to be on sale soon.
Similar to other years, the event's tickets will be available to purchase online via the official ticketing platform, WeBook.com. It is expected that the ticketing will follow previous years and include three different levels of tickets are available to purchase: General Admission, Al Thuraya Trackside Restaurant and Al Thuraya Private Suites.
Dress Code for Saudi Cup 2027
Every year, the attendees of the Saudi Cup take the time to make an incredible effort on the fashion front. Although appropriate dress wear will change depending on the level of your ticket - for example the dress code differs (albeit slightly) between the General Enclosure and the Royal Enclosure - the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Culture invite guests to embrace Saudi culture by dressing in styles inspired by traditional Saudi attire. You can view the official fashion guide for the Saudi Cup, designed by Dr Laila Albassam right here.
Casual wear, jeans, t-shirts and shorts are not permitted for either men or women. In addition to these more casual clothing items, promotional or overly branded pieces of clothing are not permitted at the Saudi Cup 2027.
What should men wear to the Saudi Cup 2027?
In general, men are permitted to wear the Daglah or Sayah with agal and ghutra or shemagh, a Thobe and bisht with agal and ghutra or shemagh are also acceptable. The formal national dress of any other country is also encouraged and permitted within the Saudi Cup dress code. In addition to formal national dress, military personnel are permitted to wear the official dress uniform of any serving unit. For those attending without formal national dress or military wear, a suit is required, including a jacket and shirt, and wearing a tie recommended, but is optional depending on enclosure.
What should women wear to the Saudi Cup 2027?
Overall, women's attire should adhere to Saudi cultural norms, emphasising modesty - for Saudis and non-Saudis. Suggested examples of permitted dress includes traditional garments such as the Abaya, other iterations and forms of formal national dress and official formal military uniforms are also within the dress code. With a number of fashion focussed moments such as the Glambot and the Walk of Fame section, women are encouraged to embrace fashion
Other Events and Activations at Saudi Cup 2027
Official Merchandise Store
As usual, visitors will be able to pick up a memento of their visit to this year's edition of the Saudi Cup by purchasing some branded and dated merchandise pieces, such as baseball caps, towels and coffee mugs for example. These pieces are exclusively available at the on-site official merchandise store.
Concerts and Live Music
Every year a series of incredible live music performances take place during the Saudi Cup, and this year's edition will be no different. Although the final line up has not been confirmed yet, the official website states that attendees can expect the sounds of "traditional folk performances to contemporary acts and live DJs." This year, "Saheel" is a must-see. This captivating music performance brings to life the enduring legacy of Arabian horses through a blend of contemporary music and timeless stories passed down through generations.
Retail Zone
The Saudi Cup offers a unique shopping experience. Explore a curated selection of artisan gifts, discover the "Designed in Saudi" initiative by The Architecture and Design Commission, and find the perfect souvenir at the official merchandise store.
Family Zone
The Saudi Cup might be most well known as a sporting and social occasion, but it is also a family-friendly event. This safe and exciting area provides children with the opportunity to explore the world of horses and equestrianism through engaging activities. Interactive experiences, including VR, projection mapping, and design workshops, offer a fun and creative learning environment.
The Saudi Cup 2027, February 5 & 6
Gates open at 2pm and venue closes 10.30pm
King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh
@thesaudicup @saudicup.racing
jcsa.sa
Tickets on sale soon
