See & Do

Saudi Cup 2026: The world's richest horse race returns to Riyadh

The Saudi Cup, one of the most prestigious events in both the horse racing and social calendar, will once again captivate global racing fans as it returns to Riyadh on February 13 & 14, 2026

BY /
27 January 26
Saudi Cup 2026: The world's richest horse race returns to Riyadh

The Saudi Cup, a global spectacle in horse racing, is set to return to Riyadh on February 13 and 14, 2026.

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. 

This year's edition of the Saudi Cup Weekend 2026 sees a prize pot of over US$38 million on offer for 19 horse races. With this in mind, its unsurprising that this event is known within the horse-racing circuit as 'the world's richest horse race'. The most famous and biggest race of the weekend, aptly named The Saudi Cup will take place on Saturday February 14, and it will be during this race where a whopping US$20 million is on the line to be won.

Saudi Cup Riyadh Horse Racing 3

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 2026

Tickets for the Saudi Cup 2026 are available to purchase online via the official ticketing platform, WeBook.com. Three different levels of tickets are available to purchase: General Admission, Al Thuraya Trackside Restaurant and Al Thuraya Private Suites. And, if you book now you can save up to 24% on full ticket price.

General Admission:

For Adults: Single day tickets from SAR 225 pp, SAR 295 pp
For Children Under 12: Single day tickets from SAR 112 pp, Weekend tickets from SAR 149 pp.
General Admission Includes: Free parking. Access to trackside and parade ring views, in addition to Grandstand seating. Access to restaurants, cafes and food stalls. Access to the free family entertainment.

Book your GA tickets here

Al Thuraya Trackside Restaurant: 

Single day packages are also available

Full Package from SAR 16,000
Indoor Table for 4 people (2 day package)– SAR 4000 pp
Outdoor Table for 4 people (2 day package) – SAR 4500 pp

Al Thuraya Trackside Restaurant Tickets Includes: Free parking. Reserved table (indoor or outdoor terrace), and Buffet. Viewing balcony with trackside views. Full wait service. Complimentary teas, coffees, juices and soft drinks

Book your Thuraya Restaurant tickets here

Al Thuraya Private Suite 203:

From SAR 339,250

For those seeking a more discreet vantage point, the AlThuraya Private Suites offer an exceptional way to witness the Saudi Cup 2026. Combining world-class hospitality with a focus on guest privacy, these suites provide a sophisticated backdrop to the high-stakes drama of the world’s most lucrative racing weekend.

This two-day Private Suites bundle includes access to; a private suite with premium views of the racecourse, an elevate hospitality experience in a luxury setting, and access to both the opening night and Saudi Cup night.

Al Thuraya Private Suites Includes: Tickets for up to 35 guest. International buffet menu and complimentary teas, coffee, fresh juices and soft drinks. Private indoor suite, and outdoor viewing terrace with seating, complete with flat screen TVs and in-suite full wait service. Private parking close to private suite. Access to all General Admission areas. 

Book the Thuraya Private Suite here

Dress Code for Saudi Cup 2026

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. You can view the official fashion guide for the Saudi Cup, designed by Dr Laila Albassam right here. 

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.

Casual wear, jeans, t-shirts and shorts are not permitted for either gender. In addition to these casual items, promotional or overly branded items of clothing are not permitted at the Saudi Cup 2026.

What should men wear to the Saudi Cup 2026?

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 2026?

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 2026

'Kings and Equestrian' Heritage Exhibition

The exhibition honours the storied connection between Saudi Arabia’s kings and their equine companions, showcasing the horse as a central pillar of the Kingdom's cultural identity. Through a rare assembly of historical photographs and vintage newspapers, visitors can journey through a century of heritage to discover an equestrian tradition that remains as vibrant today as it was in the past.

Walk of Fame

The Walk of Fame serves as a polished bridge between tradition and modernity, heritage-inspired motifs will be showcased against a contemporary glass-and-mirror finish. This reflective design expands the walkway’s dimensions, while precision lighting accentuates its intricate craftsmanship. Guests are invited to pause at dedicated photographic points, designed to frame moments within this immersive and culturally resonant setting.

100 Saudi Brands Exhibition

Celebrating the breadth of local talent, the 100 Saudi Brands Exhibition provides a high-profile platform for a hundred of the nation’s most distinguished designers. This diverse collective represents the future of Saudi luxury, encompassing everything from artisanal footwear and handbags to bespoke beauty and fine jewellery.

Official Merchandise Store

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.

Glambot

Enhancing the guest experience, Glambot, the popular robotic camera, will make a return, capturing memorable digital photos for guests to cherish and post on their social media feeds. 

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 2026, February 13 & 14
Gates open at 2pm and venue closes 10.30pm
King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh
@thesaudicup @saudicup.racing
jcsa.sa