The third annual Saudi Cup is headed to Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Racecourse from February 25 to 26, 2022, and with $35.1 million up for grabs–and a staggering $20 million in the top race alone–it’s the world’s most valuable race, and the world’s most valuable event by far.
The Saudi Cup 2022 is going to be bigger and better than before, but if you’re looking to head down to the big event and want to experience more than the race, we’ve got you covered.
Wondering where to stay, how to get there, what to wear, where to watch, how to act, and how to stay safe? Find the full guide here.
Get tickets to The Saudi Cup 2022 here.
1. Watch Mishriff race to become the highest-earning racehorse of all time
Group 1 is headlined by the Irish-bred Mishriff, a three-time Group 1 winner and last year’s Saudi Cup champion. if Mishriff is able to win, the horse will surpass Winx to beome the highest-earning race horse of all time–and a second time winner at the Saudi Cup.
2. See men and women jockeys race together in the International Jockeys Challenge
On Friday, watch seven female and seven male jockeys compete as individuals in the Saudi International Handicap, a $500,000 race held for horses trained in IFHA-registered Part II and III racing countries.
3. See the latest from local fashion designers with 100 Saudi Brands
100 Saudi Brands – based on harmonizing the different needs of individuals wishing to build their brands, 100 Saudi Brands is a program for Saudi fashion designers selected to take part in a rigorous year-long, subject matter-expert-curated intervention, led by the international fashion industry’s most experienced experts.
Through the 100 Saudi Brands initiative, local designers will showcase sustainable and inclusive traditional looks, interpreted for modern-day wear. Prepare to be dazzled as you journey through four categories set to be presented at The Saudi Cup: Modest, Ready-To-Wear, Demi-Couture and Premium collections.
4. Witness the story of King Abdulaziz
On arrival through the Royal Entrance, a projection will show the story of King Abdulaziz, who was passionate about horses and introduced several key races to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The show will capture the importance of horses in the lives of kings, with seven horses appearing in succession representing the kings of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
5. Check out the Horse Heritage Museum
This exhibition looks at the history and culture of horse racing and horse breeding in Saudi Arabia with antique pieces and drawings on display from the Museum Commission. A unique piece of pre-historic skeleton antiquity will be presented, showcasing the breeding of horses in Saudi Arabia.
6. Immerse yourself in Saudi’s history through a VR installation
Immersive room – telling the story of The History of Horses in Saudi Arabia in a virtual reality room held in a self-contained space that is customized with embedded portable technology that delivers and enhances a highly immersive multimedia experience. Once inside, individuals can move around with freedom, closely replicating the real world. This exhibition will pull the viewer into the world of horses, enabling them to manipulate and interact with their environment.
7. See the history of horses in cinema
The history of horses in cinema will be the optical simulation which will delight visitors with an awe-inspiring immersive experience.
8. See the seven horses for the Seven Kings of Saudi Arabia
This art installation represents the dynasty of the Seven Kings of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Each horse symbolizes the seven rulers of the Kingdom.
9. Try five regional flavors of Saudi coffee
Year of Saudi Coffee – for centuries, coffee has played a central part in Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted culture and traditions and is interwoven in the Saudi values of hospitality, songs, and poems to the point that it is recognized as a main element of Saudi culture and folk heritage.
Visitors at The Saudi Cup can expect to experience this prominent symbol of Saudi tradition in the dedicated Coffee Lounge which will showcase five regional flavours. Saudi coffee carries a broad cultural meaning that makes it go beyond being a beverage of hospitality to a major cultural element linked to authentic Saudi values.
10. Bring your children to The Saudi cup Kids Zone
An outdoor kids zone will entertain children of all ages with a host of opportunities for children to learn about equestrian related activities and crafts.