Saudi Cup Weekend is one of Riyadh’s most international-feeling weekends in February. Two nights where elite racing, global jockeys, high fashion, and live entertainment come together at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. Branded around the idea that “The World Awaits,” it’s built to feel bigger than a typical race meet.
This isn’t a race you simply watch and leave. It’s a full-scale night out shaped by sport, style, and atmosphere, drawing racing fans, social crowds, and visitors looking for a premium winter event in the capital.
What is the Saudi Cup?
The Saudi Cup is one of the world’s premier horse racing events, hosted annually in Riyadh and known for drawing international attention, elite horses, and top jockeys. But the reason it’s become a must-attend Riyadh weekend isn’t only the racing. Saudi Cup Weekend has built a reputation as an event where sport and spectacle run side by side. High-level races on the track, and a high-energy social scene off it.
When and Where is the Saudi Cup 2026?
Saudi Cup 2026 takes place at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh across Friday–Saturday, Feb 13–14, 2026. The weekend is split into two headline nights: Opening Night on Friday, Feb 13, followed by Saudi Cup Race Night on Saturday, Feb 14.
What Happens Across the Two Days?
Friday, Feb 13: Opening Night
Opening Night sets the tone for Saudi Cup weekend with eight top-class races at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. The headline moment is the International Jockey Challenge, featuring 14 of the world’s leading riders, seven men and seven women, competing for the trophy across four races.
Key races on the card include the Saudia Sarawat Cup over 1200m, alongside the Group 1 Ministry of Culture Al Mneefah Cup with a $1.5m purse. Beyond the track, the night is known as Riyadh’s most polished social occasion of the season, blending entertainment, cuisine, fashion, and cultural experiences into one ticketed experience.
Saturday, Feb 14: Saudi Cup Race Night
Saudi Cup Race Night is built around the main attraction: the US$20 million Saudi Cup, widely billed as the world’s richest race. It’s the Kingdom’s flagship racing date, drawing elite thoroughbreds and leading jockeys from across the globe for a full card that includes eight additional races, among them the Group 1 Howden Neom Turf Cup.
Beyond the track, the evening is also known for its social and cultural pull, Riyadh’s standout night of style and celebration, with entertainment, cuisine, fashion, and cultural experiences included as part of the ticket.
What to Expect as a Visitor
1) Traditional Performing Arts
Across the Obaiya Enclosure and main stage, roaming performances highlight the diversity of Saudi traditional arts bringing live rhythm, movement, and heritage into the heart of the race-day atmosphere.
2) “Kings and Equestrian” Heritage Exhibition
A heritage showcase exploring the Kingdom’s deep connection to horsemanship, featuring historical photographs, rare artifacts, and vintage newspapers that trace Saudi equestrian legacy across generations.
3) Walk of Fame
A visually immersive walkway designed for photos and memorable moments blending modern styling with heritage-inspired architectural details, mirrors, and dramatic lighting that make the experience feel cinematic.
4) 100 Saudi Brands Exhibition
An initiative by the Fashion Commission spotlighting Saudi fashion and accessory brands across categories like couture, ready-to-wear, bridal, jewelry, handbags, fragrances, and beauty, turning the weekend into a style destination, not just a race night.
5) Roving Entertainment
Surprise performances and interactive entertainers move throughout the venue, adding energy and culture across the grounds and keeping the experience lively between races.
6) Family Zone
A dedicated space for children and families with hands-on activities inspired by horses and equestrian life, including interactive workshops and experiences like VR, projection mapping, photography, and design.
7) Glambot
The high-impact robotic camera experience returns, capturing ultra-slow-motion videos as a premium digital keepsake for guests who want that “red carpet” moment.
8) The Cultural Pavilion
A refined cultural space that blends Saudi identity with contemporary hospitality, featuring a local café, comfortable seating, handicrafts, and a musical stage celebrating Saudi creativity within the weekend’s social scene.
9) The Year of Handicrafts
A Ministry of Culture activation celebrating the Year of Handicrafts 2025, with design inspired by the Al-Ahsa Jar, live craft demonstrations, and an artisan-focused experience that elevates Saudi craftsmanship on an international stage.
What to Wear
Saudi Cup is a dressed-up occasion, and guests are encouraged to look their best while celebrating Saudi culture through outfits inspired by traditional heritage styles from across the Kingdom.
- For men, permitted options include daglah or sayah with agal and ghutra/shemagh, thobe with bisht, a suit (tie optional), or formal national dress/uniform.
- For women, permitted looks include an abaya inspired by traditional Saudi fashion, kept modest in fabric and length, as well as formal national dress/uniform or a suit with a jacket.
- What’s not permitted for both men and women is casual attire such as jeans, t-shirts, and shorts, as well as promotional items.
The official dress code is presented in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, with guidance developed with Saudi heritage fashion expert Dr. Laila Albassam.
1. Arrive early so you can explore the venue and find your best viewing spots.
2. Spend time at the Parade Ring to feel the race atmosphere up close (it’s included in GA access).
3. Go with a plan. Friday for the build-up and style; Saturday for the headline race night.
4. Dress elevated. This is one of Riyadh’s most photographed weekends.
The Final Word
Saudi Cup 2026 runs Feb 13–14 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. Two nights where the racing is elite, the crowd is dressed, and the city feels like it’s hosting the world.