Tomorrow, equestrian enthusiasts will turn their attention to AlUla Governorate, where the Equestrian Village in the Al-Mu'tadil area will host the Ministry of Sports Cup and the Youth and Junior Cup endurance races. The 100-kilometer race will feature a large field of approximately 190 riders representing elite athletes from around the world, as part of the AlUla Equestrian Season (2025-2026). This event is organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate in strategic partnership with the Saudi Equestrian Federation, reflecting the growing interest in developing this time-honored sport.
The organizing committee has finalized all technical and logistical preparations, including thorough veterinary examinations of the participating horses yesterday to ensure their health and readiness for the challenge. In addition to the two main races, the event will feature an international 120-kilometer race, as well as two local qualifying races of 40 and 80 kilometers. This provides an opportunity for diverse categories and skill levels of riders to participate, fostering a spirit of competition and developing national talent in this demanding sport.
AlUla's hosting of these championships holds special significance that transcends the purely sporting aspect. With its unique desert environment and diverse terrain, ranging from mountains to sand dunes, AlUla provides an ideal arena and a true test of the endurance of both horses and riders. These events align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to bolster the sports and tourism sectors. International championships contribute to highlighting the Kingdom's cultural and historical heritage and solidify AlUla's position as a world-class tourist and sporting destination, capable of attracting visitors and athletes from around the globe.
These two races are considered the final and most important preparatory stage before the start of the world's largest endurance racing event, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup, scheduled for next February. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup is the world's richest endurance race in terms of prize money and prestige, and its previous editions have achieved remarkable success. The 2025 edition set a record with the participation of 63 countries, the highest number in the history of this sport internationally, confirming global confidence in the organizational capabilities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
