The King Abdullah Foundation Equestrian Award kicks off with prizes exceeding 3 million
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to host a major sporting and social event this coming Friday, as the King Abdullah International Foundation for Humanitarian Work, in strategic partnership with the Jockey Club, organizes the second edition of the "King Abdullah International Foundation for Humanitarian Work Horse Award." The King Abdulaziz Equestrian Field in Janadriyah will host this highly anticipated competition, which boasts substantial prize money exceeding 3 million Saudi Riyals, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's significant commitment to developing and elevating the equestrian sector to international standards.
This award is a continuation of the rich legacy left by the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, may God have mercy on him, who was known for his great passion for purebred Arabian horses and his constant commitment to preserving this cultural and civilizational heritage. This edition is particularly significant given the comprehensive development of equestrian sports in the Kingdom, as the award primarily aims to support and honor local owners, trainers, and jockeys, and to motivate them to deliver their best performances, thus contributing to enhancing the quality of Saudi Arabian horses and their ability to compete in international arenas.
In a related context, this event is an integral part of the Kingdom's broader sporting movement, aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading global destination for various sports, particularly equestrianism, an inseparable part of the national identity. Such championships contribute to boosting tourism and the economy, and draw attention to the significant development of Saudi Arabia's sports infrastructure, thus complementing the successes achieved by other international championships recently hosted by the Kingdom, such as the Saudi Cup.
To add a distinctive social and entertainment dimension to the event, the organizing committee announced a substantial prize pool for the audience attending the races. This initiative aims to enhance the spectator experience and establish the race as a comprehensive entertainment destination for families. The prizes include 10 brand-new cars, 200 Umrah pilgrimage tickets, and 200 tickets to the Qiddiya theme park (Six Flags), along with numerous other valuable prizes to be awarded through interactive competitions held alongside the races.
Through this event, the King Abdullah International Foundation for Humanitarian Work is keen to integrate the humanitarian message with the sporting activity, as interactive and recreational areas have been allocated that provide a fun family atmosphere, which reinforces the concept of horse racing as a social event that combines the authenticity of the past with the spirit of renewal, and promotes the noble values associated with the sport of fathers and grandfathers.
