The Prince Sultan International Arabian Horse Festival 2026 kicks off in Riyadh
The eyes of equestrian enthusiasts and lovers of heritage around the world are turning to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, specifically to Al-Khalidiyah Farm, where the Arabian Horse Beauty Championship will take place as part of the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Arabian Horse Festival (Title Show). This major international event is scheduled to be held from January 28th to 31st, 2026, making it the most prominent and anticipated event on the global calendar of Arabian horse beauty competitions.
This festival holds exceptional significance, transcending its status as a mere sporting competition. It represents a rich cultural and civilizational legacy established by the late Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, who played a pioneering role in preserving and protecting purebred Arabian horses from extinction. This edition reaffirms this commitment, generously supported by the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation. Over the years, the festival has transformed into an international platform that unites East and West, celebrating the beauty of the Arabian horse, a symbol of pride and dignity in Arab and Islamic culture.
The event will witness wide participation, bringing together elite stables, owners, and breeders from 25 different countries, reflecting the festival's international significance. Approximately 390 of the finest horses, many of which have won international titles, are expected to compete in the shows, judged by prestigious international panels applying the highest standards of integrity and transparency, as approved by the European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO), and under the auspices and supervision of the King Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Center.
In preparation for the event, the festival's general manager, Salah Al-Ali, confirmed that all technical and logistical arrangements at Al-Khalidiyah Farm were complete. He noted that work had proceeded at full speed to provide an ideal environment that ensures the comfort and safety of the horses, in addition to preparing the grandstands and facilities to welcome visitors and horse enthusiasts. This was all done under the direct guidance of the patron of Arabian horses, Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Festival's Board of Directors, and with close oversight from Prince Fahd bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the festival's general supervisor.
On the economic and tourism front, the festival plays a pivotal role in boosting events tourism in the Kingdom, attracting thousands of visitors and enthusiasts from both within Saudi Arabia and abroad. This contributes to strengthening the economic activity associated with equestrian sports and related equipment. The event also enjoys extensive media coverage and live television broadcasts reaching most Arab countries, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global destination for organizing major events specializing in Arabian horses.
The championship competitions will continue for four consecutive days, starting daily from 3 pm, amidst a competitive and enthusiastic atmosphere that reflects the richness of history and the beauty of the present, to reaffirm that the Arabian horse will remain an icon of beauty and a message of peace and culture that transcends borders.
