Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud - may God protect him - the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the world's largest equestrian event, as the seventh edition of the "Saudi Cup 2026" will take place on Friday and Saturday, February 13 and 14, 2026. This event is a landmark in the history of international horse racing, as it brings together elite horses, trainers and jockeys from different continents to compete for prize money that is considered the most valuable in the world.
Royal care and unlimited support
On this auspicious occasion, His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Khalid bin Faisal, Advisor at the Royal Court, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Equestrian Authority, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Jockey Club, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques – Honorary President of the Jockey Club – and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect them both. His Highness affirmed that this generous and continuous support has been the cornerstone that enabled the Saudi Cup to rise to prominence on the international sporting scene in record time, becoming a premier event on the global racing calendar.
More than just a race: a cultural and civilizational event
Speaking about the importance of the event, Prince Bandar bin Khalid noted that the Saudi Cup has transcended the concept of traditional sporting competition to become a comprehensive platform reflecting Saudi heritage and culture. He explained that the accompanying events include diverse cultural and commercial elements, with a particular focus on heritage-inspired fashion, folk arts, and handicrafts. These activities serve as a tourist attraction and showcase the Kingdom's rich history and geographical and cultural diversity, offering visitors a complete experience that blends the excitement of racing with the allure of history.
The Saudi Cup and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This championship holds strategic importance that extends beyond the racetrack, aligning perfectly with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, spearheaded by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Since its inception, the Saudi Cup has contributed to strengthening the Kingdom's position as a global hub for major sporting events and has stimulated the tourism, entertainment, and economic sectors. The continuous improvement in race classifications and the growing international recognition of the race reflect the success of the Jockey Club's strategic plans to elevate the standards of quality and organization to match and surpass the most prestigious international races.
Global anticipation and elite participation
The upcoming 2026 edition is highly anticipated by the international equestrian community, as winning this cup has become a coveted dream for top owners and trainers worldwide. His Highness, the Chairman of the Board, praised the overwhelming response to registration and participation, affirming that this year's edition will embody inspiration and success, presenting the world with a unique Saudi model of organization and leadership, thus reinforcing global confidence in the Kingdom's ability to host and successfully execute major events with distinction.
