RIYADH: Arabian horses have coexisted with Bedouins for centuries, being born and bred among them. They have developed the resilience and endurance necessary to thrive in harsh desert climates, similar to their masters.
The horses have long been a symbol of power and freedom in Arab history, often associated with the idea of wingless flight. Today, they serve as a connection between Saudi culture and the rest of the world.
The equestrian Saudi Cup has emerged as a prominent annual event that pulls in both locals, and visitors from around the globe, showcasing the diverse heritage of the Kingdom.
Launched in February 2020 by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, it has quickly gained recognition as the race with the highest prize money in the sport, at $35.35 million. The annual two-day event presents top-tier domestic and international horse racing, featuring 16 races in which competitors vie for a share of the prize pot.
Following the opening of Saudi Arabia’s doors to tourists in late 2019, the highly lucrative Saudi Cup has become a key attraction for both visitors and horse-racing enthusiasts.
The event draws the finest jockeys, racehorses, trainers, and owners from around the world and crowds flock to Riyadh to witness the sporting and social experience.
And the Saudi Cup is more than just a horse race; it serves as a platform to showcase Saudi culture and heritage. It provides an opportunity for equestrians to highlight the rich traditions and customs of the country, allowing both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the multifaceted heritage of Saudi Arabia.
The Cultural Village is the perfect place to see and be seen. Visitors, celebrities, and influencers alike arrive at the gates in their glamor outfits, prepared to make a grand entrance on the red carpet at the Walk of Fame. Each proudly displays their unique cultural heritage, whether it be through the intricate details of their attire or the careful selection of their designer.
The Saudi Cup includes a Saudi 100 Brands exhibition, curated by the country’s Fashion Commission, providing a glimpse into the cutting-edge world of Saudi fashion.
The collection displays the work of participants from the Saudi 100 Brands program, incorporating innovative cultural elements such as contemporary interpretations of traditional Sadu weavings and wearable representations of city skylines.
The pieces not only tell the tales of the past but also resonate with the promise of a brighter future.
The culture-centric event also offers installations at the Oasis Gallery, an in-depth exploration of Saudi landscapes and architecture at the Saudi House and Cultural Corridor, and music and dance performances on the main stage.
“The rush that you get when you are standing at the finish line and you hear the horses go by is positively addictive … I don’t think there is anything that I will ever be prouder of, than having been part of the Saudi Cup during the past few years and seeing it grow,” according to Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, special adviser to the chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, and director of the Saudi Cup.
“It’s an opportunity to frame and invite people in to participate, experience, and to also remind the younger generations here of who we are, and what we are, and what we represent. Horse racing and sports in general, I feel, are aspirational in terms of the values that they imbue to a younger generation, and really giving (them) that sense of ownership and pride.”
“This is all part of an ongoing story. If you look at what’s been happening in Saudi (Arabia) from the end of 2019, the Saudi Cup is like a little microcosm in the way it’s grown and the way it reflects what’s been happening, and in the international interest in the participants. We’re very proud that it’s a truly international event,” Princess Nourah said.
“If you look outside of Saudi (Arabia), at Royal Ascot as a prime example, with the hats and everything, fashion has always been part of the equestrian world events in celebration of those two days. It’s always been there, maybe not in the heritage fashion that we kind of promoted right at the beginning, but I think that’s also because it’s very much part of our culture, so it was important to establish that as the base point.”
