Horse Racing Returns to Riyadh with Opening Weekend

Horse racing is set to return to the Saudi capital with a two-day Opening Weekend Race Night programme at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, scheduled for Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October 2026. The weekend marks the start of a new racing calendar that will keep the track active for months.

The full Riyadh Racing Season runs from 16 October 2026 to 17 April 2027, featuring 50 race meetings and a total of 569 races. General admission for regular season meetings starts from SAR 15, while a season pass priced from SAR 990 covers all 50 race nights, including the headline Saudi Cup.

The Saudi Cup two-day programme is scheduled for Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February 2026. General admission for the Saudi Cup weekend ranges from SAR 225 to SAR 295, with tickets for children under 12 priced at SAR 112. Identification may be requested to verify a child's age.

What's included

Admission gives visitors access to trackside and Parade Ring views, outdoor Grandstand seating, restaurants and cafés, family entertainment, and free parking — making the race nights an accessible outing for residents and families across the city.

Tickets are available through the official Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and authorised event-ticketing channels. Hospitality enquiries are handled at hospitality@jcsa.sa. With affordable entry prices and a packed schedule of 50 meetings, the season offers residents and expats in Riyadh another regular weekend option throughout the cooler months.

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