Tuesday 10 February, 2026 – Equestrian sport projects and the wider impact they have on investment in tourism facilities and infrastructure development are a driving force behind the diversifying economy targeted by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions, the Asian Racing Conference heard on Tuesday.
Sport has long been at the core of Saudi Arabia’s vision to be a global powerhouse with significant investments in golf, tennis and football but the country’s love of horse racing means it is seen as a central driver of many projects maturing across the Kingdom.
The topic was covered during a panel session at the 41st Asian Racing Conference in Riyadh, organised by the Asian Racing Federation and hosted by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.
On the day it was confirmed that a new racetrack will be constructed at Qiddiya just outside of the capital, it was clear that horses not only play a key part in Saudi communities but also as a driver of wider economic development.
Panellist Mr Tim Hadaway, Equestrian Development Executive Director, Sports Sector, AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said the horse was at the heart of much of their strategic thinking at a venue which will host an FEI World Championship event later this year.
“The horse is really one of the key strategic pillars of the project, part of Vision 2030 to drive economic development and diversity as well as the development of tourism, to showcase this part of the Kingdom to the world,” he said.
He welcomed the increasing collaboration between the various horse racing projects in the Kingdom, building an ecosystem which will drive each other to a position where world-class horse racing events will be staged there.
“We’re working together, looking at what the ecosystem needs across the Kingdom, to find that really strong infrastructure, that really strong development, that our company is going to see and helps the Kingdom succeed on the international stage.”
Mr Tony Partridge, Executive Director, Sports and Wellness, Diriyah Company, detailed the extraordinary plans at the venue, including the Royal Polo and Equestrian Club, which will be completed the end of this year with two international sized polo fields, four outdoor arenas, an indoor arena, 260 stables, and a 1000-metre training track.
“Our contribution to Vision 2030, is by being a single national heritage and also our impact on tourism. We’re looking to attract 50 million annual visits, that’s a huge contribution.”
Mr Marc Hewett, Executive Director, Head of Racecourse, Qiddiya Investment Company, was delighted to announce plans of the new racetrack on the site, which was part of a wider ecosystem.
“Creating economic stability and economic rights, increasing equity, increasing demand, job creation, sustainability, targets and improving that infrastructure - these developments were all based around core, residential, education, sport, and retail projects. We’re embracing the power of play, new residents and social communities, 500,000 residents, 200,000 jobs, tourism, hospitality, education, sports and entertainment,” he said.
Mr Tony Matthews, Chief Delivery Officer, Sports Boulevard Foundation, gave an overview of how play and activity were at the heart of building communities and putting sports front and centre in wider development projects.
“This isn’t about grandstanding. Riyadh is a very busy place, with a green belt we can bring families to equestrian, cycling, other sports. It is unique. We are a spine running west to east, right through the city. Regenerating an existing utility corridor with an incredible park, which provides a lot of sporting provisions to the communities into the city. Part of that is embracing the community needs as we develop progressively.”
