Asian Racing Conference in Riyadh hears about host of new equine projects
Panel Discussion - Saudi Vision 2030: Giga-Projects and Transformative Role Of Equestrianism and Sports 41st Asian Racing Conference, Riyadh. Credit: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia
Tuesday 10 February, 2026 - Leaders of Vision 2030 projects across Saudi Arabia told delegates at the 41st Asian Racing Conference (ARC) that equestrianism and other sports are having a crucial impact on wider economic development and investment in the country.
Sport has long been at the core of Saudi Arabia’s vision with significant investments in golf, tennis and football but the country’s love of horseracing 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 ARC 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 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 welcomed the increasing collaboration between the various horseracing projects in The Kingdom, building an ecosystem which will drive each other to a position where world-class horseracing events will be staged there.
“We're working together, looking at what the ecosystem needs across The Kingdom, and 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.”
Marc Hewett, Executive Director, Head of Racecourse, Qiddiya Investment Company, was delighted to be able announce plans of the new racecourse on the site a venue that will become the future home of The Saudi Cup.
“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.”
For more information about the Asian Racing Conference please go to the website here.
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About Asian Racing Conference
The Asian Racing Conference (ARC) is a meeting of decision makers and leaders from the horseracing industry, organised by the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and hosted by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia from February . The 41st staging of ARC is hosted by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) and takes place from February 9-14, 2026 in Riyadh. The conference brings together key stakeholders from the racing industry and includes a three-day sector-focused business programme. The Asian Racing Federation (ARF) is a regional body comprising 28 national racing authorities and racing-related organisations from across Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East. The JCSA was established in 1965 and is tasked with the organisation, development and promotion of Saudi Arabian horse racing at domestic and international level
