Qiddiya racecourse build contract awarded to Taj Dhabi

Image: Qiddiya

Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has awarded a near $1.1 billion contract to Taj Dhabi for the construction of a racecourse at Qiddiya entertainment city in Riyadh.

MEED said Taj Dhabi is a local subsidiary of UAE-based Trojan Construction. The company will build the racecourse that will cover 1.3 million square metres and accommodate 70,000 spectators.

The new venue is designed as a national destination for sport, culture, and entertainment, reflecting the Kingdom’s long-standing relationship with horses and its continued investment in world-class sporting infrastructure.

Qiddiya City’s Horse Racing Venue will become the new permanent home of the prestigious Group 1 $20 million Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race, which is currently staged at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.

QIC issued the tender for the construction works in December last year, but formally announced the project only on 10 February. Contractors submitted their bids on 15 February.

At its core, the Qiddiya racecourse will feature a distinctive and flexible racing configuration, designed to support a broad range of international race formats while delivering high-performance conditions for equine athletes and enhanced visibility for spectators.

The venue will include the region’s first straight-mile turf course, alongside a 2,200-metre main turf track and a 2,400-metre inner dirt track, bringing elite racing together within a single integrated environment.

A 21,000-seat grandstand will anchor the venue, with the ability to expand capacity to up to 70,000 guests through event overlays during major race days.

A 110-metre parade ring will place horses and riders at the heart of the spectator experience, offering an immersive setting that highlights the skill, precision, and tradition of the sport.

Equine welfare is a defining priority of the development. A world-class Equine Hospital will provide advanced veterinary services, including diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation, and emergency care, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to the highest standards of horse welfare.

Beyond race days, Qiddiya racecourse is designed to operate as a year-round destination.

It will feature nine fine-dining restaurants curated by Michelin-star chefs, alongside premium hospitality and social spaces that extend the experience beyond the track. A centrepiece of the venue will be a 110-metre central parade ring, located in the middle of the racecourse.

The Qiddiya City horse racing venue is one of several major projects within the greater Qiddiya development.

Other projects include an e-games arena, the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a motorsports track, a performing arts centre, the Dragon Ball and Six Flags theme parks, and Aquarabia.

The project is a key part of Riyadh’s strategy to boost leisure tourism in the kingdom. According to GlobalData, leisure tourism in Saudi Arabia has experienced significant growth in recent years.
 

Qiddiya Projects timeline

 

Phase 1 (2025–2028):

Six Flags Theme Park; Aquarabia Water Park; Speed Track; National Tennis Center; Golf courses; 15 hotels.
 

Phase 2 (2028–2030):

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium; Performing Arts Center; Dragon Ball Park; Esports Arena; a collection of hotels and residences.
 

Final Phase (2030–2034):

Completion of most sports facilities including gyms and swimming facilities; completion of the gaming and esports zone; additional parks and hotels.
 
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