The Asian Racing Conference, Qiddiya, and Compelling Speakers

The 41st edition of the event held its opening day this Tuesday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Riyadh

One of the panels that shaped the inaugural day of the Asian Racing Conference / JCSA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Special for Turf Diario).— Within the framework of the 41st Asian Racing Conference (ARC), held in Riyadh and organized by the Asian Racing Federation together with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, the leaders of the main Vision 2030 projects delivered a powerful message: sports—and especially the equestrian world—have become a key engine for the Kingdom’s economic and social development.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in disciplines such as golf, tennis, and football in recent years, but the deep-rooted cultural connection to the horse in the national identity positions racing as a central pillar within the economic diversification strategy promoted by the government.

The topic was addressed in a high-level panel, coinciding with the official announcement of the construction of a new racecourse in Qiddiya, just a few kilometers from the capital—a project destined to become the future home of the Saudi Cup, the world’s richest race.

One of the speakers, Tim Hadaway, Executive Director of Equestrian Development for the sports sector in AlUla, highlighted the horse's strategic dimension within the national plan:

“The horse is one of the fundamental pillars of our project. It is part of Vision 2030 to drive economic development and diversification, in addition to strengthening tourism and showcasing this region of the Kingdom to the world.”

AlUla will host an FEI World Championship event this year, reflecting the growth of the equestrian sector in the country. Hadaway also emphasized the increasing collaboration between various Saudi equine initiatives, aiming to consolidate a comprehensive ecosystem that enhances infrastructure and allows for the hosting of world-class competitions.

“We are working together to understand what the ecosystem needs across the Kingdom, building a solid infrastructure and strong development that allows Saudi Arabia to position itself on the international stage,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Marc Hewett, Executive Director and Head of Racecourses for Qiddiya Investment Company, confirmed the plans for the new racing complex, which will be one of the country’s great sporting landmarks.

“We are creating economic stability, generating employment, fostering investment, and developing modern infrastructure. Qiddiya will integrate residential areas, education, sport, and commerce into a sustainable model. We are talking about 500,000 residents, 200,000 jobs, and a strong boost to tourism, hospitality, and entertainment,” he explained.

The integration of turf within this framework is no coincidence. In a nation where equestrian tradition is part of its historical and cultural identity, racing represents not only spectacle and competition but also a strategic platform to attract foreign investment, promote the tourism industry, and project a modern and dynamic image of the Kingdom.

In a context of accelerated transformation, Saudi racing is moving beyond being solely an elite sport to become a structural tool for economic development. And with projects like the new Qiddiya racecourse and the global positioning of the Saudi Cup, the horse reaffirms its role as a protagonist in the country’s new era.