Qiddiya Racecourse Project has moved into its construction phase after Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) awarded an estimated SR4.3 billion ($1.1 billion) main construction contract. The award marks another milestone for Qiddiya City, one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship giga developments. Moreover, it reinforces the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objective of expanding world-class tourism, sports and entertainment infrastructure while creating a permanent venue for international horse racing.
QIC awarded the contract to Taj Dhabi, the Saudi subsidiary of UAE-based Trojan Construction. The contractor will deliver a purpose-built racecourse covering 1.3 million square metres on the outskirts of Riyadh. Once complete, the venue will accommodate up to 70,000 spectators during major race meetings, making it one of the region’s largest equestrian facilities.
The award also adds momentum to the broader Qiddiya City construction programme. Several landmark projects already remain under development across the destination, positioning the city as a future global hub for sports, entertainment and cultural experiences.
Qiddiya Racecourse Project introduces world-class equestrian facilities
The Qiddiya Racecourse Project will feature the Middle East’s first straight-mile turf course. In addition, the venue will include a 2.2-kilometre main turf track and a 2.4-kilometre inner dirt track designed to meet international racing standards. These facilities will enable the destination to host elite horse racing events while supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitions within the global equestrian industry.
A permanent 21,000-seat grandstand will anchor the development. However, event overlays will expand the venue’s capacity to 70,000 spectators during major racing festivals. Consequently, the racecourse will accommodate both regular competitions and large international events.
The project will also include a 110-metre central parade ring positioned at the heart of the venue. This feature will provide spectators with clear views of horses before races while creating a focal point for visitors throughout the event experience.
Furthermore, developers have incorporated an advanced equine hospital into the project. The facility will provide diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation and emergency veterinary care. As a result, the racecourse will support horse welfare while strengthening Saudi Arabia’s equestrian infrastructure.
QIC formally announced the racecourse project in February after issuing the construction tender in December last year. Contractors submitted bids shortly after the announcement before QIC completed the evaluation process and selected the successful contractor.
Also read: $1bn King Fahd City Stadium Project, Populous Reveals New Look of the Saudi 2034 World Cup Venue
Qiddiya Racecourse Project supports Saudi tourism construction
The Qiddiya Racecourse Project forms part of the wider Qiddiya City masterplan, which continues to transform the outskirts of Riyadh into a major entertainment destination. The development joins several flagship projects already under construction, including the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a motorsports circuit, an e-games arena, a performing arts centre, Dragon Ball Theme Park, Six Flags Qiddiya and Aquarabia Water Theme Park.
Together, these developments aim to establish Qiddiya City as one of the world’s leading destinations for leisure and entertainment. Therefore, the racecourse strengthens the city’s ability to attract international sporting events while supporting year-round tourism.
Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in tourism infrastructure under Vision 2030. The government seeks to diversify the national economy by increasing visitor numbers and expanding non-oil industries. Consequently, large-scale developments such as Qiddiya City remain central to achieving those objectives.
According to GlobalData, Saudi Arabia’s leisure tourism sector has recorded strong growth in recent years. The expansion has encouraged continued investment in hospitality, transport and entertainment infrastructure. The new racecourse will complement these investments while creating additional opportunities for international events, private investment and employment.
With the main construction contract now awarded, site works can begin on one of the Kingdom’s most significant equestrian developments. Once complete, the venue will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position within international horse racing while adding another landmark attraction to the rapidly expanding Qiddiya City.
The contract award also reflects Saudi Arabia’s wider investment in sports infrastructure ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Alongside new venues, the Kingdom is upgrading existing stadiums to meet FIFA requirements. One such project is the 62,000-seater King Abdullah Sports City Stadium renovation, which will modernise one of Jeddah’s flagship venues as part of the tournament preparations.
Also read: NEOM Sky Stadium, $1 Billion Saudi 2034 World Cup Project, Advances as Planning Continues
Project fact sheet
Project: Qiddiya Racecourse Project
Location: Qiddiya City, outskirts of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Project value: SR4.3 billion (approximately $1.1 billion)
Project type: Horse racing and equestrian venue
Client: Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC)
Construction contractor: Taj Dhabi, a subsidiary of Trojan Construction
Site area: 1.3 million square metres
Main turf track: 2.2 kilometres
Inner dirt track: 2.4 kilometres
Special feature: Middle East’s first straight-mile turf course
Grandstand capacity: 21,000 seats
Maximum event capacity: 70,000 spectators
Key facilities: Central parade ring, equine hospital, hospitality areas, spectator amenities and supporting infrastructure
Purpose: International horse racing and major entertainment events
Current status: Main construction contract awarded
Project team
Project owner: Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC)
Master developer: Qiddiya Investment Company
Funding entity: Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Client: Qiddiya Investment Company
Main contractor: Taj Dhabi
Parent company of contractor: Trojan Construction (UAE)
Project location: Qiddiya City, Riyadh
Strategic stakeholder: Saudi Vision 2030 programme
Supporting sector: Saudi tourism and entertainment industry
Future users: International racing organizations, horse owners, trainers, spectators and tourists
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