Riyadh’s organised racing developed from earlier gatherings at Malaz, where the royal family watched horses from a nearby hill. As participation grew, the city’s racing headquarters moved to Al Janadriya. The change created a much larger setting for the sport beyond its original urban home.
A turf circuit was added inside the established dirt course in 2019, expanding the kinds of races the venue could stage. The two surfaces should be kept distinct when viewing a map or a race replay. The broader international programme also brought an invitation jockey challenge featuring equal numbers of men and women.
Al Masmak Palace. Explore a historic landmark in central Riyadh for context on the city’s past beyond its modern skyline.
At-Turaif, Diriyah. Make a separate excursion to nearby Diriyah for the UNESCO-listed district and its distinctive earthen architecture.
Riyadh has 7,009,120 residents.
