Popular traditional sports
Horse Racing. Horse racing has been popular in Saudi Arabia for centuries, and today the Audi Cup attracts thousands of spectators to the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.
Camel racing. These races are also extremely popular and many festivals featuring hundreds of races (Crown Prince Dromedary Festival, King Abdulaziz) are held in the country.
Falconry. The art of falconry is a tradition deeply rooted in the local culture for thousands of years and for the wealthy classes owning a falcon is a real pride.
Major sports events
Formula 1. Like its Qatari neighbor, Saudi Arabia has started to organize major sporting events. Since 2021, the Jeddah urban car circuit has been hosting one of the stages of the Formula 1 world championship. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place at night on the corniche and saw Lewis Hamilton win in 2021 and Max Verstappen in 2022. By 2023, this circuit should be replaced by a more conventional circuit located in the new city of Qiddiya.
Dakar. Still in motorsport, the Kingdom hosts since 2020 the legendary Dakar Rally. After three editions that started in Jeddah, the rally-raid will start in 2023 from the Red Sea, crossing the country from west to east, before crossing the finish line in Dammam.
Tennis. In tennis, Saudi Arabia launched the Diriyah Tennis Cup in 2019, before a second edition of this exhibition tournament in December 2022, which brought together many stars of the small yellow ball, such as Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Stanislas Wawrinka or Nick Kyrgios. A tournament that served as preparation for the 2023 season for many players, who were also able to significantly increase their respective bank accounts.
Golf. In golf, Saudi Arabia launched the LIV Golf Invitational Series in the summer of 2022, a breakaway league from the PGA Tour that has attracted golf legend Phil Mickelson.
Cycling. Since 2020, the country has also hosted a category 2.1 race on the UCI Asia Tour calendar.
Asian Winter Games. Also of note, Saudi Arabia will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Neom in the mountainous desert northwest of the country. Located 50 km from the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, Trojena, to be completed in 2026, will include year-round ski slopes with altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,600 m.
Soccer. Finally, although it is not a sporting event per se, the Kingdom has recently become involved in European soccer. Through a consortium, it has bought the legendary English club Newcastle United in 2021. It is determined to put the necessary financial resources to restore the reputation of a club that is currently languishing at the bottom of the Premier League. As for local soccer, the Saudi national team has qualified for the World Cup 6 times between 1998 and 2022. Although they never made it past the group stage, they made a name for themselves at the 2022 edition in Qatar by beating the eventual winners, Argentina, in their first match. A historic feat that prompted the king to declare a holiday the day after the match. And new thunderclap on December 30, 2022, when the superstar Cristiano Ronaldo announced his arrival in the Saudi club of Al-Nassr. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner chose Riyadh to take on the last challenge of his immense career.
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(entdossierthemarub)18666:texteBetween desert and mountains, a huge playground
Quad - Buggy. Thrill seekers and big bike enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in the Saudi desert. Especially around the oasis of Al-Ula, where you can go for a ride on the sandstone mountains and slalom between the dunes. It is also possible to make your engine roar in the surroundings of Riyadh, like in the Thumamah National Park or around the city of Al-Muzahmiya for example in the red sand dunes.
MOUNTAIN BIKING. For less noisy but just as sporty rides, there is also a 14 km trail in Al-Ula and a bike park suitable for all levels. There are also good possibilities around Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca or Dammam.
Hiking. Once again, the canyons and mountains of Al-Ula offer a superb setting for walkers (or horseback riders for that matter), whether they are beginners or experienced. Not to be missed is the Al Madakhil hiking trail that winds through rugged landscapes of varied volcanic rocks and ancient basalt flows. Near Riyadh, the Camel Trail offers to hike along a cliff and offers a splendid panorama, worthy of Monument Valley in the USA.
Seen from the sky. Finally, what better way to discover Al-Ula, its mountains, its archaeological sites and its oasis, than by taking a helicopter flight. Breathtaking and unforgettable! If you don't have the means, you will find a via ferrata that will allow you to enjoy the splendid landscapes from above and a zip line for a 120 km/h peak in the Harrat massif.
