- The event will see top international riders compete in Al-Diriyah
- New Saudi tourism visas will allow equestrian fans to attend the competition
Saudi Arabia’s national team is set to compete at the Diriyah Equestrian Festival, which will be held northwest of Riyadh in the UNESCO protected area of Al-Diriyah.
The competition will be held between Dec. 12 and 14 and again on from Dec. 19 to 21 at the Al-Duhami Farm, the General Sports Authority announced on Wednesday.
The six-day event will see Saudi Arabia’s leading equestrian and show-jumping athletes compete for their place among the world’s top international riders.
Points scored during the competition will count towards qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
This event is part of the month-long Diriyah Season, a festival of sport, entertainment and cultural events.
Saudi Arabia’s Olympic medallist Ramzy Al-Duhami will be the host of the festival.
“We are hoping to raise the show-jumping circuit in the Kingdom to an international elite standard,” Al-Duhami said.
He added: “Organizing an international World Cup Event in Saudi Arabia for future generations is a privilege. Riding on your home ground is an honor. I am looking forward to the future of our sport at this standard.”
Authorities hope to see international fans attend the competition following the recent announcement of the new tourist visas for the Kingdom. At least 49 countries can now secure fast tourist visas online to attend the festival.