RACEDAY STYLE GUIDE
WELCOME TO THE SAUDI CUP 2026
We are pleased to welcome you to the 7th edition of the Saudi Cup, the world’s most valuable horse race, with a total purse of $20 million and a $10 million first-place prize.
Traditionally, attendees dress up and look their best at horse racing events worldwide, and we are embracing this tradition for the Saudi Cup 2026.
We encourage our guests to wear formal attire and celebrate their culture by dressing in styles inspired by heritage.
GENTLEMEN ARE KINDLY REMINDED THAT FORMAL ATTIRE IS REQUIRED WITHIN THE ROYAL AREA (GRANDSTAND* AND PARADE RING), AND ENCOURAGED ELSEWHERE.
PERMITTED ATTIRE:
• Daglah or Sayah, with agal and ghutra or shemagh.
• Thobe with bisht, with agal and ghutra or shemagh.
• Formal national dress of your country.
• Formal dress uniform of any serving military personnel.
• Suits including jacket. Tie is required in the Grandstand and Parade ring.
*All internal Grandstand building facilities including Club Room and Howden Owners & Trainers Lounge.
ENCOURAGED ON THE RACECOURSE (INCLUDING AL THURAYA BUILDING):
• Any of the above options that are required for the Royal area are strongly encouraged elsewhere. Alternatively male guests elsewhere in the racecourse can choose to wear a shirt with trousers (no jacket or tie required); thobe only (without bisht) or modest attire in general.
• Across The Kingdom we adhere to a conservative dress rooted in Islamic traditions. The concept of modesty is central to Saudi culture, and this is reflected in the way both men and women are expected to dress.
NOT PERMITTED ON RACECOURSE:
• Casual attire from any culture such as jeans, causal shirts or shorts.
• Clothing displaying promotional branding.
• Sheer or inappropriate clothing.
WOMEN ARE KINDLY REMINDED THAT FORMAL ATTIRE IS REQUIRED WITHIN THE ROYAL AREA (GRANDSTAND* AND PARADE RING), AND ENCOURAGED ELSEWHERE.
PERMITTED ATTIRE:
• Abaya and thobe. We encourage designs inspired by the traditional fashions of Saudi Arabia.
• Dress. A modest approach to length and fabric should be taken.
• Formal national dress of your country.
• Smart suit with jacket.
• Official military uniform for officers while on duty.
Across The Kingdom we adhere to a conservative dress rooted in Islamic traditions. The concept of modesty is central to Saudi culture, and this is reflected in the way both men and women are expected to dress. Modesty in dress typically means covering the body adequately, avoiding tight or revealing clothing, and choosing garments that do not draw unnecessary attention in public places.
*All internal Grandstand building facilities including Club Room and Howden Owners & Trainers Lounge.
ENCOURAGED ON THE RACECOURSE (INCLUDING AL THURAYA BUILDING):
• Any of the above options that are required for the Royal area are strongly encouraged elsewhere. Alternatively female guests elsewhere in the racecourse can choose to wear Daily abayas and dresses (not required to be traditional) or Saudi traditional-inspired abayas and dresses. Dresses and skirts must be of modest length, defined as falling just below the knee or longer.
NOT PERMITTED ON RACECOURSE:
• Casual attire from any culture such as jeans, casual shirts, or shorts.
• Clothing with commercial logos or promotional branding.
• Sheer, strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted.
ALL STABLE STAFF AND HANDLERS SHOULD BE NEATLY DRESSED ON RACEDAY. EXPLAINED AS FOLLOWS: ENCOURAGED:
• Formal or Smart attire.
• Suits including jacket and tie or vest and tie.
• Saudi Cup gillet along with a smart outfit.
NOT PERMITTED:
• T-shirts, shorts, and short skirts.
• Promotional clothing.
• Open toe shoes.
• Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted.
GENERAL TIPS:
Weather Consideration: Dress appropriately for the climate, especially since, some of the races will be held during the evening.
Comfort: Ensure your outfit always freedom of movement, and is not distracting the horse.
Embrace Tradition: The Saudi Cup steeped in tradition and style, so maintain an elegant appearance.
