More than 450 horses set to trot along to Saudi Arabia’s Ubbayah festival in Diriyah

RIYADH: More than 450 horses are expected to take part in the second edition of the equestrian festival in Diriyah, which will begin on Jan. 10 under the patronage of Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Riyadh.

The event, titled Ubayyah in Diriyah, will take place at the International Equestrian Resort in partnership with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority and under the supervision of the King Abdulaziz Arabian Horses Center in Dirab.

It aims to be the premier international gathering of horses in the region, with a prize pool of more SR1 million ($266,359). It will run for eight days and feature a wide range of events, one of the most notable of which is the Pride of Diriyah Auction of elite Arabian horses. Part of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to charity.

Other attractions include an international competition for purebred class B Arabian horses, and a living exhibition of purebred horses whose lines can be traced back to the era of the Saudi imams. Visitors will have the chance to see direct descendants of famous horses that were owned by Imam Faisal and King Abdulaziz, including Jallabiet Feysul and Ubayyah of Abdulaziz.

Daily horse riding classes will also be offered for all ages, provided by professional male and female trainers. Professional therapy sessions with horses will also be available for children with autism.