The Saudi Press Agency reported on 30 November 2025 that AlUla’s distinctive terrains will underpin Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2026 FEI Endurance World Championship, with a newly designed course set to traverse Hegra, the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding a powerful cultural dimension to elite endurance racing.
Context and Background
Set amid valleys, plains, and open desert, AlUla offers an exceptional blend of natural trails and unique geological formations that create smooth yet varied courses combining hard sandy stretches, rocky paths, and expansive open spaces. This rare topography is considered ideal for testing the readiness of horses and riders to the highest international standards, enhancing the technical depth of competition while enriching the experience for athletes and spectators.
AlUla has steadily built its global equestrian profile by staging headline events, including the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, recognized as the world’s richest endurance race. The successful delivery of such events has strengthened Saudi Arabia’s credentials as a reliable host and contributed to the Kingdom being awarded the honor of staging the 2026 world championship.
Key Details
According to official information released via SPA, the new championship course is being developed through a partnership between the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the Saudi Equestrian Federation (SAEF), and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). The collaboration aims to advance endurance riding, deliver world-class organizational standards, and position the Kingdom as a key partner in the future of the sport globally.
Planned routes will pass through rare rock formations that create a cohesive natural landscape, increasing the technical sophistication of the races and promoting safe, fair competition. Supporting these preparations, the RCU has established the Al Fursan Equestrian Village, a comprehensive facility that provides advanced infrastructure for riders, teams, and officials. The development has been designed to preserve the natural environment and respect the integrity of the heritage landscape, aligning with AlUla’s sustainable development framework.
Implications and Impact
By integrating endurance sport within a living heritage setting, the AlUla course sets a new benchmark for race design that combines athletic rigor with cultural authenticity. The inclusion of Hegra offers participants and visitors a distinctive perspective on Saudi Arabia’s history and conservation efforts, while the varied terrain supports strategic