Saudi Cup 2022..a suit of legacy and ancient glory
Side of the cup race.
Saudi Arabia.
Touches of heritage from all regions of the Kingdom.
Crowning moment under the auspices of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Jihad Abu Hashem from Riyadh Highness and originality are two characteristics that characterized the Saudi Cup for Horse Racing 2022. The third and most expensive edition in the world carried the features of the local identity, and established the horse as a cultural symbol for the people of this land, in the presence of an overwhelming presence of traditional and traditional costumes, just as the colors of culture attended with all its details, components and elements, through interesting events and activities presented The kingdom is in the position it deserves.
"Al-Eqtisadiah" from the heart of King Abdulaziz Equestrian Square in Janadriyah conveys the creative experience in the global forum, which ended with a ceremony sponsored by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, concluding a precious cup, the value of which exceeded 35 million dollars, in which 240 horses from 16 countries participated.
colors of culture
The hands of beauty and creativity extended to all the facilities of King Abdulaziz Square, as they attended Saudi coffee, old kitchen, folk crafts, traditional costumes, Najdi ardhah, musical melodies, and other colors of culture, in activities targeting all family members in the Al-Kuhaila and Al-Obayyah courtyards.
And between the pleasure of racing and the pleasure of wandering the corridors of the field, there is the pleasure of watching the performing arts. Between each race and another, folkloric shows have been devoted to 15 minutes, showcasing the art of the step, the samari, and the daha, and musical performances that include Saudi and Arab songs with the sweetest melodies.
At the finish line, the Saudi Arabian Arda was at the end of the most expensive horse race in the world, and the Saudi Cup was won by Prince Saud bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, owner of the horse "Emblem Road", after he kidnapped the $20 million prize, and was supported by the horse coach, Miteb Al-Louh, Al-Khayal and Jaberto Ramos, who They received a horse model and Al-Khayal helmet, and the horse finished the eighth round on the sand track, cutting the 1800-meter set in 1.50.52 minutes.
cultural diversity
In the Al-Kahila courtyard, the hours pass like a lightning meteor, in successive events that do not stop, and the elegance embodied by the glamor and traditional decoration that adorns men’s and women’s dresses has been the focus of media attention and social media platforms, especially the lenses of the regional and international press.
The horse was a companion of King Abdulaziz, and a partner to the pioneers of the first Saudi state, and this is documented in history books. His body was also the slogan of the founding day, which was celebrated by the Saudis a few days ago. The logo and its visual identity included five symbols, namely: Arabian horses, palm trees, falcons, and the Saudi flag. And the market.
And because the market is part of the heritage as well as horses, the Ministry of Culture organized a charitable art auction via the Internet, and said in a press statement: “It witnessed the display of a group of artworks related to horses that were previously shown in the Saudi Cup for the second edition, with the proceeds allocated to a charitable association, In addition to (Dinner Under the Stars), the Saudi Cup guests were presented with local dishes specially made for this global event.
Coffee and the horses of kings
The hospitality was attended and talked about by equestrian officials, diplomats, and visitors of all spectrums, after the Saudi Cup 2022 presented them with an unparalleled cultural experience, describing it as an "honorable civilized facade", as they put it.
In hosting the Saudi Cup, the visitor is not satisfied with tasting coffee from one region, but rather tastes it with five flavors that represent the regions of the Kingdom, in the context of the Kingdom’s celebration of Saudi coffee as a cultural element linked to the authentic values of society throughout its long history, and the announcement of the designation of this year as “The Year of Saudi Coffee” to celebrate it through Events, activities and initiatives, reflecting a history full of customs and traditions.
The two stages of roasting and spices, then preparing the coffee and its hospitality rituals, were highlighted by the events of the cup, while masterpieces of art with creative touches embodied the horses of the seven kings in the “Horses and Men” exhibition, starting with the founder King Abdulaziz, designed by artist Wafaa Al-Qunaibit.
On the other hand, a children's area has been designated, full of creativity and fun, that embraces activities for drawing, handicrafts, skills and activities related to equestrianism, and art workshops, to make the cup a family experience, not limited to equestrian and horse lovers.
And in a place not far from the child’s area, a smart imaging area was designed with the interactive “Bolt Cup Saudi” camera, which enables visitors to take a 360-degree picture, using their mobile phones in slow rotation that gives surrounding images, and through high-resolution cinematic technology, which contributes to multiple choices. Visitors for their photos and videos, and their ability to share them with friends and through social networking sites.
Museum and halls
The pavilions of culture narrate the memory of the past and the present. In the exhibition of the history of horse racing, virtual reality technology constitutes an effective means of communication to introduce the world of horses, simulating the real world in a unique and new way, and multimedia addresses the senses of visitors, in visual presentations presented in a cinematic way for horses, before entering the A hall reveals the journey of forming Saudi Cup cups and prizes, and it was accompanied by a competition to design the Saudi Cup.
In the Cups Exhibition, each award bears a name that expresses a past, or a bright future awaited by many, so the names of the cups came: the NEOM Cup, the Red Sea Cup, the Horse Racing Club Cup, the Al-Abia Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, the Saudi Derby, and the Riyadh Speed Cup, in addition to To the most expensive "Saudi Cup".
And from these two exhibitions to a heritage museum of horses, it reviews the types of Arab horses, their history, characteristics, heritage drawings, skeletons and stone pieces dating back to the prehistoric era. Archaeological studies confirm that the Arabian Peninsula is the first cradle of horses, and discoveries have proven that horses were domesticated for the first time in history more than nine thousand years ago on its lands, along with stories documenting their glories and their relationship with the people of the Arabian Peninsula since ancient times, with all their love and loyalty.
Fashion with modern touches
In the Al-Abayyah courtyard, one of the areas of King Abdulaziz Square, there is a cultural hall provided by the Ministry of Culture, adorned with books, musicians, and a café. It offers solo musical performances on qanun, lute, flute, and violin, preceded by an exhibition of traditional costumes with a contemporary perspective, presented by Saudi designers, such as the Saudi Arda, which It was designed with modern standards, and it consists of "Al-Saya" and "Al-Marudin", with new touches added to it.
This exhibition stems from the initiative of the Fashion Authority "100 Saudi Brands", in which about 23 traditional outfits of a modern nature were attended, including a women's dress by Noura Hefzy, a Saudi designer, inspired by her childhood spent in Medina, and inspired by the colors and idea of the doors, roushas, and velvet sofas that took the color green.
The Horse Racing Club, which is brimming with the colors of culture, formed an exquisite painting of heritage, in which the cultural bodies united, and gave the visitor a rich experience that is awaited every year, because of the passion for horse racing, and an event that combines sports, culture and entertainment, imprinting on its visitor unforgettable memories.
