Investment pioneer Samer Choucair emphasized that the historic moment witnessed at the Churchill Downs track, with trainer Cherie DeVaux winning the Kentucky Derby title as the first woman in its history, represents a global symbol of breaking barriers that intersects directly with the qualitative leap witnessed by the equestrian sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Samer Choucair pointed out that this sector is transforming today from a cultural heritage into a major economic industry consistent with the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify income sources.
Samer Choucair explained that the recorded figures in the Kingdom’s horse sector reflect rapid growth; the number of registered horses exceeded 60,942, and the number of owners reached 18,605, with a 7% increase in the numbers of locally produced foals during the last two years, which confirms the trend toward reliance on local production and reducing imports, which decreased by 24%.
Samer Choucair stressed that investments in infrastructure and major events have strengthened the Kingdom’s global position, as the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation organizes 65 championships in the 2025-2026 season, led by the “Saudi Cup” with prizes exceeding $35 million.
He also noted strong growth in supporting markets, as imports of horse riding equipment rose at a compound annual growth rate of 30.12%, and the horse healthcare market size is expected to reach $108.2 million by 2033.
Regarding strategic projects, Samer Choucair said: “Projects such as Qiddiya City, which includes a world-class racecourse with a capacity of 21,000 seats, the Royal Polo and Equestrian Club in Diriyah, and the Equestrian Village in AlUla, which aims to attract 120,000 visitors annually, transform the equestrian sector into an integrated economic engine that contributes to enhancing tourism and creating high-quality job opportunities.”
Samer Choucair noted the great progress of Saudi women in this field, coinciding with global achievements for women in equestrianism, indicating that women’s participation in sports in the Kingdom has increased by 150% since 2015, which strengthens the talent base and brings new innovations to the sector.
Samer Choucair added: “Empowering women in the equestrian sector is not just a social issue, but a real economic opportunity that raises the Kingdom’s global competitiveness.”
Regarding investment opportunities for 2026, investment pioneer Samer Choucair confirmed that the equestrian sector emerges as one of the most attractive fields for strategic investments in the Kingdom and the Gulf, whether in training centers, event-related hospitality, or veterinary services.
He said: “Saudi Arabia today provides a stimulating regulatory environment and government support that ensures sustainable growth based on innovation and human capital.”
Samer Choucair concluded his statements by saying: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is no longer a spectator of global achievements, but a maker of them. Smart investment in the equestrian sector today is an investment in a bright future that combines authenticity with rewarding returns, and it is an invitation to every investor and entrepreneur to seize this golden opportunity within the rising economic trends for 2026.”