Riyadh, November 20, 2024 – The organizing committee for the final round of the Longines Global Champions Tour, set to take place in Riyadh from November 20-23, has officially confirmed its preparations to host this prestigious event. This year’s competition will showcase the world’s elite equestrians at an extraordinary arena located opposite the iconic King Abdullah Financial District, adding to Riyadh’s growing reputation as a global hub for world-class sporting events.
During a press conference held on Tuesday, Rayan Khuraishi, the Executive Director of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, expressed his immense pride in welcoming the Longines Global Champions Tour for the third consecutive year. He underscored the significance of this year’s event, marking the first time in the history of the championship that the finals will be held outside of Europe. This milestone reflects Saudi Arabia's increasing prominence in international equestrian sport and its ability to host such high-caliber events. At the conclusion of the competition, one exceptional rider will be crowned the Riyadh Champion.
Khuraishi also took the opportunity to praise the successful partnership between the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation and the Longines Global Champions Tour, a collaboration that has been instrumental in bringing the season’s most important event—the finals—to Riyadh this year. The commitment to excellence and the seamless execution of this partnership were central themes in his remarks, highlighting how this collaboration has grown and evolved in recent years.
In a show of support for Saudi Arabia’s continued role in international equestrian sports, Jan Tops, the President of the Longines Global Champions Tour and Global Champions League, also addressed the media. He commended the Kingdom for not only hosting this prestigious event but for doing so alongside other major international sports competitions. Tops emphasized Saudi Arabia’s capacity to organize and deliver world-class events, particularly within the realm of equestrian sports, where the country has seen an enthusiastic rise in participation and support from local audiences.
Tops also described the partnership between the Longines Global Champions Tour and the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation as exceptional, singling out the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards when it comes to hosting international competitions. For the first time, the event will take place outdoors in a spacious and distinctive venue, offering both participants and spectators a unique and immersive experience in the heart of Riyadh.
The 2024 Longines Global Champions Tour Final is poised to be a landmark event, not only for equestrian enthusiasts but also as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s growing stature in the global sports arena. With its state-of-the-art facilities, impressive organization, and passionate fanbase, Riyadh is set to once again prove itself as a world-class destination for major sporting events.