Saudi Equine Tech: Digitizing Saudi Arabia’s Racing Industry
- Mar 12
- 9 min read
Saudi Arabia’s racing industry is entering a new phase of growth, where data and digital infrastructure are becoming increasingly important. Through its cohesive industry-wide digital platform, Saudi Equine Tech seeks to support this shift by providing race analytics, networking opportunities, welfare monitoring, and performance intelligence tools for trainers, owners, and racing authorities.
By Aleksandra Spasic, Horse & Industry
All images courtesy of Faris Nassar
Published March 12, 2026
Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as one of the most influential jurisdictions in global horse racing. Anchored by the $20 million Saudi Cup, the richest race in the world, the Kingdom has invested heavily in expanding its domestic racing programme and international profile. Equine sports and breeding are key pillars of the country's Vision 2030, a multifaceted framework launched in 2016 as a road map for growing and diversifying Saudi Arabia's economy. Alongside these developments, the equine sector on its own has grown in both economic scale and operational complexity.
Combining industry estimates for its various sub-sectors, the Saudi equine ecosystem is worth upwards of several billion dollars and reports a total population of approximately 60,000 horses. This translates to 1.7 equines per 1,000 people; a figure lower than that of typical horse-dense society such as the United Kingdom, which sees approximately 1 horse for every 81 people. However, a report from the King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horse Centre, Saudi Arabia's authority for Arabian horse registration, showed a promising 7% increase in foal births from 2022 to 2024, a trend which continues to trend upwards.
Although horse ownership is not yet as widespread in the Middle Eastern Kingdom compared to other parts of the world, the substantial economic figures and increasing number of competitions reflects the growing amount of participants across breeding, racing, training, and veterinary services. In addition, the Kingdom has a historical and culturally significant relationship with horses, dating back to 7,000 BC. With all these factors taken into account, the Saudi equine industry is projected to see a continued and significant growth in the near future.
As the industry expands, so too does the need for more sophisticated digital infrastructure capable of connecting stakeholders, analyzing performance data, and supporting welfare oversight. One company seeking to facilitate this transformation is Saudi Equine Tech, a platform designed to advance the Saudi equine ecosystem through digital infrastructure, race analysis tools, welfare monitoring systems, and performance analytics.
From the Stable Yard to the Digital Ecosystem
The vision behind Saudi Equine Tech is closely tied to the background of its Chief Executive, Faris Nassar, whose experience spans multiple roles across the racing industry beginning with work on at his family's stable.
Nassar talked to us about his beginnings in the world of horses and the values these experiences instilled in him during his formative years:
“My journey in the equine world began at a very young age in my father’s stable, where I started as a groom,” Nassar explains. “Working closely with the horses every day taught me the foundations of horsemanship and the importance of patience, discipline, and attention to the smallest details in horse care.”
From those early experiences in the stable yard, Nassar’s career evolved through several stages of the racing world. He later rode as a jockey in Saudi Arabia, gaining firsthand experience of needs and emotions of racehorses, as well as the strong bond that is forged between horse and rider.
“Being in the saddle gave me a deeper understanding of racehorses, their behavior, their limits, and the unique partnership between horse and rider,” he says.
After his riding career, Nassar transitioned into training and breeding roles at his family farm in Alghat, located 230 kilometres northwest of Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh. There, he continues to develop Thoroughbred breeding and training facilities aimed at producing high-quality racehorses while supporting his father’s long-term vision of building an independent, top-tier racing operation.
His involvement in the sport has also included race calling and journalism—roles that offered a broader perspective on how racing operates across different jurisdictions and the unique roles taken on by each member of the racehorse's supporting team.
“My journey in the equine world began at a very young age in my father’s stable, where I started as a groom.” - Faris Nassar
“Because I have been involved in so many areas of the sport as a groom, jockey, trainer, breeder, race caller, and journalist, I have had the unique opportunity to see the industry from many different perspectives,” Nassar notes.
This wide-ranging exposure and ability to see the industry from different viewpoints shaped the concept behind Saudi Equine Tech.
“These experiences ultimately led me to establish Saudi Equine Tech. The goal is to help build the digital intelligence infrastructure that supports trainers, owners, and racing authorities while strengthening welfare oversight and performance understanding across the racing ecosystem.”
Identifying the Industry Gap
Saudi Arabia’s racing industry has grown rapidly in recent years, with increased global attention and substantial investment in infrastructure. Alongside high-profile international events, the domestic racing calendar has expanded, creating a larger ecosystem of trainers, breeders, veterinarians, and other racing professionals.
For Nassar, this growth highlighted an opportunity to strengthen the technological systems that support the industry’s day-to-day needs.
“Saudi Arabia’s racing industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, both in terms of global visibility and the quality of its racing infrastructure,” he explains.
“As the industry continues to expand, there is a natural opportunity to strengthen the digital systems that support daily operations across the ecosystem.”
In many cases, the exchange of information across the horse racing ecosystem remains fragmented leading to a slow transfer of critical data and a lack of networking opportunities between key industry players.
“Much of the information that exists across training yards, veterinary care, race analysis, and regulatory oversight can benefit from being more connected and accessible,” Nassar says.
He then explains the benefits of introducing advanced technology into the Saudi equine landscape:
“Technology allows these data points to be integrated into unified platforms, creating a clearer picture of performance trends, horse welfare indicators, and operational insights.”
Saudi Equine Tech aims to build precisely that missing digital layer within the Saudi racing industry.
Turning Data into Racing Intelligence
At its core, Saudi Equine Tech is designed as an intelligence platform capable of serving multiple stakeholders within the racing ecosystem, Nassar explains. Connecting every role in the industry is crucial in aiding in its growth, while supporting equine welfare and evidence-backed strategic decision making.
As an example, he describes what the platform can offer to trainers:
“For trainers, the platform provides race analysis tools that help evaluate pace dynamics, sectional performance, and track tendencies, enabling more informed decisions about training strategies and race placement.”
Owners can also access detailed reporting on their individual horses' health and performance, summarized in a way that is accessible to them.
“For owners, it provides transparent performance reporting that helps them understand the development and progress of their horses over time.”
“The objective is not simply to collect data, but to transform information into clear insights that can support both performance improvement and responsible welfare management.” - Faris Nassar
At the regulatory level, he explains, the platform can also assist with operational oversight and welfare monitoring. Compilation of critical race data can be used to create injury risk indicators which are a part of broader welfare monitoring the platform offers.
The broader goal, Nassar says, is to convert complex datasets into practical insights, strengthening the ability to ensure the safety of the equine athletes at the heart of the sport.
Data and the Future of Welfare
Across global racing jurisdictions, welfare monitoring has become an increasingly central focus. For example, in the United States, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) was established by Congress in 2020 to act as the national regulatory body for Thoroughbred horse racing, and tracks under its jurisdiction have already seen a steep decrease in race horse fatalities. In addition to traditional data gathering, digital technologies such as artificial intelligence models are now capable of identifying patterns that may not be immediately noted through legacy observational systems and analysis. The use of AI would also increase the data monitoring capacity of the industry.
Nassar sees this as one of the most promising areas for technological innovation.
“One of the most encouraging developments in modern racing is the growing emphasis on proactive welfare management,” he says.
“Digital platforms allow trainers and veterinarians to observe patterns that may not always be visible through traditional observation alone.”
Training workloads, medical histories, and race participation can be analyzed together to provide a more comprehensive picture of a horse’s condition.
“When these insights are available early, it becomes possible to make better decisions regarding rest, treatment, and race planning.”
Effectively, Nassar concludes, this data-driven framework can contribute to longer careers and healthier horses, as well as more integrity in the sport itself.
Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Racing Ecosystem
Saudi Arabia’s racing infrastructure continues to evolve rapidly. The Kingdom’s commitment to the sport is visible through its world-class race meetings, modern facilities, and growing international engagement. The Saudi Cup, held each year in February since 2020 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, boasts a $20 million purse for the winners, greater than any other horse race in the world.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Qiddiya City would be the site of a future national horse racing venue, set to replace The Saudi Cup's current location as its new permanent home. The development will also include the construction of a state of the art equine hospital adjacent to the racing venue, demonstrating the Kingdom's dedication to the highest standards of horse welfare.
“Saudi Arabia is entering an exciting phase in the evolution of its racing industry,” Nassar says.
He goes on to describe the next steps for the industry:
“The next stage of development will likely involve strengthening the integration between infrastructure, data systems, welfare monitoring, and performance analytics.”
By connecting racetracks, training centers, breeders, and regulatory authorities, technology will help create a more coordinated and cohesive racing ecosystem.
“With its continued investment and ambition, Saudi Arabia is well positioned to become one of the most advanced racing ecosystems in the world.”
A Global Perspective
While Saudi Equine Tech currently focuses on the Saudi market, the challenges it addresses are not unique to the Kingdom.
“Across the industry there is growing interest in better data integration, improved welfare monitoring, and more advanced performance analytics,” Nassar explains.
As the platform develops, the company hopes to collaborate with international racing organizations and technology providers.
“The long term vision is to contribute to a more connected global racing environment where data standards and welfare intelligence can support the sport across jurisdictions.”
A step forward in terms of bringing together this global industry is underway for the sake of growing its public appeal and ensuring the utmost in concern for the welfare of the race horse throughout its lifecycle.
Technology and the Next Decade of Racing
Looking ahead, Nassar believes the racing industry is approaching a period of significant technological change.
“Artificial intelligence will continue to improve the ability to detect performance patterns and identify potential injury risks earlier than traditional analysis methods,” he says.
“Technology should not attempt to replace that experience. Instead, it should serve as a tool that supports it by transforming complex information into practical insights that professionals can use in their everyday work.” - Faris Nassar
Based on current trends, he believes that predictive analytics and biometric monitoring are also likely to influence training and race planning
“At the same time, advances in biometric monitoring and sensor technology will provide deeper insights into equine physiology, workload, and recovery.”
The most impactful innovations, however, will come from integrating these technologies into cohesive systems, thus strengthening the foundation the industry operates upon.
“The most meaningful progress will occur when these technologies operate together within integrated systems that support the daily decisions of trainers, veterinarians, and racing officials.”
Tradition and Innovation
Despite the growing role of technology, Nassar emphasizes that innovation must remain grounded in traditional horsemanship.
“One of the most valuable lessons I have learned while building a technology platform for the equine industry is that innovation works best when it respects the traditions of horsemanship.”
Horse racing is the oldest equine sport, with its origins tracing back to 4,500 B.C. and the domestication of the horse in Saudi Arabia going back even further than that. Nassar feels a deep respect for the traditions that have been built into the sport overtime.
“Horse racing is built on generations of experience and knowledge passed down through horsemen who understand the animals deeply.”
He continues, “Technology should not attempt to replace that experience. Instead, it should serve as a tool that supports it by transforming complex information into practical insights that professionals can use in their everyday work.”
Ultimately, Nassar believes that the future of the sport lies in bringing these two worlds together.
“When traditional horsemanship and modern technology work together, the result is a stronger and more sustainable future for the sport.” - Faris Nassar
This environment has created an opportunity for technology-driven platforms such as Saudi Equine Tech, which aims to bring data intelligence, race analysis tools, and digital connectivity to the Kingdom’s racing ecosystem.
