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- World鈥檚 most valuable horse-race meeting is a magnet for lovers of haute couture
RIYADH: Many eyes were on the thoroughbred racehorses as the annual Saudi Cup meeting began in Riyadh on Friday 鈥� but by no means all eyes.
The world鈥檚 most valuable horse-racing event is a magnet for royalty, fashion models, designers and lovers of haute couture, and visitors to the King Abdulaziz Equestrian Square came to see and be seen.
This year there was a twist, with many racegoers in traditional Saudi dress. 鈥淲e are proud to represent our culture and the Saudi Cup is the biggest in the world. We are proud of who we are and that we are able to share our culture and traditions with the world,鈥� said Abu Turki, from Riyadh, who was dressed in a traditional Saudi 鈥渟ayah,鈥� a long, intricately embroidered robe.
Abu Turki told Arab News his choice was inspired by the late King Abdulaziz, who often wore similar clothing to equestrian events, and he was proud to share and celebrate the Kingdom鈥檚 culture and history with the world.
Racehorse owners Sophie Murrell Regalado from Spain and Marta Kaja Pisarczyk from Germany traveled from Dubai for their first Saudi Cup. 鈥淚t is my first time in 抖阴短视频 and I wanted to wear something modest, so I am wearing this long maroon dress and my blossoming floral hat for the day,鈥� Murrell Regalado said.
Royalty was represented by the French author Princess Sophie-Audouin Mamikonian, heir to the ancient medieval throne of the kingdom of Armenia, who wore Valentino. 鈥淚 am thrilled to be here today I am filled with passion and emotion,鈥� she said.
Saudi designer Najd Alqabbaa wore a unique abaya from her personal line, with the colors and designs of the region.
Another designer, Nouf bin Seaidan, dressed several visitors, including Saudi model Rakan Al-Shrimy. 鈥淢y outfit is inspired by Al-Ahsa, the pearls are from there and the embroidery is inspired by the architecture of that region,鈥� bin Seaidan said.
鈥淲e have readily good architecture and couture, it鈥檚 our identity, and it鈥檚 really nice that we have an occasion for it to stand out.鈥�
This weekend鈥檚 event is the third Saudi Cup meeting. With a total prize purse of more than $35 million, it is the world鈥檚 most valuable horse-racing event. The $20 million Saudi Cup race itself takes place on Saturday.