Saudi Cup 2026: Fashion stars spend a day at the races

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A guest shows off her look at the Saudi Cup 2026. (AN Photo/Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)
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A guest shows off her look at the Saudi Cup 2026. (AN Photo/Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)
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Guests show off their look at the Saudi Cup 2026. (AN Photo/Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)
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A guest shows off her look at the Saudi Cup 2026. (AN Photo/Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)
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A guest shows off her look at the Saudi Cup 2026. (AN Photo/Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)
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Guests show off their look at the Saudi Cup 2026. (AN Photo/Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)
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Guests show off their look at the Saudi Cup 2026. (AN Photo/Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)
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A guest shows off her look at the Saudi Cup 2026. (AN Photo/Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)
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A guest shows off her look at the Saudi Cup 2026. (AN Photo/Abdulrahman bin Shulhoub)
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Updated 16 February 2026
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Saudi Cup 2026: Fashion stars spend a day at the races

RIYADH: Fashion-forward attendees pulled out all the stops at the Saudi Cup 2026, held from Feb. 13-14 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. 

Cultures from across the world were represented at the races, while Saudi attire also hailed from across the Kingdom.

“I want to reflect on our culture,” one guest told Arab News. “So I’m wearing Najdi (fashion) in lavender color and holding lavender flowers,” she added, referring to the lavender flowers that are abundant in some areas of the Kingdom in spring.

Overall, the women came out in front. For every male guest dressed in a lavender or burgundy thobe, there were multiple women donning traditional clothing in all shapes, colours and forms.

Guests showed off race-appropriate headwear, patterned thobes and Saudi-inspired embroidery.

Fashion also played a major role in the event further away from the stands as the Saudi Fashion Commission hosted a Saudi 100 Brands showcase.  

The event marks the fourth year in a row that the initiative has featured at the internationally recognized sporting and cultural event.

The fashion program is spread over two days, with runway presentations scheduled throughout the evenings. On Feb. 13, collections were presented by Saudi fashion brands THEXO, Enays and Sulitude. Feb. 14 features runway shows by MD29, Adara By Fa and Hajruss.

Alongside the runway program, a dedicated exhibition space showcases selected jewelry and accessories pieces, allowing visitors to view the work up close.

Participating designers will present collections that draw on Saudi references while engaging with contemporary design, offering insight into how local fashion continues to develop. 

“Since 2022, the Saudi 100 Brands program has been an integral part of the Saudi Cup, positioning fashion as a cultural expression within one of the Kingdom’s most globally visible events,” said Saudi Fashion Commission Chief Executive Burak Cakmak, in a previously released statement. 

“This platform has enabled brands to bring together heritage and contemporary narratives that reflect identity, creativity and innovation,” Cakmak said. “This year represents a natural evolution from an exhibition to a curated showcase, reinforcing fashion’s role as a dynamic cultural platform within the Saudi Cup.”


Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

Updated 06 March 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

If you were to ask me what the perfect weekend treat-yourself meal is, my first choice would be fried chicken, followed by fried chicken, followed by a burger (but make it fried chicken).

One of my favorite spots for this delicious indulgence is Chicken Industry in Qatif, which, over the past few years, has become a hometown classic.

They also opened another branch in Olaya, Alkhobar.

The great thing about Chicken Industry is that you really cannot go wrong with any item on their menu; the burgers, broasted, twister, tenders, and nuggets are all very well-seasoned, juicy, and crispy.

All their menu items are available in spicy and mild options.

They have a few burger selections.

The original chicken sandwich, which comes with American cheese, pickles, and their signature industry sauce (a must to get on the side with any order), is their take on the classic Popeyes/Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.

For the big kahuna, the chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin that my mouth is watering just thinking about it. (Instagram: @chickenindustry.ksa)

If you want to try a different type of sauce, you could give the black pepper buttermilk sandwich a go — a good option for those who like a balance of flavors between creamy and slightly zingy.

My go-to, however, is the chicken zinger, which comes with American cheese, mayonnaise, and lettuce — a no-fuss burger that has all the right toppings, sauce, and seasoning for the chicken.

Although, I would appreciate the option to add tomato as well for a little something fresh in there.

All of the Chicken Industry burgers come with a soft brioche bun. No notes; it’s a great bun.

The twister, made with two crispy tenders, is also a crowd favorite and comes in a few different options: the original with mild sauce, the fiery twister with spicy sauce, the classic with pepper mayo, and the spicy twister with pepper mayo as well.

Whether you do not want to commit to the full bun burger or just prefer a tortilla, the twister is a great option to either accompany or be the star of your meal.

Now onto the big kahuna: the broasted. If you really want to indulge, this is the option for you.

It comes with four pieces, either spicy or mild (trust me, get the spicy), and is served with garlic sauce on the side.

Although nothing compares to the Chicky Fry broasted, this one is a very close second. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Their nuggets are good, though not amazing — fun to snack on, but I wouldn’t call them a necessity and definitely not as good as their tenders or other options.

And I must say the Chicken Industry French fries could use some improvement; not the greatest texture or flavor, just sort of meh. I will continue to order them because at the end of the day, they are fries, and they’re alright. Besides, no fried chicken meal is complete without fries.

And do not forget to get the sauces on the side: the cheese, the garlic, the industry mild or spicy, buffalo, barbecue, and buttermilk, depending on your preference. They all complement the meal very well.