AECOM's equestrian village nestles into desert terrain of AlUla

aecom unveils new global equestrian hub in alula

Expanding Saudi Arabia’s tourism initiatives, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has unveiled plans for its newest development — the 285-hectare AlMuatadil Equestrian Village. Set to be designed by AECOM, led by architect Erik Behrens, the project will transform AlUla into a global hub for equestrian activities with two arenas for events from dressage to concerts — accommodating 5,000 and 1,400 spectators respectively — and grass polo, sand polo, and endurance venues, each with seating capacities of 600, 400, and 600 seats. These facilities will be complemented by visitor amenities, two stable compounds housing 740 horses, and accommodation and retail outlets for event participants and workers.

The development’s architectural design harmonizes with the region’s cultural heritage and its natural palette, echoing the earthen tones of the desert and the darker hues of sandstone canyon walls. ‘The site is blessed with stunning natural features and our vision for the design has been to develop a memorable and inspiring Equestrian Village that is fully immersed in this unique landscape context,’ notes Behrens.

all renders courtesy of Erik Behrens

extending the region’s vernacular architecture & landscape

AlMuatadil Equestrian Village will sit in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and RCU’s Journey Through Time masterplan, as part of its strategy for economic diversification, expansion of the tourism sector, and sustainable development. AECOM has developed the facility’s nucleus a central Village Core and its common domain, flanked by an oasis-like planting arrangement along a natural Wadi stream. The individual equestrian venues are all discreetly embedded within the undulating dunescape, providing direct access from the village and expansive views towards the rock formations. The team has developed the design concept to recall AlUla’s vernacular architecture with contemporary expressions. The village integrates narrow streets, courtyards, and plaza spaces, while the individual facilities — with sand-colored finishes and textures — showcase stepped terrace seating, in dialogue with the cascading nature of the surrounding land.

‘Their thin horizontal roofs float across the stands to allow striking views through the lounge levels and lend the architectural composition its elegant lightness. They gently undulating within their plain to make them better blend into the surrounding terrain and internalise its natural form,’ adds Erik Behrens. Walls and internal partitions, constructed from rammed earth using traditional methods and AlUla’s local materials further enhance AECOM’s sustainability initiatives.

Stable Compound

Prioritizing the welfare of the horses, AlMuatadil’s stable blocks feature undulating roofs that flood the space with natural daylight to create a calm atmosphere, while the training barn is equipped with Seawalker pools, treadmills, and a vibration plate. A 6,000 square meter veterinary clinic will provide comprehensive services including X-rays, MRIs, embryo transfer, emergency and routine surgery, haematology, parasitology, stem-cell and plasma rehabilitation therapies, and laser surgery.

Additionally, aligned with principles of light-touch tourism and sustainability, the village’s organic waste will be utilized to create fertiliser and support local agriculture, while water used in the stables’ cooling systems will be also undergo recycling.

AlMuatadil Equestrian Village

aligned with saudi arabia’s tourism initiatives

Beyond its sporting significance, the Equestrian Village will become an economic catalyst for AlUla County, offering new career pathways for residents. RCU’s partnership with the Association de Formation et d’Action Sociale des Écuries de Courses (AFASEC) will provide training to young Saudis and develop their technical qualifications for specialized roles in the equestrian sector. Additionally, a partnership with Polo Club Saint-Tropez infuse expertise into the management and development of equestrian offerings, from polo club management to tournament organization and horse care.

Endurance Pavilion Terrace

Sand Polo Clubhouse

Endurance Pavilion

Stable Compound

stables with undulating roofs

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project info:

name: Equestrian Village AlUla
architecture: AECOM

lead architect: Erik Behrens
location: AlUla, Saudi Arabia

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom