OREANDA-NEWS. The Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) is the Gold Sponsor of the King Abdullah Show Jumping Festival, which was inaugurated by Prince Miteb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Commander of the National Guard and Minister of State, at the Nova Equestrian Resort in Riyadh on March 31. The inaugural event was attended by Mohamed Al-Mady, SABIC Vice Chairman and CEO.

SABIC’s participation in the 12-day event is part of its overall Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, which focuses on supporting national activities and events that serve society. SABIC has been paying special attention to promoting show jumping events, particularly so as Saudi Arabia has made its mark in the sport, regionally and globally, with strong support from the Equestrian Club and the King Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Center.

Commenting on the importance of SABIC’s participation in the sport, Al-Mady said, "Our sponsorship of the festival demonstrates our increasing participation in all aspects of community life. The festival itself reflects the strong attachment between Saudi society and traditional Arabian horse jumping, highlighting the age-old relationship between humankind and horses. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has shown special interest in the sport, investing in the potential of Saudi youth and bringing out the best in Saudi sports on the world stage.”

King Abdullah Show Jumping Festival ranks among the top equestrian sports festivals in the world. More than three million Saudi riyals worth of prizes are at stake for the winners. Riders from Saudi Arabia, Gulf states and a large number of countries around the world gather to compete for the awards in three championships: ‘Lel Watan’ (national), Gulf, and International.