Anticipation builds as Meydan gears up for landmark season
Spanning 17 race meetings, the season kicks off on Nov 7, and reaches its spectacular conclusion on March 28, 2026, which will draw global attention with the 30th running of the Group 1 Dubai World Cup (2,000m).
While the Dubai World Cup meeting and the Emirates Super Saturday meeting are held on Saturdays, the remaining 15 meetings at Meydan will be run on Fridays.
Known as the world's single richest race day, the Dubai World Cup meeting will mark a historic milestone in 2026, celebrating three decades since its inaugural race in 1996.
The premier sporting event in the United Arab Emirates came about as part of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision to position Dubai as a global hub for elite racing.
It was initially held at Nad Al Sheba racecourse, but moved to the sprawling Meydan racecourse from 2010.
The Dubai World Cup meeting - run annually bar a cancellation in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic - has since gained international traction, attracting top-class horses, trainers and jockeys across the globe with its rich prize purse.
On April 5, the Wathnan Racing-owned US runner Hit Show landed the 29th edition of the highlight dirt race worth US$12 million (S$15.4 million), after he beat Japanese raider and race favourite Forever Young into third.
The 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival will still conclude with the Dubai World Cup meeting, where the Dubai World Cup takes centre stage.
But, similar to the 2024-25 season, there will be three other feature race days that would anchor the new Dubai season.
The Festive Friday meeting will kick off the holiday spirit on Dec 19, when fans and racing enthusiasts can look forward to the 1 million dirham (S$350,000) Group 2 Maktoum Mile (1,600m).
Five weeks later on Jan 23, 2026, the Fashion Friday meeting will see the running of the 3.68 million dirham Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge (1,900m), which offers a coveted Bonus Scheme berth that gives the winner a guaranteed spot in the Dubai World Cup.
Meanwhile, the Group 2 Al Maktoum Classic (1,900m) slated for the Emirates Super Saturday meeting - a cornerstone of the Dubai Racing Carnival - on Feb 28, 2026, is also a qualifying race that grants the winner automatic entry into the Dubai World Cup.
"The Dubai World Cup is firmly established as one of the world's great sporting and social spectacles," said Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Racing Club.
"As we prepare for its 30th edition in 2026 - a milestone to be truly celebrated - we look forward to welcoming the finest horses, jockeys and connections from around the world.
"The 16 lead-up meetings of the Dubai Racing Carnival promise exceptional competition and international flair.
"Thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Carnival continues to elevate Dubai's position on the global racing stage."
Added CEO and board member of Dubai Racing Club, Ali Al Ali: "We are extremely proud of the growth of both the Dubai World Cup and Dubai Racing Carnival over the past three decades.
"Under the guidance of our leaders, we are working hard to ensure that we fulfil their visions and make the 30th Dubai World Cup a truly unforgettable experience for both horse racing professionals and fans."
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