How Dubai World Cup became a global showcase of culture and luxury
Dubai is often celebrated as a melting pot of cultures, a vibrant city where East meets West in an effortless blend of splendid tradition and eye-catching modernity. It also thrives on contrasts — where desert dunes meet gleaming skyscrapers, and centuries-old traditions co-exist with innovation.
Nowhere is this cultural equality more vividly displayed than at the Dubai World Cup, the Middle East's most prestigious annual horse racing event that takes place at the spectacular Meydan Racecourse. The Dubai World Cup is more than just a sporting showdown; it is a grand convergence of heritage and global prestige, where the regal traditions of Arabian horsemanship meet the glamour of high-stakes racing.
Stepping into Meydan on race day is like stepping onto a global stage draped in elegance. The grandstand and lawns are abuzz with a kaleidoscope of styles. Men don impeccably tailored suits, some tipping their top hats in a nod to Ascot's tradition, while women arrive in haute couture ensembles, their fascinators fluttering in the desert breeze.
Amid them, Emirati men in flowing white 'kanduras' and women in exquisitely embroidered 'abayas' glide through the mixed crowd with a grace that speaks to the UAE's proud heritage.
Yet, beyond the fashion, it is the energy of the place that is truly captivating. The roar of the crowd as the thoroughbreds thunder down the Meydan tracks is universal — a sound that bridges languages and nationalities.
Between races, the cultural immersion deepens. Emirati men perform the Al Ayala, a traditional Emirati dance that symbolises unity, strength and heritage, and is often performed at national celebrations and cultural events, while young women in traditional attire twirl their long, dark hair in a mesmerising dance that harks back generations.
Nearby, Arabic stalls showcase traditional Bedouin fare, hand-woven textiles, delicate calligraphy, and artisanal crafts — each piece telling a compelling story of the region's glorious artistry.
For those who arrive expecting only cocktails and caviar, the culinary landscape offers a delightful surprise. While international delicacies are served in Meydan's fine-dining lounges, the heart of the experience lies in the local flavours — freshly brewed Arabic coffee poured from golden 'dallahs', trays of crisp 'luqaimat' drizzled in date syrup, and warm 'khameer' bread infused with saffron and cardamom.
Seasoned racegoers from around the world are often seen relishing these Emirati specialities, a testament to how Dubai's cultures are warmly embraced at its most glamorous events.
As the sun dipped in the Meydan night sky, I found myself standing beside an elderly British gentleman meticulously adjusting his pocket square, a pair of high-end Carl Zeiss binoculars — renowned among horse racing enthusiasts — hanging over his left shoulder.
He had the effortless elegance of someone who had attended major race meetings at Royal Ascot, Longchamp, Flemington or Churchill Downs, for decades. 'I've been to many major race meetings in the world,' he said, eyes scanning the vibrant crowd. 'Cheltenham, Churchill Downs, the Arc, Melbourne Cup, you name it. But this,' he gestured toward the grandstand, where Emirati men in crisp white 'kanduras' stood side by side with European racegoers in designer suits, 'this is something else.'
Before I could respond or enquire about his name, the rhythmic beat of drums echoed through Meydan, signalling the start of an 'Al Ayala' performance. The gentleman paused, watching as the Emirati men moved in perfect unison, canes tapping in time with the music.
'It's fascinating, isn't it? The way traditions are honoured while embracing the modern world,' he said and moved on before I could ask him if he was indeed Oliviero Beha, an Italian journalist, writer, essayist, TV and radio host, who passed away in 2017.
But beyond the spectacle, the Dubai World Cup has become a meeting point for some of the most influential figures in horse racing.
A few feet away, I could see the legendary handler John Gosden, a pillar of British racing, chatting animatedly with a local horse owner. At that moment, it was clear — the Dubai World Cup wasn't just about the races. It was about connections, about the seamless way cultures intertwined under the racecourse's brilliant floodlights.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a lifelong patron of the sport, can often be seen exchanging thoughts with leading international trainers. Conversations also flow easily between Australian jockey Kerrin McEvoy and legendary Emirati handler Saeed bin Suroor, the pair bound by their shared passion for horse racing despite their vastly different backgrounds.
Home to nearly 200 nationalities, Dubai is a city that thrives on cultural harmony, bringing the world together in a way few places can. Nowhere is this spirit more vividly displayed than at the Dubai World Cup, where racing transcends sport — it's a celebration of shared traditions and global unity.
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