Dubai World Cup 2025 is set to draw celebrities, influencers, royals to the races
The Dubai World Cup has evolved into one of the world's most prestigious horse racing events, combining elite sport with high fashion, international glamour, and a guest list that includes celebrities, influencers, and royals.
Since its inception in March 1996, it has not only been a premier sporting event that attracts the finest horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world but is also a highlight on the global social calendar featuring high-profile personalities who add to the spectacle.
From Royal Ascot and the Melbourne Cup to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders' Cup, elite horse racing has always been synonymous with style and star power and the Dubai World Cup has cemented its place among these marquee events, with icons from film, fashion, and sport regularly gracing the historic Nad Al Sheba and Meydan racecourses.
Global spectacle
As the Dubai World Cup has grown into a global spectacle, it has attracted an array of A-list celebrities who add their own touch of glamour to the event.
The inaugural edition at Nad Al Sheba wasn't just a spectacle on the track, it was a star-studded affair. Legendary British singer-songwriter Rod Stewart, the iconic Burt Bacharach, whose timeless melodies defined a generation, and Hollywood's beloved Patrick Swayze, best known for his unforgettable role in Dirty Dancing, were among the illustrious guests soaking in the magic of the Dubai World Cup's grand debut.
Bacharach, the legendary composer behind the iconic hit Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head , was at Nad Al Sheba to watch his horse, Soul of the Matter, attempt to dethrone the great Cigar. The race was a thrilling spectacle, with Soul of the Matter giving it his all in a valiant effort, but ultimately settling for second place. Despite the close call, Bacharach took the loss in stride, reflecting on the race with his usual grace.
'In music and in racing, you pour your heart into every note, every stride — sometimes you hit the perfect melody, sometimes you fall just short,' he told this writer. 'But the beauty is in the effort and Soul of the Matter gave us the performance of a lifetime.'
This tradition of high-profile attendees has continued over the years, drawing icons from the world of entertainment, fashion, and sport. Among them was Bo Derek, who graced the event in 2012. Best known for her role in the classic film 10, Derek is not just a Hollywood star but also a passionate advocate for horse welfare, making her presence at the Dubai World Cup all the more fitting.
Bollywood star and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has also made a striking appearance at the Dubai World Cup, as has British actress and presenter Denise van Outen, both known for their presence on red carpets worldwide. 'Being at the Dubai World Cup is an absolutely thrilling experience,' Rai said. 'The atmosphere is incredible — I love the fusion of luxury, sport, and excitement.'
Football legends in the spotlight
From the world of sports, legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has attended both as a spectator and a racehorse owner. Footballers Peter Crouch and Michael Owen have also made appearances, with Owen celebrating Brown Panther's victory in the 2016 Dubai Gold Cup. Reflecting on his prized thoroughbred, Owen, who also won the 2014 Irish St. Leger with Brown Panther, expressed his admiration saying: 'He's the horse of a lifetime — a true superstar in my eyes. To win here, on a night that showcases the best horses, jockeys, and trainers from around the world, is a massive achievement. I couldn't be prouder as his breeder.'
Former British boxing champion Chris Eubank Sr., known for his distinctive fashion sense, turned heads with his aristocratic-meets-equestrian style, sporting knee-length riding breeches and polished leather boots.
Even world-famous musicians have hit a high note at the Dubai World Cup, with iconic rock star and style legend Bryan Ferry bringing his signature sophistication to the party in 2000, proving that the event is as much about glamour and culture as it is about world-class racing.
Rocking Meydan
As the lead singer and songwriter of the groundbreaking band Roxy Music, Ferry helped shape the glam rock and art rock movements, blending avant-garde aesthetics with chart-topping hits like Love Is the Drug, More Than This, and Avalon. Renowned for his impeccably tailored suits and effortlessly cool persona, Ferry is a symbol of timeless elegance in music and fashion, which he brought to Dubai's showpiece event.
That same year, the late art dealer and renowned racehorse owner Alec Wildenstein also graced the exclusive gathering,
In recent years, social media influencers and fashion icons have helped reinforce the Dubai World Cup's status as a luxury lifestyle event. Arabic pop star Nancy Ajram attended in 2017 as a guest of Emirates, while Tunisian model Rym Saidi made waves in 2023 with a striking Fendi ensemble.
Beyond celebrity presence, the Dubai World Cup remains an occasion of national significance, regularly attended by UAE royals and dignitaries from around the Middle East and Gulf region. Members of the ruling families of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait also attend the race meet regularly, reinforcing the event's status as a key gathering in the region's sporting and social landscape.
With its combination of world-class racing, high society, and luxury, the Dubai World Cup continues to be a defining event on the global calendar, effortlessly merging sport and spectacle in a way few other occasions can.
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