In 1969 the late His Highness, Sheikh Zayed, set up the Emir Stables with just 12 horses. The family utilized the available facilities and with full membership, registered with the World Arabian Horses Organization. Pursuing their passion for horse racing, they acquired over 1000 horses that are in training in different parts of the globe and started planning a racetrack. In 1986, the Nad Al-Sheba racetrack came into existence and was located 10 minutes from the City center. Over the years, the race-track was redesigned and expanded and is now 2,254 meters long with 3 chutes. The first Dubai World Cup was held on March 27th, 1996 and was ranked as one of the most prestigious Dubai Sports.
Travel to Dubai during any of the 3 racing seasons which generally start around November and finish in April. Spectators visit Dubai to view this favorite Dubai sport which is encouraged by the Royal families and cheer the winners of the race who are awarded cash purses. The horses are then paraded for trade after the race is over.
Winter Racing Challenge: This season begins in early November and continues till the beginning of March. Visit Dubai during this season and enjoy the performance of magnificent steeds from all over the world as they run over 3 different distances, 1200m, 1600m and 2000m. The prize money is around AED 300,000. Currently the races are held every Thursday during the season.
Dubai International Racing Carnival: From Mid-January to early March, travel to Dubai and glory in the performances of international representations of the finest thoroughbreds in groundbreaking events coupled with glamour and showmanship where nearly US$ 31 million is offered at this time.
Dubai World Cup: In March every year for the past 13 years, nearly 50,000 race goers travel to Dubai to witness the “piece-de-resistance” of all races. This is the richest and most prestigious race in the world. With traditional pomp and splendor, the Dubai World Cup is conducted with live media coverage and the stake is US $6,000,000. The Royal families who are passionately fond of horseracing offer the finest hospitality in traditional style as part of their integral culture. The Cup organizers even give out a “Style Stakes” competition prize for the most stylishly dressed. Admission is by invitation only.
Facilities: Entry is free to the Public Enclosure. The hospitality patrons are allotted different gates for viewing the race. A fee is charged for admittance to the International Village which adjoins the race track and has several food and beverage outlets. Several bars serving alcohol are centered on the partizone which is located in the centre of the International Village. The Maktoum and Millennium grandstand allow free seating for the public. The International Village also allows a closer view from the Paddock Lawns which gives you a good view of the paddock and near the rails. First-Aid booths, Lost and Found Help Desks are strategically located to cater to any eventuality. Souvenirs, race cards and literature are available to the public who visit Dubai to participate in the Dubai sport activities.
Complimentary shuttle service to and from the Race Club are provided by the Dubai Racing Club. Tourists who travel to Dubai and stay at the surrounding Resorts like the Arabian Ranches, Wafi, Dubai Marina and Emirate Towers can available of this pickup and drop facility.
Rules:
Gambling on races is prohibited.
Race goers who enter the International Village should identify themselves when entering or leaving the enclosure. Their tickets should be stamped and scanned again before re-entry. Wristbands and badges have to be worn according to the areas designated to them. Children have to wear Badges too and entry for invalid children in wheel-chairs is prohibited.
Casual dress is permitted in the free public enclosures whilst T-shirts trainers and shorts are not permitted in the other enclosures. In addition jeans are not permitted in the grandstand area.
Contact:
Nad al-Sheba: Tel: 04 332 9888
Website: www.dubaiworldcup.com
Horse racing in Dubai with rich purses is relatively new but racing is not restricted to this form alone. The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation under his Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan also encourage different forms of horse racing like Endurance racing where horses are tested in their race across miles of desert terrain. Show Jumping is another major equestrian event which is gaining popularity with Dubai sports. Several smaller race courses and clubs cater to these horse races.