It's the world's richest horse race attracting the crème de la crème of the racing community and it's back.
Celebrating 15 years of racing action and off-track style, The Dubai World Cup is the "must-attend" event on the social calendar.
Recognised on a global scale as an annual event just as much about fashion and style as the racing, it's not only the horses who grab the limelight.
A new home, fancy new hotel, spa and restaurants, The Dubai World Cup also marks the official launch of Meydan — the shiny new race course which replaces Nad Al Sheba.
Expect an opening ceremony extravaganza featuring a sensorial, historical and emotional journey through Dubai's history, equine heritage and the creation of Meydan.
Better yet, look forward to a breath-taking firework display courtesy of Phil Grucci — the man behind the pyrotechnics at the Beijing Olympics and the opening of Atlantis The Palm.
Rock On!
In previous years, it can be a bit of an anticlimax when the last race is run. Well, not this year, as instead everyone will be looking forward to performances from Sir Elton John and Carlos Santana.The double-headlined concert will take place after the Dubai World Cup prize-giving ceremony, around 11pm.Tickets, which include general admission and a stage-view for the concert, cost Dh650 and are available at dubaiworldcup.com.Those with general admission tickets for Apron Views will be able to enjoy the concert, but will not have access to the front of the stage.
Prizes to be won
Fancy 22 round-trips from Europe to Dubai? Then you must enter the Skywards Thanks A Million competition.Race goers will also have the opportunity to win a Bentley by entering the Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Draw. Tickets are on sale at the Concourse, Level 1.
What's New?
The Sky Bubble is one of the most sophisticated additions to the grandstand. Situated under the iconic crescent roof with an unbelievable 360º view, it houses two cosmopolitan restaurants with elegant and stylish décor — the Parade Ring Restaurant and the Tiered Restaurant.No less than 72 luxurious purpose-built Meydan Grandstand Suites will house those with hospitality package tickets. The facility now features the world's largest LED screen at 107 metres, ensuring you don't miss a minute of the racing or entertainment action.
Get close to thoroughbreds
The Parade Ring Lawns is located next to the Parade Ring and is open to all badge holders and Apron Views patrons. It is the perfect spot to get close to the thoroughbreds in the Parade Ring for their pre-race parade, and sample the calm before the storm and rising tensions as post time approaches.
Race to view
Apron Views this year will be track facing, giving all Dubai World Cup guests a fantastic view of the racing action.
Style at stake
The all-new Land Rover Style Stakes is expected to attract the Emirate's most beautifully-dressed people who go head-to-head for big titles and even bigger prizes.The stakes have never been higher in the fashion field, as the fashionistas line up for the annual fashion contest.Make sure you register before the start of the first race at the Style Arena — located in Apron Views.There are prizes to be won in three categories, the Style Stakes Lady, Style Stakes Couple and Best Hat.
Style Stakes Schedule
- 2.00-4.45pm Registration
- 5.05pm Preliminary judging of Style Stakes Lady
- 5.55pm Preliminary judging of Style Stakes Couple
- 6.20pm Final judging and prize presentation
Dress Code
The dress code for this prestigious occasion will be lounge suit or national dress for men. Modest dress is recommended for women. Women are encouraged to wear hats. Jeans, T-shirts, trainers and shorts are strictly prohibited in the Meydan Grandstand and Parade Ring.
Venue details:
Car Parking
All routes to the Meydan Racecourse and Grandstand will be clearly signposted from Shaikh Zayed Road and from the Al Ain/Hatta intersection. A car park pass, which should be clearly displayed in the car windscreen, is included in the badge pack for hospitality patrons. Car parking for Aprons Views will be easily accessible and ticket holders should follow the signs for general parking.
Taxi Service
The Dubai Transport Company operates a taxi service from the Meydan Racecourse and Grandstand. The taxi drop-off and pick-up point is located outside the Meydan Grandstand at Gate B.
Tickets
Tickets cost Dh350 for Apron Views. For more information about hospitality packages, visit dubaiworldcup.com
Timing
Gates open at 2pm for Apron Views and all other areas. All outlets will close at 12.30am. Guests are advised to arrive early to allow time for parking.
Did you know?
The 1.6 kilometre long Meydan Grandstand can accommodate up to 60,000 guests and comprises the world's first five-star track-side hotel, The Meydan Hotel. The Meydan Racecourse comes with a 1,750-metre all-weather track and a 2,400-metre turf track. Other facilities include receiving barns, stables, turf and all-weather training tracks and jockey and horsemen's lounges.
Tabloid!'s top tips
- Don't get caught up in the madness of arrival and forget to enter the Pick 7 Competition. You can win great cash prizes. Forms are available at all gates and entry is free.
- Enjoy a glass of bubbly or simply experience the heady atmosphere at the Bubble Lounge in Apron Views.
- The best place to watch the horses and study their form is from the Parade Ring Lawns. Get hold of a race programme and watch the horses. Racing is what the day is all about, after all.
All your favourites
The best bars and restaurants from around Dubai have sent their mini-mes down to the World Cup. Check them out in the Apron Views area:
- Irish Village
- Barastin Waxy's
- Nelson's
- Long's
- Rockbottom
- Time Café
- Zinc
- Wagamama
