Dubai World Cup Carnival takes off
Get set for racing season - the biggest event in the Dubai social calendar
Lights, couture, action – there’s no denying that the racing season is one of the Dubai social calendar’s most premiere (and poshest) events; and while horse racing takes place throughout the winter, it’s from now – until the ultimate event of the Dubai World Cup – that the season gets uber-glam.
There are now six race meets to look forward to: February 23, March 1, March 3, March 10, March 17 (1) – and, of course, March 31 (2). And there’s plenty on offer even if you’re not an equine enthusiast.
For the events leading up to the Dubai World Cup (we’ll be talking about that particular day a lot over the next few weeks) why not book in for Meydan’s Seafood and BBQ Night (3), Silks’ international buffet (Dh395 with soft drinks, Dh495 with selected beverages), or just drop into the Parade Ring Lounge (Dh150 for entry) on the ground floor, which is right next to where the winning horses are shown off and has a lounge bar feel and great food.
There are also two special events on Thursday March 29 for added glam; in the morning there’s Breakfast With The Stars, held near the track – featuring live interviews with the stars of the horse racing world (the human ones, that is), a lavish breakfast buffet and plenty of networking (Dh295 per adult).
Then, that night, there’s a gorgeous Arabian Nights Desert Party held near Bab Al Shams – with a buffet that will impress even in this city of buffet one-upmanship, plus plenty of entertainment (Dh1,000 per person).
Footnotes
1. The hospitality areas on February 23, March 1 and March 3 run from 6pm-11pm, and on March 10-17 they run from 4pm-9pm. March 10 is Super Saturday, the meet with the most money riding on it other than the World Cup (the 2,000-metre race on Super Saturday has a prize money of Dh1.49 million).
2. The March 31 Dubai World Cup is the pinnacle of the racing season, with hospitality tents open from 2pm-11.30pm, the world’s richest races and international stars in concert – it’s an event not to
be missed.
3. In Meydan Hotel’s signature Farriers restaurant, this seafood and BBQ night boasts great views of the action from the terrace, a relaxed atmosphere and delectable grills. Pay Dh250 for food, and Dh375 for food and beverages on any race night until March 17
(04 381 3111).
