All eyes on Meydan as Dubai World Cup returns with $30.5 million prize pot

Dubai: When the world’s fastest horses meet with the Burj Khalifa as the backdrop, it’s more than just a race — it’s a spectacle.

The 29th Dubai World Cup at Meydan blends elite racing with fashion, fireworks and international flair, boasting $30.5 million in stakes and a line-up fit for the kings and queens of the track.

The Dubai World Cup, the world’s most spectacular race meeting, returns to Meydan Racecourse on Saturday. The jewel in the crown of Dubai’s sporting calendar, the annual gala promises high-quality action on the track, fabulous fashion off it — with Style Stakes in full swing — and entertainment that continues well into the night.

With $30.5 million in prize money across nine races, the event brings together the best horses, trainers and jockeys from across the globe. Last year’s edition saw winners trained in five different countries, underlining the international flavour that defines the meeting.

The excitement doesn’t stop when the final race ends. The Dubai World Cup’s closing ceremony, which holds multiple Guinness World Records, is set to light up the sky and provide a fitting finale to one of the sport’s greatest days.

The meeting will be broadcast in 170 countries, with more than a dozen nations represented across the nine races. Headlining the card is the $12 million Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline — a contest that continues to draw the best of the best.

Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of the Dubai Racing Club, said: “We are extremely proud of the Dubai World Cup meeting and how it has grown, in less than 30 years, to become one of the biggest global racing events on the planet.

“This year’s nominations include some of the best horses in the world, and the Dubai World Cup meeting is set to be one of the most spectacular days of racing staged anywhere in the world in 2025.”

Since its inception, the Dubai World Cup has crowned champions that became legends. From Cigar’s victory in the inaugural edition to Dubai Millennium, Street Cry, Captain Steve, and Thunder Snow — the only two-time winner — the race has produced unforgettable moments. Last year’s champion, Laurel River, added a new name to that prestigious list.

Gates to Meydan Racecourse will now open at 2:30pm, with the first race — the G1 Dubai Kahayla Classic — set for 4:35pm. The highly anticipated Dubai World Cup will take place at 9:30pm, followed by a spectacular Closing Ceremony worthy of the occasion.

Sheikh Rashed Bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, said: “Ensuring the safety and well-being of horses, jockeys and guests is our top priority, the decision has been made to adjust the start time of the Dubai World Cup day. We remain fully committed to delivering an exceptional event filled with thrilling horse-racing, world-class hospitality, and a truly magical atmosphere befitting the Dubai World Cup.”

4:35pm: Dubai Kahayla Classic (Sponsored by Zabeel Feed), Group 1, 5YO+, Purebred Arabian, Dirt, 2,000m — $1,000,000

5:10pm: Dubai Gold Cup (Sponsored by Al Tayer Motors), Group 2, 4YO+, Thoroughbred, Turf, 3,200m — $1,000,000

5:45pm: Godolphin Mile (Sponsored by EMAAR), Group 2, 4YO+ and SH 3YO, Thoroughbred, Dirt, 1,600m — $1,000,000

6:20pm: Al Quoz Sprint (Sponsored by AZIZI Developments), Group 1, 3YO+, Thoroughbred, Turf, 1,200m — $1,500,000

7:00pm: UAE Derby (Sponsored by Jumeirah), Group 2, 3YO, Thoroughbred, Dirt, 1,900m — $1,000,000

7:40pm: Dubai Golden Shaheen (Sponsored by Nakheel), Group 1, 3YO+, Thoroughbred, Dirt, 1,200m — $2,000,000

8:15pm: Dubai Turf (Sponsored by DP World), Group 1, SH 3YO and 4YO+, Thoroughbred, Turf, 1,800m — $5,000,000

8:50pm: Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, Group 1, 4YO+ and SH 3YO, Thoroughbred, Turf, 2,410m — $6,000,000

9:30pm: Dubai World Cup (Sponsored by Emirates Airline), Group 1, 4YO+ and SH 3YO, Thoroughbred, Dirt, 2,000m — $12,000,000