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The 29th running of the Dubai World Cup, celebrated globally as one of racing's premier sporting and social events, is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025. This landmark occasion will serve as the grand finale of an extended of the newly rebranded Dubai Racing Carnival featuring 16 exhilarating race meetings.
The season will kick off on Friday, November 8. The first major race day, ‘Festive Friday,’ is set for December 20, headlined by the AED1 million Gr.2 Maktoum Mile. Another highlight, the ‘Fashion Friday’ fixture, will take place on January 24, featuring a premier all-Pattern race card, including the AED3.68 million Gr.1 Al Maktoum Challenge, which offers entry to the Dubai World Cup through its ‘Bonus Scheme.’
Meydan Racecourse will also host the Emirates Super Saturday on March 1, 2025, featuring the Gr.2 Al Maktoum Classic, another key ‘win and you’re in’ race for the Dubai World Cup.
Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, commented on the announcement, “The Dubai World Cup is one of the most established sporting and social events in Dubai. This incredible race meeting has grown year after year since its inception in 1996. We eagerly anticipate welcoming the best horses, jockeys, trainers, and owners from around the world to Meydan Racecourse on April 5, 2025.”
He added, “We are also thrilled to offer two additional days of racing this season, providing more opportunities for both local and international horses. The Dubai Racing Carnival has been crucial in transforming the global horseracing landscape. It’s a celebration that combines top-tier racing with world-class entertainment, fashion, and hospitality. With new race days and an enhanced prize pool, the Carnival continues to attract elite participants and audiences worldwide.”
Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Racing Carnival has reached new heights. Sheikh Rashed praised, “His passion and commitment to the sport have elevated the Dubai World Cup and placed Dubai firmly on the global horseracing map. His Highness’s efforts have fostered international cooperation, bringing together the best in the industry and advancing the sport’s growth.”
The 2024/25 UAE Racing Season will feature a total of 64 meetings, an increase of three over the previous season, with two additional nights added at Meydan Racecourse. Consequently, the Dubai Racing Carnival will now host 17 nights of racing, culminating with the Dubai World Cup on April 5, 2025.
Sheikh Rashed concluded, “We are pleased to add two more meetings to the Dubai Racing Carnival for the upcoming season at Meydan Racecourse. This expansion aligns with our belief that the Carnival plays an integral role in transforming the global horseracing industry, offering a celebration of the sport with high-level racing, world-class entertainment, and exceptional Emirati hospitality. The enhanced schedule and prize money will ensure the Carnival remains one of the most sought-after events on the international racing calendar, drawing the best horses, connections, and racing fans from around the globe.”