UAE ready for the biggest-ever racing season

The UAE's new flat racing season promises to be one of the most exciting in history, as the country's twin racing pillars, Meydan and Jebel Ali Racecourse, prepare for an action-packed calendar leading up to the historic 30th running of the Dubai World Cup on March 28, 2026.

- Leslie Wilson Jr

Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi (third from left), Mohamed Ahmed Al Ahmed (third from right) and Sam Shinsky, Head of Integrity and Regulation at the ERA (second from right) at the official launch of the Dubai racing calendar. - JEBEL ALI RACECOURSE

(JEBEL ALI RACECOURSE)

The 2025-2026 Dubai season officially kicks off on November 1, at Jebel Ali Racecourse, which will host 11 meetings through to March 8, 2026. Meydan Racecourse, meanwhile, will stage 16 meetings from November 7 as part of the prestigious Dubai World Cup Carnival, culminating in the $12 million Dubai World Cup.

At a press conference held at Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai, Jebel Ali Racecourse announced a 20 per cent increase in total prize money for the season and unveiled a pioneering new initiative the “Daaeemm” scheme the world’s first racing incentive programme dedicated to supporting horse owners.

The new initiative aims to reward participation and competitiveness by offering additional bonuses to horses across selected categories, including maidens and younger horses, beyond their standard race purses.