The UAE is gearing up for an extraordinary horse racing season as the countdown begins to the 30th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup, set to take place on March 28, 2026. The 2025–2026 racing season officially commences on November 1, 2025, at Jebel Ali Racecourse, which will host 11 meetings through March 8, 2026. Meanwhile, Meydan Racecourse will stage 16 meetings starting November 7, 2025, 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, Jebel Ali Racecourse announced a 20% increase in total prize money for the season and introduced the groundbreaking ‘Daaeemm’ scheme, the world’s first racing incentive program designed to support horse owners. This initiative aims to reward participation and competitiveness by offering additional bonuses to horses in selected categories, including maidens and younger horses, beyond their standard race purses.
Mohamed Ahmed Al Ahmed, Director General of Jebel Ali Racecourse, emphasized the season’s focus on growth and inclusion, highlighting the vision of Maj. General Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. ‘With the launch of the Daaeemm scheme, we’re creating an incentive structure that benefits everyone in the racing community — owners, trainers, and fans alike,’ he said. ‘It’s about building a sustainable, competitive, and vibrant future for UAE racing.’
Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, General Manager and Board Member of the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA), described the 2025–2026 season as a milestone in the internationalization of UAE racing. ‘The UAE has long been recognised as a global leader in horse racing, and the build-up to the 30th Dubai World Cup only strengthens that reputation,’ he said. ‘Our goal this season is not just to celebrate history, but to show how far UAE racing has come.’
The season will feature 64 race meetings across five tracks — Meydan, Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain — with Jebel Ali hosting events like the Jebel Ali Mile, Jebel Ali Sprint, and Jebel Ali Stakes. Community-focused initiatives, such as Students and Universities Day, Gallop & Glam Fashion Day, and Ramadan Celebrations, will further enhance the season’s appeal.
As the UAE racing community prepares for this landmark season, the focus remains on making the 30th Dubai World Cup a historic and unforgettable event for the global sporting world.