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Dubai World Cup

“World's richest horse race — $12 million purse at Meydan Racecourse + Godolphin owned”

The Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse (5.6 km east of Downtown Dubai) is the world's richest horse race — $12 million purse for the World Cup itself, $30+ million across 9 races on the card. Held last Saturday of March. Founded 1996 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Dress code enforced — hats + formal wear required in Apron Views + higher.

Upcoming dates

Next
2026
March 28, 2026 (single Saturday)
Saturday
Following year
2027
March 27, 2027

Last Saturday of March annually since 1996.

Duration
1 day (9-race card, gates open 15:00, main race ~22:00)
Crowd
80,000+
Budget/day
$400-2,000 (ticket + hotel + food + dress)
Book ahead
4+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Horse racing fans + fashion + fine dining + Dubai luxury tourism
  • ✓Book Dubai hotels 4-5 months ahead — March is Dubai's peak weather season, doubly booked around World Cup
  • ✓Apron Views seating AED 350 (~$95). Parade Ring AED 950 (~$260). Godolphin Lounge AED 2,850 (~$775). VIP boxes AED 20,000+ ($5,450+)
  • ✓Dress code: formal + hats mandatory Parade Ring + higher. Women — cocktail dress or suit + hat/fascinator. Men — suit + tie
  • ✓Meydan is 20 min from Downtown Dubai — Downtown / Business Bay / Dubai Marina hotels all have free shuttle service race day
  • ✓Combine with Dubai Racing Carnival (January-March) — 8 race meetings leading up to World Cup, tickets AED 30+ (~$8)

Book hotels for Dubai World Cup 2026

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 4+ months ahead.

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Frequently asked

When is Dubai World Cup 2026?
March 28, 2026 (Saturday). Gates open 15:00. First race ~17:00. Main $12M World Cup ~22:00.
How much are Dubai World Cup tickets?
Apron Views AED 350 (~$95). Grandstand AED 550 (~$150). Parade Ring AED 950 (~$260). Godolphin Lounge AED 2,850 (~$775). VIP box packages AED 20,000+.
What is the Dubai World Cup dress code?
Apron Views: smart casual. Parade Ring + higher: formal — cocktail dress + hat/fascinator for women, suit + tie for men. Godolphin Lounge + VIP require formal + hats. Enforced at entry.
How do I get to Meydan Racecourse?
Meydan is 20 min drive from Downtown Dubai / Business Bay. Uber AED 30-60. Free Dubai World Cup shuttle from major hotels race day (booking required 48h ahead).
What is the prize money at Dubai World Cup?
$12 million for the main Dubai World Cup race. $30+ million total prize money across the 9-race card — world's richest single day of horse racing.

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Dubai World Cup price + date alerts

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