Dubai World Cup 2022: date, tickets, racecard and all you need to know

The UAE's most famous race returns to full capacity at Meydan on Saturday

Luis Saez celebrates his Dubai World Cup win on Mystic Guide. Pawan Singh / The National

Luis Saez celebrates his Dubai World Cup win on Mystic Guide. Pawan Singh / The National

Mystic Guide ridden by Luis Saez in action during the 4:50 Dubai World Cup. REUTERS

Mystic Guide ridden by Luis Saez in action during the 4:50 Dubai World Cup. REUTERS

Luis Saez celebrates winning the Dubai World Cup on Mystic Guide. REUTERS

Jockey David Egan on Mishriff from Ireland (L) on their way winning the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic race at the Dubai World Cup in Dubai. EPA

Mishriff, ridden by David Egan, won the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic. Pawan Singh / The National

Mishriff, ridden by David Egan, won the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic. Pawan Singh / The National

Lord North, ridden by Frankie Dettori, won the Dubai Turf. Pawan Singh / The National

Lord North, ridden by Frankie Dettori, won the Dubai Turf. Pawan Singh / The National

Rebel's Romance, ridden by William Buick, won the Dubai Turf. Pawan Singh / The National

Frankie Dettori riding Lord North wins the Dubai Turf during Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates .Getty Images

Lord North ridden by Frankie Dettori in action during the Dubai Turf. Reuters

Zenden ridden by Antonio Fresu in action during the Dubai Golden Shaheen. Reuters

Antonio Fresu dismounts Zenden after ridding in the Dubai Golden Shaheen. Reuters

Jockey Antonio Fresu on Zenden from the USA (R) win the Dubai Golden Shaheen race at the Dubai World Cup in Dubai. EPA

Ryan Moore riding Extravagant Kid wins the Al Quoz Sprint during Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Extravagant Kid ridden by Ryan Moore in action in Al Quoz Sprint. Reuters

Ryan Moore riding Extravagant Kid wins the Al Quoz Sprint during Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. Getty

Jockey Joseph Fanning (R) on Subjectivist from Great Britain on their way winning the Dubai Gold Cup race at the Dubai World Cup in Dubai. EPA

Jockey Joseph Fanning (R) on Subjectivist from Great Britain on their way winning the Dubai Gold Cup race at the Dubai World Cup in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Jockey Tadhg O'Shea on Secret Ambition celebrates after winning the Godolphin Mile at the Dubai World Cup. EPA

Tadhg O'Shea on his way to victory on Secret Ambition in the Godolphin Mile. Getty

Deryan, ridden by Loritz Mendizabal, wins the Dubai Kahayla Classic during the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse. Pawan Singh / The National

Loritz Mendizabal after guiding Deryan to victory at the Dubai World Cup. Pawan Singh / The National

Action from the Dubai Kahayla Classic. Getty

Runners and riders in the Dubai Kahayla Classic. Reuters

The Dubai World Cup trophy is brought out at Meydan Racecourse on the big day. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The trophy for the Godolphin Mile at the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Racegoers arrive at the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Follow live updates from the races here

Racing enthusiasts in the UAE are in for a treat as the Dubai World Cup returns to full capacity after the 2020 race meeting was cancelled and the 2021 event staged behind closed doors due to the pandemic.

The Meydan Racecourse is expected to be packed to its capacity of 80,000 in the 26th edition of the meeting that takes place on Saturday, March 26. What makes this edition extra special is the fact that the showpiece event's total purse has been raised to more than $30.5 million, up from $26.5m. Also, for the first time, all races offer at least $1m in prize money..

The highlight of the nine-race card is the $12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup, a 2,000-metre contest run on the dirt surface.

Racegoers will be hoping to witness a dramatic race like last time when Mystic Guide from Godolphin’s American operation celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup with victory.

Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, the Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, said: “We are so happy to have everyone back here for what will be a fantastic 26th running of the Dubai World Cup meeting. The atmosphere will be absolutely electrifying.

“The quality of the horses, trainers, owners and jockeys who have assembled is better than ever and we are looking forward to a superb day of racing with our guests from all over the world."

William Mott-trained Cigar won the inaugural race in 1996 and a quarter of a century later, the Dubai World Cup has risen to the summit of the racing calendar.

Ticket prices

Fans can witness the action with tickets starting at Dh50 for general admission. Other options are available for those seeking hospitality, while those attending will also gain entry to the closing ceremony and post-race concert that will feature Becky Hill, Rudimental and DJ Sigala.

Tickets for the Dubai World Cup can be purchased from the ticket office near Gate B at Meydan Racecourse or online at Dubairacingclub.com.

Date

The Dubai World Cup 2022 will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022.

Schedule

The first race of the Dubai World Cup starts at 3.45pm. Gates open from 12pm on race day, Saturday, March 26.

Racecard

• $6m Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic on turf run over 2,410 metres
• $5m Group 1 Dubai Turf (1,800m-turf)
• $2m Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen (1,200m-Dirt)
• $1.5m Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m-T)
• $1m Group 2 Godolphin Mile (1,600m-D)
• $1m Group 2 UAE Derby (1,800m-D)
• $1m Dubai Gold Cup (3,200m-T)
• $1m Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for the Purebred Arabians (2,000m-D)
• $12m Group 1 Dubai World Cup (2,000m-D)

Dress code

Although there is no formal dress code, the Dubai World Cup is one of the highlights of the UAE's sports and social calendars, so don't forget to dress up! Smart or decent casual attire is recommended. No flip flops please. Dubai Racing Club reserve the right to refuse entry to any person considered inappropriately dressed.

Venue and how to get there

The Dubai World Cup will be staged at the Meydan Racecourse.

By road

From Dubai or Abu Dhabi, on the Sheikh Zayed Road, take Exit 47, then turn onto Al Meydan Road D69 towards Nad Al Sheba, and follow the signs to Meydan Racecourse and The Meydan Hotel.

From Al Ain on Dubai-Al Ain Road, please take Exit 7, then take Nad Al Sheba direction on Al Meydan Road D69 (South) and follow the signs to Meydan Racecourse and The Meydan Hotel.

By taxi

The RTA operates a taxi service from the Meydan Racecourse and Grandstand with the drop-off and pick-up point located outside Gate B, a few steps away from the action.

Covid protocols

Racegoers will be required to adhere to Covid-19 related protocols mandated by the UAE government, which means visitors must wear face masks in all indoor areas of the venue.