UAE racing season opens as Abu Dhabi marks 50 years of equestrian heritage

The 2026-27 UAE racing season gallops into life on Thursday, heralding a landmark year that celebrates five decades of Abu Dhabi’s rich equestrian heritage and sporting achievement.

As the sound of hooves returns to the racecourses, a new chapter in the nation’s rich equestrian story is set to unfold.

The season opener arrives at a particularly meaningful moment for Abu Dhabi Turf Club, as the emirate marks the Golden Jubilee of its equestrian legacy.

From race meetings to internationally recognised feature events, the season promises top-class competition across the country’s five racecourses.

The new season underscores UAE’s continued commitment to elevating the stature, featuring a distinguished programme of races for both Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred horses.

The season comprises 64 race meetings across the nation’s racecourses.

Abu Dhabi Turf Club will stage 16 meetings, highlighted by two major fixtures. The UAE President Cup, offering Dhs8 million in prize money, will take place on December 12. The venue will also welcome the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup on February 7, 2027, with $1 million in prize money.

The opening meeting holds special significance for Abu Dhabi Turf Club, which will mark the milestone with a seven-race card on Thursday.

The action begins at 5pm with the Fursan Al Watan Sprint, a 1,200-metre maiden for UAE-bred Purebred Arabians aged four and above, before the Al Izz Elite Cup takes centre stage over 1,400 metres at 5.30pm.

Purebred Arabian racing continues with the Arabian Stride Mile, a 1,600-metre handicap at 6pm, followed by the Wathba Stallions Cup for Private Owners over 2,200 metres at 6.30pm. The Qasr Al Watan Challenge, also contested over 2,200 metres, takes place at 7pm.

Thoroughbred racing then takes centre stage with the Desert Jewel Handicap over 1,400 metres at 7.30pm, before the 1,200-metre Capital Speed Sprint concludes the meeting at 8pm.

Ali Al Shaiba, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Abu Dhabi Turf Club and Chief Executive Officer of Al Khail Square, said: “The launch of our 2026-27 racing season is a significant milestone, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee of the equestrian legacy in Abu Dhabi. While we proudly celebrate five decades of this achievement, the new season is equally about looking ahead and continuing to elevate the sport for future generations.

“Through elite competition, enhanced visitor experiences and initiatives that welcome new audiences to the Turf, we remain committed to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading regional and international hub for horse racing. We look forward to a memorable season that celebrates both our heritage and our ambitions for the future,” he added.

Meydan Racecourse, the crown jewel of UAE racing, will host 17 meetings and provide a fitting finale to the season with the 31st edition of the prestigious $12 million Dubai World Cup on March 27, 2027.

A magnet for elite equine talent from around the globe, the flagship event is expected to command international attention once again, reinforcing the UAE’s standing as a leading destination on the world racing stage.

The Dubai Racing Carnival will commence on Friday, 6 November 2026 and conclude on Friday, 12 March 2027.

Sharjah Longines Racecourse will host six meetings, enlivened by a series of signature contests that reflect the emirate’s enduring passion for the sport.

The HH The Ruler of Sharjah Cup, GCC Cup and HH Sharjah Crown Prince Cup will stand among the season’s notable highlights.

Al Ain Racecourse will stage 14 meetings, headlined by the popular three-leg Marathon Series.

The Al Ain Mile will add a burst of speed and excitement, rounding out a compelling programme of endurance, pace and fierce competition.

Jebel Ali Racecourse will host 11 meetings during their upcoming season, bringing its distinctive blend of competitive Thoroughbred racing and vibrant race-day atmosphere to another exciting campaign.