The Dubai Racing Carnival 2025/26 is set to captivate racing fans worldwide as Dubai Racing Club unveils a 17-meeting season at the iconic Meydan Racecourse. Commencing on 7 November 2025, the Carnival reaches its climax on 28 March 2026 with the landmark 30th Dubai World Cup.
This milestone edition marks 30 years since the Dubai World Cup’s inaugural running in 1996. Known for its global appeal and stunning spectacle, the 2026 edition is expected to attract top international talent, offering a truly world-class racing experience under the lights of Meydan.
Dubai Racing Carnival 2025/26 Schedule
Throughout the season, four major race days will provide both competitive highlights and global fanfare:
• 19 December 2025 – Festive Friday: Features the AED 1 million G2 Maktoum Mile, kicking off the holiday racing spirit.
• 23 January 2026 – Fashion Friday: Headlined by the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge (AED 3.68 million), with a bonus berth to the World Cup.
• 28 February 2026 – Emirates Super Saturday: Hosts the G2 Al Maktoum Classic, a ‘win and you’re in’ race for Dubai World Cup qualification.
• 28 March 2026 – Dubai World Cup Night: The grand finale featuring champions from around the globe in the world’s richest race day.
Feature Day Summary Table
Date – Feature Day – Main Race
19 Dec 2025 – Festive Friday – G2 Maktoum Mile
23 Jan 2026 – Fashion Friday – G1 Al Maktoum Challenge
28 Feb 2026 – Super Saturday – G2 Al Maktoum Classic
28 Mar 2026 – Dubai World Cup Night – Dubai World Cup (G1)
Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, emphasized the event’s stature: “The Dubai World Cup is firmly established as one of the world’s great sporting and social spectacles.” With the 30th edition ahead, the occasion will showcase elite equine talent and reinforce Dubai’s position on the global racing stage.
Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member, added: “We are extremely proud of the growth of both the Dubai World Cup and Dubai Racing Carnival. We’re working hard to fulfill our leadership’s vision and make this season a remarkable experience for horsemen and fans alike.”
One of the Carnival’s most unforgettable moments in recent history came during the dramatic finish to the Dubai Turf, when Soul Rush edged Romantic Warrior in a nail-biting photo finish that stunned fans worldwide.
The full Emirates Racing Association fixture list is available at:
https://emiratesracing.com/season-calendar/current-season
With the Dubai Racing Carnival 2025/26 featuring contenders from Europe, the U.S., Japan, and the Gulf, the season promises to blend elite sport with Dubai’s trademark flair—delivering moments of glory from the Tapeta to the turf.
Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the Dubai Racing Carnival 2025/26 — a season set to deliver international flair and unforgettable finishes.
