Meydan Racecourse will take an important step towards greater inclusivity when it hosts Autism Awareness Raceday on Friday, 13 March 2026. Confirmed by Dubai Racing Club , the initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to make racing more accessible to individuals with diverse sensory and social needs.
The Autism Awareness Raceday at Meydan Racecourse will be delivered in partnership with UK-based organisation Autism in Racing, whose work has helped reshape how racecourses approach accessibility and understanding. The initiative is designed to encourage individuals with autism to experience racing in a way that suits them — whether attending as spectators, engaging behind the scenes, or considering future roles within the industry.
On the day, Meydan will introduce dedicated sensory areas within the Paddock Garden, alongside quieter, thoughtfully designed spaces that allow guests to step away from the bustle when needed. These measures are intended to give visitors greater control over their race day experience, ensuring comfort without compromising the atmosphere that defines racing at Meydan.
Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Racing Club, said the occasion represents more than a single fixture on the calendar. He noted that the Autism Awareness Raceday at Meydan Racecourse reflects a growing global understanding of how sporting venues can adapt to serve broader communities. He praised Autism in Racing for its pioneering role and expressed confidence that the collaboration would deliver a race day that is considerate, inclusive and memorable for all who attend.
Jane Buick of Autism in Racing described the partnership as a milestone beyond the UK and Ireland, calling Meydan a venue whose scale and vision make its commitment particularly meaningful. She highlighted that the racecourse’s proactive approach sets a strong example for racing and sporting venues worldwide, reinforcing the idea that accessibility and excellence can go hand in hand.
Autism Awareness Raceday at Meydan Racecourse: A Broader Context
While the programme for the day will follow Meydan’s established standards of competitive racing, the emphasis of the event extends beyond the action on the track. There will be no formal focus on results or finishing positions; instead, the day is about experience, awareness and opportunity. By prioritising inclusive design and open dialogue, Dubai Racing Club aims to broaden racing’s appeal and demonstrate how the sport can evolve with empathy and purpose.
The initiative also signals a wider cultural shift within international racing, where awareness, education and community engagement are increasingly recognised as essential to the sport’s future. Meydan’s approach shows how tradition and progress can coexist, offering a model that others in the region may soon follow.
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