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Our Brief guide to

Dubai World Cup 2017

The World's Richest Horse Racing Event

The most elite and competitive affair returns once again to the Meydan Racecourse on the 25th of March 2017. The annual Dubai World Cup has been running in Meydan since 2010 and offers prizes starting from $10 million, thus making it the richest horse race the world has ever seen.

How it All Started

Horseracing goes beyond being a mere sport for the people of Dubai – they share a great amount of passion and respect for the activity as it has also played a role in shaping their identity and culture. Commencing in 1981, the first Thoroughbred race meeting was held and organized by the ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the Dubai Racing Club was formed soon after. Dubai began to gain international recognition and created a prominent position in the world of horseracing after hosting the inaugural Dubai International Jockey’s Challenge, introducing senior riders from four continents. The 14th World Cup concluded the races at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse with a record-breaking win with American Thoroughbred racehorse, Well Armed. The following year the event took place in the Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, which remains home for the well-esteemed occasion. 

Hospitality and Races at the 22nd Annual Event

There are several food and beverage selections for racegoers to pick from, varying by cuisine, location and entry regulations – such as, Silks Restaurant, Winner’s Circle Restaurant, Parade Ring Restaurant and The Premium and more. Silks offers a buffet while the Winner’s Circle boasts a 4-course set menu. Parade Ring is restricted to adults above the age of 21 and allows its guests, entrance to The Premium, which offers the best seats in the house. A total of 62 race meetings will take place across the UAE, leading up to the Dubai World Cup on the 25th of March. The well-regarded event at the Meydan Racecourse will see a total of 9 races. The winner of the Dubai Kahayla Classic, race 1, will receive prize money of US$1,000,000 and the winner of the final race, Dubai World Cup, will take home an astonishing US$10,000,000.

Where to Catch the Action

Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse is the largest and most contemporary facility in the world. With an outstanding capability to accommodate 60,000 visitors at once, this state-of-the-art site also boasts a connected hotel, Meydan Hotel. Meydan is accessible from all main roads and is a brief 15-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and 10-minute drive from The Dubai Mall.

Tickets and Packages

The Dubai World Cup offers several bundles, zones and fees suited to your preference:
• General Admission: this is available for all visitors at a charge of AED 25, while children under the age of 12 are admitted free of charge.
• Apron Views: for those interested in the entertainment as well as the race, this is the best selection for you! Situated right in the middle of the race track and the Meydan Grandstand, Apron Views hosts the post-race celebration and concert.
• The Gallery: if you’re taking part in any of the stakes and competitions you’re going to want to be seated her to have a perfect view of the finish line.
• The Terrace: ideal for companies and large families, The Terrace offers its guests a superb dining experience with the additional freedom to roam the Grandstand to catch the action on the racetrack.
• First Class Lounge: treat yourself to the full Dubai World Cup experience and extravagance by enjoying the exclusive lounge and bar as well as the exceptional views on the terrace. 
• Breakfast with the Stars: as implied by its name, this massive area in the Meydan Grandstand allows you to enjoy incredible views of the racecourse while relishing deluxe breakfast and privacy from your very own table. 
• Winner’s Circle Restaurant: revel in afternoon tea and a selection of sweets shortly followed by a five-course set menu while looking through the array of long windows onto the race track. 
• Grandstand Suites: situated on several levels across the building, the 74 luxurious suites can cater to groups of 10 to 500  . Each suite is accompanied with delicious food and either a private terrace or balcony to enjoy the remarkable views of the track. 
• Sky Bubble: would you like to see everything from Dubai’s impressive skyline to the horses galloping away underneath? The Sky Bubble’s 360 degree views can satisfy those preferences from the roof of the Meydan Grandstand.  
• Cigar Suite: enjoy a glass of bubbly and a fine cigar from the 5th level of the Grandstand while you watch the Parade Ring and concert below. 
• The Lounge: Watch the horses dash past the finish line from the comfort of your table at the luxurious Lounge on Level 6 of the Grandstand.

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