The rapid evolution of professional horse racing in the UAE has mirrored the growth of the country itself. In only three decades since conducting the first professional horse races in 1992, and especially since launching the Dubai World Cup in 1996, Dubai has emerged as a major hub for world-class racing. The sport's remarkable expansion in the region has been driven by strategic investments, innovative initiatives, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, positioning the UAE as a global leader in the equine industry.

Pioneering the Future of Horse Racing

Exponential Growth and Global Reach

The UAE's horse racing industry has experienced a remarkable transformation over the past three decades. In the 1992-1993 season, there were just 97 registered owners of racehorses in the UAE. By 2023, this figure had soared to 445, a testament to the sport's growing popularity and appeal. Similarly, the number of trainers has increased from 41 in 1992 to 165 in 2023, reflecting the influx of global talent and expertise drawn to the region.The Dubai Racing Carnival, an annual series of 16 race meetings held from November to April, has played a pivotal role in elevating the UAE's international standing in the sector. With its enhanced format and lucrative prize money, the Carnival provides a prime stage for global talent, attracting top horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world. As Ali Al Ali, the Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of the Dubai Racing Club, explains, "The Dubai Racing Carnival provides a prime stage for global talent, while the UAE continues to build on its legacy of high-quality racing."

The Dubai World Cup: A Pinnacle of Equine Excellence

The inaugural Dubai World Cup, held in 1996 at Nad Al Sheba, marked a significant milestone in the UAE's horse racing journey. Under the helm of the Dubai Racing Club, the event has evolved into one of the world's richest horse races, with a total prize pool of USD$30.5 million for the nine-race card. The highlight of the event is the $12 million Dubai World Cup, a Group 1 race run over the 2,000-meter distance on dirt.In 2010, the Dubai World Cup found a new home at the Meydan Racecourse, the world's largest grandstand that can host 60,000 spectators. As Ali Al Ali explains, "Meydan Racecourse showcases the region's dedication to the sport, drawing top horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the globe." The state-of-the-art facility, with its cutting-edge technology and world-class amenities, has become a testament to the UAE's commitment to elevating the racing experience.

Diversifying the Equine Landscape

The UAE's horse racing landscape extends beyond Thoroughbred racing, with a strong focus on Purebred Arabian races as well. The newly structured President's Cup Series, for instance, further highlights the country's dedication to promoting all aspects of the sport. "This includes not only Thoroughbred racing but also major Purebred Arabian races, such as the newly structured President's Cup Series, further highlighting the UAE's commitment to promoting all aspects of the sport," says Ali Al Ali.This diversification of the racing calendar not only caters to a wider audience but also showcases the UAE's deep-rooted connection to the equine heritage of the region. By embracing both Thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian races, the UAE is preserving the rich traditions of the sport while simultaneously driving its global evolution.

Fostering International Collaboration and Innovation

The UAE's strategic location and favorable climate have played a crucial role in its emergence as a global hub for horse racing. As Ali Al Ali explains, "We are blessed in the UAE with our geographical location, which means we are easily accessible for horses from all four corners of the globe. As such, Dubai is a global hub for traveling horses." In 2023, horse movements increased 9.3%, year on year, to 5,564 imports and exports, a testament to the UAE's growing appeal as a premier destination for equine enthusiasts.Moreover, the UAE's commitment to innovation has been a driving force in the industry's transformation. The Dubai Racing Club is actively exploring technological advancements, such as the tokenization of horse ownership, to enhance the fan experience and attract new audiences to the sport. "We are always exploring opportunities to improve technology, such as tokenisation of horse ownership, which we are actively developing," says Ali Al Ali.

Elevating the Racing Experience

The UAE's approach to horse racing extends beyond the competition itself, with a strong emphasis on creating an engaging and immersive experience for spectators. "Racing events are not only about the competition but about creating an exciting and engaging atmosphere for spectators, with a blend of sport, luxury, and entertainment that draws crowds from all over the world," explains Ali Al Ali.The Dubai Racing Carnival, for instance, offers a comprehensive package of exceptional dining, entertainment, and hospitality experiences, catering to a diverse range of visitors. "For those who want to enjoy horse racing on a weekly basis throughout the winter, we have the Dubai Racing Carnival, a season packed with incredible sporting action, exceptional dining and entertainment experiences. It's the perfect evening to spend with friends, family or colleagues," says Ali Al Ali.

Overcoming Local Challenges

While the UAE's horse racing industry has experienced remarkable growth, it faces unique challenges in the local market. As Ali Al Ali notes, "In the UK, horse racing is the second most attended sport after football, and in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Jockey Club is the single biggest taxpayer to the government, but in the UAE we do face challenges in that it's a very competitive landscape with many different entertainment and hospitality options on offer."To address this, the Dubai Racing Club is focused on strengthening its brand positioning, both locally and globally, and enhancing its offering to attract new fans to the sport. This includes initiatives such as the upcoming "Breakfast Stable Tours," where racegoers can go behind the scenes and meet the equine stars, and the opening of the Saddling Area to the public on race nights, providing greater access and engagement with the sport.

Embracing the Future: Technology and Accessibility

As the UAE's horse racing industry continues to evolve, the Dubai Racing Club is actively embracing technological advancements to enhance the fan experience and drive the sport's growth. "We are always exploring opportunities to improve technology, such as tokenisation of horse ownership, which we are actively developing," says Ali Al Ali.The club is also redeveloping its website to be more user-friendly and has plans to launch a dedicated Dubai Racing Club app, complete with an impressive gaming feature that aims to attract new fans to the sport. "We are lucky as, here in Dubai, we are at the forefront of so many technological advancements and racing is well-placed to tap into these," adds Ali Al Ali.By leveraging technology and prioritizing accessibility, the Dubai Racing Club is positioning itself at the forefront of the industry's digital transformation, ensuring that the sport remains relevant and engaging for generations to come.