A First-Timer’s Guide To The Dubai World Cup
Updated: February 04, 2026
One of the biggest horseracing events in the global calendar, the Dubai World Cup is once again descending on Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on March 28.
Famous for being one of the most prestigious racing events in the world, the Dubai World Cup also comes with one of the biggest prize purses in the sport—and this year it’s a huge $30.5 million USD across six Group 1 and three Group 2 races. 2026 marks 30 years since the inaugural race in 1996, so travelers on their first visit to Dubai for the event’s anniversary can expect big things from this already magnificent competition.
The Meydan grandstand is stunning. credit@DubaiRacingClub
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What is the Dubai World Cup?
The Dubai World Cup is a world-class Thoroughbred horse race held every year at the ultra-futuristic Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. It was created in 1996 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, to promote top-level horse racing in the Middle East.
The main event is the headline race on dirt over 2,000 meters (about 10 furlongs), featuring some of the world’s most elite horses, jockeys, and trainers. The event also features 8 or 9 other world-class races over the course of the day, including the Dubai Sheema Classic (turf championship), Dubai Turf, Golden Shaheen (top sprint race) and the UAE Derby which previews future global stars. For racing fans, this event is stacked from start to finish.
Even if you aren’t a hardcore horse racing fan, the prestigious event boasts something for everyone. In fact, it’s considered one of the city’s biggest cultural and social highlights. Alongside world-class racing, the Dubai World Cup holds a record-setting closing ceremony and fireworks display, state-of-the-art facilities and entertainment, and plenty of glitz and glamor.
If that wasn’t enough, Meydan Racecourse hosts the five-month long Dubai Racing Carnival from November leading up to the event with regular fixtures and races alongside social events and dinners.
First-timer’s guide to the Dubai World Cup: What you need to know
Where should you stay for the Dubai World Cup?
Choosing the right hotel is everything in Dubai, and that’s no different if you’re attending the Dubai World Cup. Whether you’re looking for the pinnacle of luxury or something a little more modest, there are plenty of great places to stay in Dubai for access to its most popular attractions.
However, if you’re looking for the best race access alongside luxury, these are the best places to stay for the Dubai World Cup, offering convenience and glamor come race day.
The Meydan is the place to stay if you’re in town for the Dubai World Cup. Located directly next to the racecourse, the Maydan treats guests to a rooftop pool, multiple fine dining restaurants, and premium services. The 5-star hotel also offers rooms overlooking the racecourse itself, so you can experience the excitement of the Dubai World Cup directly from your balcony.
The Lana - Dorchester Collection
Located in Dubai’s Business Bay, The Lana - Dorchester Collection is a brand new luxury five-star hotel and residence complex just 20 minutes’ drive from the Meydan Racecourse. Here, guests can enjoy luxurious accommodation with spectacular skyline views, Michelin-starred dining, and easy access to downtown Dubai.
Another top five star hotel for your stay in Dubai over the World Cup weekend is the St. Regis Downtown Dubai. Also 20 minutes’ transfer from the racecourse, the St. Regis offers stunning views of the Dubai Water Canal and Burj Khalifa, as well as several top restaurants and bars, an infinity pool, and the St. Regis Spa featuring a traditional Arabian hammam.
Located in downtown Dubai, the JW Marriott Marquis is another 5-star luxury hotel in Dubai’s Business Bay district. It’s one of the tallest hotels in the world, with two iconic towers and over 1,600 rooms, numerous restaurants, lounges, event spaces, spa and wellness facilities, and panoramic skyline views—it’s one of the premier places to stay in Dubai.
Make quite an entrance using Blacklane’s bespoke two-tone Rolls Royce Phantom for your Dubai World Cup trip.
What should you wear to the Dubai World Cup?
The Dubai World Cup is one of the most important events in the fashion calendar, so it’s no surprise that the dress code is taken seriously. As a cornerstone of Dubai’s social calendar, attendees often showcase high-fashion, elegant, and avant-garde outfits—it’s go big, or go home.
The annual Style Stakes competition, with categories like Best Dressed, Best Traditional Outfit, and Best Hat, is a staple of the race day itinerary, so come prepared if you wish to compete. However, if you’re not looking to win Best Dressed Man, Woman, or Couple at this year’s Dubai World Cup, here are a few things to keep in mind before you arrive.
The dress code is strict: The Dubai World Cup dress code states that shorts, sportswear, torn jeans, open-neck t-shirts (for men), tank tops, sneakers/trainers, and flip-flops are strictly prohibited.
Women must dress modestly: Strapless or one-shoulder dresses should be avoided; straps should be at least two inches wide. Elegant midi-dresses, jumpsuits, and tailored skirt sets are recommended.
Men should dress smart: Men should consider a shirt and tie, or smart tailored trousers with a blazer is expected. The national dress (Kandura) is also accepted.
Shoes: Smart, refined shoes are required, i.e. no sneakers.
Hats: Hats or fascinators are highly encouraged, and are a key accessory to complete your race-day look.
Choose an outfit with lightweight, breathable material, because much of the race day event will be held outside.
How to get to Meydan Racecourse on Dubai World Cup day
The best way to get around Dubai on race day is to book an experienced, premium chauffeur service. Your chauffeur will greet you at your hotel on the day of the Dubai World Cup and transport you directly to the Meydan Racecourse. What’s more, Blacklane offers a Business, First Class, and Platinum Class service, where you will be picked up in an air-conditioned Rolls Royce and transported directly to your destination.
Whether you’re traveling between the airport and your hotel, or from your hotel to the Meyden Racecourse on race day, or anywhere else in anywhere else in Dubai, trust Blacklane to get you there in style and comfort.
The Meydan Bridge connects the racetrack with the rest of the city.
Beyond the Track: Turn the Dubai World Cup into a luxury getaway
If you’re visiting the UAE for the Dubai World Cup, don’t miss the chance to experience all the luxury and premium experiences this spectacular city has to offer.
Base yourself in a five-star hotel like The St. Regis Downtown Dubai or Meydan Hotel, book VIP hospitality or a private box at Meydan Racecourse, and treat race day as a fashion-forward social event with your personal Blacklane chauffeur service and champagne on tap.
Balance the glamour of the event with indulgent downtime. Think spa rituals, yacht cruising, and curated shopping experiences in the world’s largest mall, the Dubai Mall. Spend your evenings in Dubai’s incredible restaurants, such as Ossiano, Nobu, or The St. Regis Bar, and catch the sunset from the top of the Burj Khalifa—the world's tallest building.
Finish your luxury getaway with a late checkout and seamless airport fast-track so the entire escape feels effortless, exclusive, and unmistakably Dubai.
