On March 25, tens of thousands of racing fans will descend on Dubai for one of the biggest events in the equestrian calendar. The Dubai World Cup takes place annually on the last Saturday of March at Meydan Racecourse. The greatest riders and horses from across the globe will compete over a series of eight Thoroughbred races, and one Purebred Arabian race.
The race was first held in 1996, at the original venue of Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. It is a Group One flat race on dirt, run over a distance of 2,000 meters (around 10 furlongs). The current record time of 1:59.50 is held by legendary jockey Frankie Dettori, who rode Dubai Millennium to victory in the year 2000. The event transferred to its current home, Meydan Racecourse, in 2010.
A Venue like No Other
Meydan Racecourse first opened in March 2010, as a direct replacement for Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. This iconic facility boasts a distinctive futuristic design, and is one of the largest continuous structures in the world. It features a grandstand which is over a mile long, and can accommodate up to 60,000 spectators. In addition to two race tracks, the complex includes stables, all-weather training facilities, jockey lounges, the Meydan Museum and Gallery, a theater and exclusive international restaurants. Racing fans can also experience the world’s first five-star trackside hotel, which offers 285 premium suites with unbeatable views over the track.
More than Just a Race
The Dubai World Cup is a central fixture in the region’s social calendar. In addition to the action on the track, attendees can enjoy an exclusive after-race concert, complete with a dazzling fireworks show. Previous years have seen some of the biggest names in popular music grace the stage, including Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Kylie Minogue. This year, Australian singer Sia will bring the evening to a close with a 70-minute performance, which also marks her UAE debut.
Racing aficionados will have an opportunity to get close to the horses and their riders two days prior to the race, during the “Breakfast with the Stars”. This lavish morning buffet will feature live commentary, entertainment, raffle draws, and exclusive interviews with trainers, owners and jockeys. The Dubai World Cup promises an unforgettable experience for horse racing enthusiasts. Don’t miss the UAE’s biggest and best sporting event!
Flying to Dubai
Landing permits are required for all private and charter flights to the UAE. The official lead time to arrange a permit is four business days. Once issued, permits are valid for 72 hours. Below are the standard requirements for a UAE landing permit:
- Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC)
- Operator specifications
- Registration certificate
- Airworthiness certificate
- Insurance certificate
- Aircraft callsign
- ICAO certificate
- Aircraft Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW)
- Installation certificate (TCAS II Version 7)
- Maintenance release certificate
- Radio station license
- Noise certificate
- RVSM approval
Airport Options
Two international airports are available for General Aviation (GA) in Dubai. These are Dubai International Airport (IATA: DXB, ICAO: OMDB), and Al Maktoum International Airport (IATA: DWC, ICAO: OMDW).
Dubai International Airport is currently the world’s busiest airport by international passenger traffic, and is primarily dedicated to scheduled commercial flights (serving as the home base for Emirates Airlines and flydubai). OMDB is located 20km northeast of Meydan Racecourse, while OMDW is approximately 52km south west from the venue. Please note that the roads leading to OMDB are often affected by traffic congestion, particularly during peak times. OMDW does not face this issue.
OMDB and OMDW offer 24-hour Airport of Entry (AoE) with customs and immigration available on-site, and are fully equipped to support GA flights. Airport slots are required for both airports, and parking needs to be booked in advance. Long-term parking availability will depend on the type of aircraft.
Helicopter transfers are possible only from OMDW. Please note that OMDW airport runways are closed every Monday from 20:00 until 20:45 UTC, therefore no arrivals and departures can take place during this period.
Traveling to Dubai with Jetex
Jetex’s flagship FBO terminal is located at Al Maktoum International Airport. This exceptional facility combines 5-star hospitality with world-class infrastructure, and has the distinction of being the first IS-BAH certified FBO in Dubai. To learn more, please click here.
Our concierge team can offer you the best available rates at top five-star hotels, arrange ground transportation and organize exclusive fine dining experiences. We are on standby 24/7 to process any request.
Contact us today to arrange your trip on +971 4 212 4900, or email fbo-dwc@jetex.com .
