Dubai World Cup
Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba
The 31st Dubai World Cup is run on Saturday 27 March 2027 at Meydan Racecourse. The main race carries a US$12 million purse, on a night that paid out US$30.5 million in 2026; general admission cost AED 40, about €10, that year.
Dates
- 27 March 2027 — 31st edition (2027)
Source: WAM, « Emirates Racing Authority announces official schedule for 2026–2027 UAE horse racing season » — accessed 19 October 2026
The finale of the UAE season
Every spring the Dubai World Cup closes the UAE racing season. The night brings together nine races, six of them Group 1, the highest level of flat racing, and paid out US$30.5 million in 2026, according to the organiser, Dubai Racing Club. The race that gives the night its name carries US$12 million, one of the richest in the world.
The 2027 edition, the 31st, is run on Saturday 27 March 2027. The 2026 meeting went ahead on 28 March despite the regional conflict: the AP news agency described it as the first major outdoor sporting event in the UAE since the war began, in front of a thinner crowd than usual. The American horse Magnitude won, ridden by José Ortiz.
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Tickets: from AED 40 to private boxes
2027 prices have not been published. Those for 2026, as reported in the press:
| Ticket | 2026 price |
|---|---|
| General admission: outdoor grandstand, mezzanine food court, free shuttle from a free remote car park | from AED 40 |
| Apron Views, trackside | AED 450 |
| Hospitality packages with dining | AED 849 to 3,600 |
| VIP areas | AED 4,000 to 22,000 |
| Private boxes | AED 5,000 to 7,000 |
In 2026 a Jason Derulo concert followed the racing, included in the ticket. In the Apron Views area, the Style Stakes competition rewards the most striking outfits. As gambling is illegal in the UAE, there is no betting.
The day
Gates opened around 1 pm in 2026, and the main race is run in the evening under floodlights: around 8.45 pm local time in 2026 according to the press. Sabaro confirms the 2027 times once the programme is out.
In late March the average high is 28.9 °C and the low 18.6 °C: hot in the afternoon, mild in the evening. Sabaro recommends smart dress.
Getting there and where to stay
Meydan Racecourse is in Nad Al Sheba, next to Downtown. On Dubai World Cup day a free shuttle links a free remote car park to the racecourse; a taxi from your hotel is still the simplest option. Downtown is the most practical base: Palace Downtown and The Lana, both on our Downtown Dubai page.
The season leading up to it is covered on our Meydan racing page. In 2027 the Dubai World Cup falls about two weeks after Eid Al Fitr, expected on 9 or 10 March, and two weeks before Art Dubai, from 9 to 11 April.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Dubai World Cup 2027?
On Saturday 27 March 2027, at Meydan Racecourse.
How much is entry?
2027 prices have not been published. In 2026 general admission started at AED 40, Apron Views cost AED 450 and hospitality packages AED 849 to 3,600.
How much prize money is there?
US$12 million for the Dubai World Cup itself, and US$30.5 million across the night's nine races in 2026.
Is there a dress code?
No official rule is published. Sabaro recommends smart dress, and the Style Stakes competition rewards the most elegant outfits.