2 minutes to go!
With only a few minutes left before the start of the race, the contestants are mounted and focused, eyes fixed ahead as they prepare for the thrilling challenge that awaits on the track.
Five minutes to kick off!
The runners have left the Meydan Parade Ring and are heading to the start for the Dubai Kahayla Classic.
A strong field of 15 line up for this 2,000m dirt contest for Purebred Arabians.
Eight-time UAE Champion trainer Doug Watson is looking for back-to-back wins in the contest with First Class, a horse who has won three times from 2,000 metres to 2,200 metres.
First Class comes into the race with good form, having won the Group 1 Obaiyah Arabian on Dirt at Riyadh on his last start.
Five minutes before Race 1 – Dubai Kahayla Classic
Minutes before the first race at Meydan Racecourse, the anticipation is electric.
Spectators are taking their seats, hats perfectly in place, and one lady is ready to ring the bell, signalling the start of a day steeped in speed, style, and history.
How a phone call built Dubai World Cup
Just ten minutes before the first race at Meydan Racecourse, and the excitement is palpable! But the Dubai World Cup is more than just today’s spectacle. Its story began quietly, as great stories often do.
One morning in 1993, Colonel Ali Khamis Al Jafleh received a telephone call that would alter not only his life but the trajectory of horse racing in the UAE. On the other end of the line was Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Al Jafleh was being summoned to discuss something ‘big’. What followed would help lay the groundwork for an ambitious vision: to elevate Dubai onto the global stage of horse racing and create an event that would capture the attention of the sporting world.
Spectators don fancy hats
A splash of colour and style lit up Meydan Racecourse on Saturday as spectators donned fancy hats, creating a striking contrast against the white horse backdrop.
Dressed to the nines
The Dubai World Cup isn’t just about the thundering hooves and nail-biting finishes — it’s also a showcase of glamour and elegance. This year, the ladies arrived in style, turning heads with stunning outfits and, of course, impeccable hats.
Khaleej Times’ Nasreen Abdulla highlighted the presence of former Style Stakes winner and celebrated milliner Evelyn McDermott, who arrived dressed to impress wearing one of her own creations. McDermott will serve as a judge in this year’s best-dressed competition.
Weather update
Dubai has emerged from an episode of rare storms and intense rainfall, and the weather is currently mostly sunny, with temperatures at 25°C, remaining warm and breezy with low rain chances.
Who is the favourite?
The favourite is French-bred Muraad, a five-time winner with proven course-and-distance form, who lines up under Brazilian ace Silvestre De Sousa. He takes on 14 rivals, including defending champion First Class, the mount of Conor Beasley.
30 minutes to Race 1 (15:45 UAE time)
Anticipation is building as we edge closer to the first race of the day, the $1 million Dubai Kahayla Classic, one of the oldest and most prestigious contests on the card for Purebred Arabians, which kicks off Dubai World Cup day.
The atmosphere is beginning to come alive, with a steady buzz around Meydan as racegoers take their seats.
A full evening of world-class racing lies ahead.
Today’s race schedule
Dubai World Cup Race Programme 2026:
3:45 PM – Race 1: Dubai Kahayla Classic
4:20 PM – Race 2: Godolphin Mile
4:55 PM – Race 3: Dubai Gold Cup
5:30 PM – Race 4: UAE Derby
6:20 PM – Race 5: Al Quoz Sprint
6:55 PM – Race 6: Dubai Golden Shaheen
7:35 PM – Race 7: Dubai Turf
8:10 PM – Race 8: Longines Dubai Sheema Classic
8:45 PM – Race 9: Dubai World Cup
Lady in red at the races
Dubai resident Joy Desmond arrived early at the Dubai World Cup, dressed in red. A horse lover and owner of Crystalline Equine, a wellness studio surrounded by horses, Joy said that she was excited to be at the event.
“Horses have always been my passion and ever since I arrived in Dubai two years ago, I have not missed the World Cup,” she told Khaleej Times correspondent Nasreen Abdulla. “Horses have a grounding energy and can help heal us.”
A closer look at tonight’s trophy
Standing out in style
Guests put their most fashionable foot forward at the Dubai World Cup, showcasing a dazzling array of elegant ensembles, bold statement pieces and refined style, adding to the glamour of the night at Meydan Racecourse.
Take a look:
Going traditional at the races
Some guests embraced traditional Emirati attire, adding a touch of cultural elegance to the event.
A musical welcome
Visitors are greeted by a violinist in a glittering costume, hoisted on a pedestal, playing upbeat music, adding to the opulent vibe of the evening.
Watch the video here:
Glamorous arrivals
A splash of colour and style as spectators don designer hats for the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday.
Photos: Shihab/Khaleej Times
Dubai Health team at Meydan
Layana, two-year-old kid with a Dubai Health team member
A look at tonight’s prized trophy
30th anniversary
This year’s meeting carries added significance as the Dubai World Cup celebrates its 30th anniversary, a remarkable milestone for a race that has helped redefine the global horse racing landscape. Since its inaugural running in 1996, when the legendary Cigar lit up Nad Al Sheba, the race has grown into a $12 million showpiece and is widely regarded as horse racing’s Olympics.
Tonight’s nine-race card once again brings together elite horses from across the globe — America, Europe, Japan, and the Middle East — each vying for glory and a share of the $30.5 million prize pot.
This is where champions are crowned, stories are written, and history continues to unfold, and we’re here to bring you every moment of it. So don’t go anywhere; stay with us for what promises to be an incredible seven-hour ride!
Blue skies, warm sunshine
After a few days of rain, we’re back to one of those beautiful Dubai afternoons — blue skies, warm sunshine. There is already a palpable buzz around the venue as the eyes of the racing world turn firmly towards Meydan.
From the pristine parade ring to the twin tracks, there’s a sense that something special is about to unfold on this landmark occasion.
Two hours to Race 1
Less than two hours to go from the opening race here at Meydan, and the atmosphere is beginning to build. A full evening of world-class racing lies ahead.
All eyes on Meydan tonight
Good afternoon and welcome to Khaleej Times’ live coverage of the Dubai World Cup 2026 at Meydan Racecourse.
The $12 million Dubai World Cup, the highlight of the evening, is scheduled for 20:30 UAE time.
However, a top-class nine-race card leads up to the feature.
So, stay with us for live updates, results, and reactions throughout the day.
Source: Khaleej Times