UAE Horse Racing Season 2025-26 Begins on October 25

Photo: WAM

The Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) has officially announced the schedule for the 2025-2026 horse racing season. The new season will begin on October 25, 2025, at Abu Dhabi Racecourse. The UAE is well-known for its love and care for horse racing. The country is working hard to grow this sport and make it even more competitive. This season will include many important races for both purebred Arabian horses and Thoroughbred horses.

Building on Past Successes

The upcoming season builds on the success of past racing events. Over the years, the UAE has made a name for itself in the world of horse racing. Thanks to strong leadership and professional organization, the country has become a top destination for horse racing fans and competitors. The UAE continues to attract the best jockeys, horse owners, and fans from around the world.

A Busy Season with 64 Race Evenings

This season will have a total of 64 race evenings. These races will be held across five major racecourses in the UAE. The races are spread out as follows:

• Abu Dhabi Racecourse will host 16 race evenings.

• Al Ain Racecourse will have 14 race evenings.

• Jebel Ali Racecourse will organize 11 race evenings.

• Sharjah Racecourse will hold 6 race evenings.

• Meydan Racecourse will also host 16 race evenings.

The season will end with the biggest race of the year, the Dubai World Cup, which will be held at Meydan Racecourse.

Race Start Dates at Each Racecourse

The season will start on October 25, 2025, at Abu Dhabi Racecourse. Other racecourses will start their season shortly after:

• Jebel Ali Racecourse will start on November 1, 2025.

• Meydan Racecourse will begin on November 7, 2025.

• Al Ain Racecourse will kick off on November 9, 2025.

• Sharjah Racecourse will start on November 16, 2025.

This schedule ensures that horse racing fans will have plenty of action to enjoy throughout the season.

Abu Dhabi Racecourse – The Home of Classic Races

Abu Dhabi Racecourse is famous for hosting some of the most important classic horse races in the region. One of the highlights is the President’s Cup, which is a key event for purebred Arabian horses. This race attracts the best jockeys and horse owners from all over the world. Abu Dhabi Racecourse plays a big role in keeping horse racing traditions alive in the UAE.

Meydan Racecourse – The Crown Jewel of Horse Racing

Meydan Racecourse is known as one of the top horse racing destinations in the world. It will close the 2025-2026 season with the grand Dubai World Cup on March 28, 2026. This event is the biggest and most famous horse race of the year, bringing together the best horses, jockeys, and fans from every corner of the globe. The Dubai World Cup is seen as the shining star of the global horse racing calendar.

Sharjah Racecourse – Hosting Key Championships

Sharjah Racecourse will focus on holding several top-level championships. Some of the key races it will host include:

• Sharjah Ruler’s Cup

• GCC Horse Racing Cup

• Sharjah Crown Prince’s Cup Championship

• Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup

The Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup is especially important as it is also part of the Emirates Drag Racing Series. Sharjah Racecourse plays an important role in adding variety and excitement to the horse racing season.

Al Ain Racecourse – Known for Special Races

Al Ain Racecourse is famous for its unique and exciting races. The 2025-2026 season will feature key events such as:

• Al Ain Mile Race Day

• Al Ain Marathon Series

These events show the variety and excitement of horse racing in Al Ain. The races attract a lot of attention and highlight the rich traditions of the UAE’s racing scene.

Jebel Ali Racecourse – Keeping Traditions Alive

Jebel Ali Racecourse remains a key part of the UAE’s racing history. It will once again host its famous races, which are loved by both participants and fans. The important races at Jebel Ali Racecourse include:

• Jebel Ali Mile

• Jebel Ali Sprint

• Jebel Ali Stakes

These races are known for their excitement and big crowds. Jebel Ali Racecourse continues to be a favorite among racing fans in the UAE.

UAE’s Leadership Supports Horse Racing Growth

The success of the UAE horse racing season is closely linked to the country’s leadership. The wise leaders of the UAE have always given great importance to sports, especially horse racing. Their support helps in improving the quality of events and attracting global attention. This commitment has made the UAE a key player in the international horse racing world.

Horse Racing – A Global Attraction in the UAE

With its world-class facilities, expert organizers, and strong traditions, the UAE remains a global hub for horse racing. Every race season not only brings excitement to fans but also boosts the country’s position on the world stage. The new season promises to continue this trend by offering high-quality races, great competition, and unforgettable moments for everyone involved.