With expensive and exclusive hotels and the world’s tallest building juxtaposed by a soft, whiteness of the immediate sand, Dubai’s thriving metropolis dazzles and overwhelms the senses. But the last Saturday of March, every year, these bustling streets, overpopulated beaches and shops are strangely deserted. Instead, the Meydan Racecourse becomes the city’s heaving centre. Having been awarded as the world’s richest race day, the Dubai World Cup draws royalty, celebrities, racing fans and the curious from all corners of the globe. Beyond the extravagant $35 million prize money, the importance of the occasion is reflected in the hedonistic pursuits of its attendees. Commonplace jeans are swapped for grand suits, casual skirts in favour of showstopping, couture outfits and the behaviour of all replaced by a pompous and royal etiquette. The electrifying energy that once inhabited the city now transpires into a revelry on and off the tracks as the fashion competition, fine-dining and socialising are as imperative to the fame of the event as is the horseracing.

The Racing

While the Dubai World Cup is usually a horseracing event like no other, this year there’s even more excitement around the occasion, as 2020 marks the 25^th anniversary since its inception in 1996. This sporting spectacle is enthusiastically watched by over 60,000 spectators who come to marvel as the world’s top thoroughbred horses and jockeys compete in nine race groups along the whopping mile-long grandstand. As the racing begins in the afternoon, guests enjoy final races under the moon and stadium lights that simultaneously illuminate the architecturally impressive, crescent-shaped roof. There’s a stimulating aura of majesty and anticipation as the question on everyone’s lips is ‘who’ll conquer both the night and the race?’

Such excitement brings harmony to the attendees and promises to bring everyone together through their shared love of racing. Socialising is at the heart of the World Cup and there’s an ever-changing possibility that one might interact with royalty or international celebrities. This is, of course, achieved from the selection of tickets guests can choose from. For an adrenaline rush, guests are invited to watch from the main social centre of Apron Views or The Gallery where close proximity to the action is assured. For a more exclusive experience, visitors can opt for tickets into The Premium or Terrace. Here, their elevated height reveals staggering views across the whole race ground and parade ring, leaving them with the distinct impression of privilege.

Dress Code

The etiquette of the event mirrors the momentous occasion. Nothing less than elegance and sophistication in attire, with the must-have statement hat or fascinator, is acceptable. There’s an exhilarating buzz about watching your favourite royals and celebrities’ parade around in the current fashion. Yet there’s even more entertainment to be had observing the rest of the guests amble around, in their best outfit, with an air of self-importance. It’s as if the runways of Milan and Paris Fashion Week have entered Meydan’s stadium and to see and be seen in haute couture is the business of the day. Indeed, to be judged is certainly a key component of the occasion, as the day concludes with the Style Stakes competition. Here, guests are hand-picked by a panel of judges for categories such as ‘Best Dressed Lady’, ‘Best Dressed Man’, ‘Best Dressed Couple, ‘Best Hat’ and ‘Most Creative Hat’. Judged for their creativity and grace, racegoers are rewarded with luxury gifts such as brunch packages, spa vouchers for women and grooming vouchers for men.

The Cuisine

The Dubai World Cup exceeds all culinary expectations with an exquisite selection of fine-dining establishments. Here, guests can enjoy delectable cuisine in the Winner’s Circle Restaurant; a two-tiered restaurant that offers afternoon tea followed by a 5-course set menu. If one desires a birdseye view of the event’s proceedings, then the Winner’s Circle Restaurant is paradise as its 4-story glass fronts allow diners to sit back and watch the race and prize giving from the comfort of a lavish dining table. If this isn’t enthralling enough, dining at this restaurant includes free entrance to the Apron’s viewing deck turned party area at night.

The hospitality at the Meydan Racecourse is fit for royalty and the Cigar Suite is no exception. This suite offers a delicious ‘buffet that meets a la carte’ and the best view in the house; with an outdoor viewing deck on the 5th tier over the grandstand. However, if one prefers to soak up the atmosphere, the Apron View or the Food Court on the Mezzanine Floor has a plethora of cuisine choices to dive into while allowing visitors to stay central to the day’s events.

Après Racing

Once the victor of the famous 200m dirt track horse race claims his $12 million winnings, guests see the Apron Views transform into an enormous concert stage. Here, some of the largest and most renowned names in the music industry have performed, such as Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue and Jennifer Lopez. For the remainder of the evening, guests can dance and dine their night away at the official after-party, hosted in many luxurious clubs. Among the best is Soho Gardens who hosts an exclusive edition of their weekly Café Mambo Ibiza party. As a city that knows no limits, this event certainly doesn’t spare any expense. The night culminates in a spectacular display of fireworks that could rival any New Year’s Eve celebration.

As the Dubai World Cup draws to a close, guests leave feeling fully satisfied. From dressing like royalty, being treated as such in fine-dining restaurants, and exclusively participating in the sports version of Fashion Week, visitors experience every facet of the jet-setter lifestyle. No expense is spared on this prestigious racing event, every thought to one’s enjoyment considered and the thrill that comes from the exclusivity of the occasion promises a unique adventure next time.