Galloping glory: All about the 2025 Dubai World Cup
The most highly-anticipated event of the UAE’s sporting calendar, the Dubai World Cup (DWC), is back for its 29th edition, promising an action-packed day of entertainment. You can cheer on the magnificent horses and the supremely talented jockeys as they hurtle towards the finish line, pursuing the epic riches on offer.
When will the Dubai World Cup 2025 take place? What can you expect from the competition? Our guide contains everything you need to know about this exciting event.
DUBAI WORLD CUP HISTORY AND FUN FACTS ABOUT THE EVENT
- The Dubai World Cup is a thoroughbred horse race initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It has been held annually in Dubai since 1996.
- The first DWC in 1996 was held at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. The facility hosted the event until 2009. The event was then moved to the Meydan Racecourse in 2010, one of the top sports stadiums in Dubai.
- In 2019, history was created when H.H. Sheikh Mohammed’s horse, Thunder Snow, won the Dubai World Cup for the second time. This feat had never been achieved in the tournament’s history.
Now that you know the basics of Dubai World Cup history, let’s learn more about this year’s event.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DUBAI WORLD CUP 2025
DUBAI WORLD CUP DATES
The Dubai World Cup finale will be held on the 5th of April 2025. The Dubai World Cup 2025 location is Meydan Racecourse. Typically, the event is held on the last Saturday of March but this year, due to Eid Al Fitr, it has been delayed by a week.
DUBAI WORLD CUP 2025 PRIZE MONEY
The total prize purse for Dubai World Cup 2025 is $30.5 million. The Dubai World Cup boasts the highest single race purse of the event, weighing in at a whopping $12 million!
DUBAI WORLD CUP 2025 RACE TIMINGS
The gates of the venue will open at 01:00 pm.
DUBAI WORLD CUP 2025 TICKETS
The Dubai World Cup general admission ticket price is AED 20 for people of all ages. Children aged two and above will be required to have a paid ticket. The ticket offers admission to the general public area and outdoor grandstand seating.
Additionally, the ticket allows access to the internal food court on the mezzanine floor.
Please note:
- The cost of parking is not included in this ticket; you can purchase it online for AED 80.
DUBAI WORLD CUP 2025 EXPERIENCES AND PACKAGES
APRON VIEWS
Accessible from Gate 1, Apron Views is a lively place to catch all the action of the DWC. It has a food court, with restaurants like Barasti, Bubble Lounge, McGettigan’s and The Stables. It also features the famous Style Stakes competition for guests who want to dress to impress! Those entering the competition can win amazing prizes across various categories, so why not give it a shot?
- Location: Right in front of the Grandstand
- Access from: Gate 1
- Cost: AED 350
Please note
- Guests can access the event from Gate 1 only.
- Free parking is available at the remote car park.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES FOR CASUAL EATERIES
SKY BUBBLE – LEVEL 7
Sky Bubble is a private eatery located on the rooftop of Meydan Grandstand, offering stunning views of the Meydan Racecourse and Dubai’s skyline. Although detached from the general racing action, it has closed-circuit TV monitors that offer live coverage of the race, so even if you spend some time here, you won’t miss any major updates!
This year, the Sky Bubble package includes afternoon tea, dinner and soft drinks.
- Location: Level 7
- Access from: Gate 4
- Cost: AED 850 for adults and AED 450 for children from age 2 to 12
THE GALLERY
Offering a one-of-a-kind brunch and a great view of the finish line and the Closing Ceremony, there is where you can have a memorable experience.
- Location: Level 1
- Access from: Gate 5
- Cost: AED 1,200 for adults and AED 450 for children from age 3 to 12
TRACKSIDE
Trackside is an outdoor seating area in Meydan Grandstand that can offer you a glimpse into all the racing action. It has a friendly ambience and is the perfect spot to hang out with fellow sporting fans.
The Premium features afternoon tea, finger food, house beverages and, of course, premium drinks.
The Premium allocates seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, you don’t need to book a slot prior to your visit. Just one thing, bring sunscreen with you as the place offers an outdoor setting.
- Location: Level 1, Adjacent to Parade Ring
- Access from: Gate 5
- Cost: AED 2,000 for adults and AED 450 for children from age 3 to 12
THE TERRACE
The Terrace is an outdoor eatery that spans from the middle to the end of Grandstand, allowing guests to change their location at any time of the day. It has round tables that can accommodate up to ten individuals.
The Terrace offers afternoon tea, a delicious dinner buffet and standard house beverages. Views of the race track are a bonus! Make sure to book a reservation beforehand.
- Location: Level 2
- Access from: Gate 3
- Cost: AED 2,600 for adults and AED 450 for children from age 3 to 12
FIRST CLASS LOUNGE
Want to get a more intimate experience? Reserve your seat at First Class Lounge in Meydan Grandstand. It is stylish, has a large outdoor seating area and a track-facing balcony.
First Class Lounge serves afternoon tea, an international cuisine and standard house and premium beverages.
- Location: Level 3
- Access from: Gate 3
- Cost: AED 3,000 for adults and AED 450 for children from age 3 to 12
Please note
- You can also avail of the option to buy bubbly from their premium list at The Premium and Terrace.
- Kids between three and 12-years-old are allowed entry as long as at least one ticket for an adult is purchased. You can contact their Tickets Sales Office for further information. Admission for children below age 2 is free.
- Guests can access the Apron Views.
- Parking is not included in the cost. You’ll have to pay AED 80 for parking.
VIP HOSPITALITY
WINNER’S CIRCLE RESTAURANT
This offer is for a minimum of two people with a private table experience including a French service afternoon tea, dinner menu and premium beverage selection.
Meydan Grandstand’s iconic restaurant, has a glass-fronted dining room and is spread across four tiers.
A complimentary parking space will be given for purchasing two tickets.
- Location: Level 2, 3
- Access from: Gate 4
- Cost: AED 3,800
PADDOCK VIEW
The fifth floor of the Meydan Grandstand has this deluxe restaurant offering a direct view of the finish line, the racetrack, the Parade Ring and the Dubai World Cup entertainment.
The deal is for minimum two people. Guests can enjoy an international buffet with a premium beverage package and free-flowing bubbly.
A complimentary parking space will be given for purchasing two tickets. Guests can pay AED 80 online to avail on-site parking.
- Location: Level 1
- Access from: Gate 4
- Cost: AED 4,500
ROYAL ENCLOSURE
This exclusive upscale package is a new addition to VIP restaurant offers. Watch the action behind a glass screen as you sit comfortably on leather seats. The VIP package comes with everything from a chauffeured pickup to premium drinks. Other perks include:
- One-car parking pass
- Two metal badges
- One access ticket
- Majlis-exclusive banquet
Guests will be contacted before the race date to confirm the private pickup.
- Access from: Royal Enclosure Bridge
- Price: AED 12,000
SILK RESTAURANT
The restaurant offers a premium experience at Meydan Grandstand. It offers a direct view of the Parade Ring, the finish line and the racetrack. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea and an international buffet.
Please note this offer is available for a minimum of two people.
- Location: Level 4
- Access from: Gate 4
- Cost: AED 5,750
PRIVATE SUITES
Meydan Grandstand offers private suites with a terrace seating area and a fine international meal — including premium, standard or soft beverages.
The suites can accommodate up to 100 people. A dedicated staff is also available on the floors to meet guests’ needs. You can book a suite for large groups or exclusive gatherings as well.
- The starting cost for a Suite is AED 4,900.
Bookings for the private suites are selling out fast. Make your reservation today!
DUBAI WORLD CUP LOCATION – MEYDAN RACECOURSE DUBAI
The Dubai World Cup will take place at Meydan Racecourse. The best way to access the Meydan Racecourse is by car. If you’re travelling from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, follow these directions:
- Take Exit 47 on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11).
- Turn on to D69 Al Meydan Road in the Nad Al Sheba direction.
- From here, follow the directions to the Meydan Racecourse and Hotel.
FAQS ABOUT MEYDAN WORLD CUP DUBAI
WHEN IS THE DUBAI WORLD CUP 2025?
DWC will take place on 5th April 2025.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE FOR THE EVENT?
The dress code is smart casual.
WHEN WAS THE FIRST WORLD CUP IN DUBAI?
The first edition of the DWC took place in 1996. For more information, check out the Emirates Racing Authority calendar for upcoming meets.
That concludes MyBayut’s guide to the Dubai World Cup 2025. This is the main highlight of upcoming monthly events in Dubai. We hope you enjoy the glittering sporting occasion that is the DWC!
For more articles on Dubai’s premiere events, stay tuned to MyBayut.
