Dazzling Celebrations Ahead; Dubai World Cup Turns 30!

The 2025–26 Dubai Racing Carnival is set to begin on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Meydan Racecourse, featuring 16 race days leading up to the grand finale on Saturday, March 28, with the 30th running of the Dubai World Cup. Except for Super Saturday on February 28, all Carnival race meetings will be held on Fridays.

Recognized as one of the most prestigious events in global horse racing, the Dubai World Cup reaches a historic milestone in 2026, celebrating its 30th year since its inaugural running in 1996. Visitors and racing enthusiasts from around the world can expect an unforgettable night under the lights of Meydan.

Three highlight events packed with top-class racing include:

Festive Friday – December 19, 2025
Fashion Friday – January 23, 2026
Super Saturday – February 28, 2026

Turkey’s Dubai Journey…

Turkey’s involvement in the Dubai Carnival began in 2003 with Grand Ekinoks, who placed second in the G3 City of Gold and fifth in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic. Since then, several Turkish-trained horses—including Anatoly, Pan River, Win River Win, and Ribella—have represented the country on Dubai soil. Most recently, in 2022, Light Of Darkness and Burgas flew the Turkish flag in Dubai.

Reşat Köstem