The Dubai World Cup is a thoroughbred horse race that was first held in 1996, and was the idea of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, and Emir of Dubai. The Sheikh owns Godolphin Racing, one of the world's leading thoroughbred breeding and racing operations. Five Dubai World Cup winners have come from Godolphin.

The race is held every March in Dubai. The Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse spans 1.5 kilometres. It is a spectacular facility, situated under a crescent-shaped roof, encased with solar panels, with seating for 60,000 spectators and covered parking for 8,600 cars. The Racecourse provides a 1,750m All-Weather track and a 2,400m Turf track.

The invitation- only event is the world's richest race, with total prize money of US$30.5 million across a nine-race card.

The race is open to Northern-Hemisphere-bred four-year-olds and older and Southern-Hemisphere-bred three-year-olds and older.

For more information on horse racing in the UAE, see:

• The Dubai Racing Club
• Emirates Racing Authority