Participants at the Dubai World Cup Style Stakes in 2024. Antonie Robertson / The National
Participants at the Dubai World Cup Style Stakes in 2024. Antonie Robertson / The National
Participants at the Dubai World Cup Style Stakes in 2024. Antonie Robertson / The National
Participants at the Dubai World Cup Style Stakes in 2024. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dubai World Cup Style Stakes: What judges will be looking for


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  • Arabic

The Dubai World Cup, one of the world's richest horse races, returns on Saturday with $12 million up for grabs for winning riders and owners.

While the horses battle it out on the track, there is another equally hotly contested competition taking place on the sidelines – the Style Stakes. This is a series of prizes handed out to racegoers wearing the best, most eye-catching outfits. While the prizes here may not rival those for the races, there is still more than Dh300,000 worth of prizes to be won, as well as the year-long bragging rights.

How to enter

Doors for the Dubai World Cup open at 2.30pm on Saturday at the Meydan Racecourse. Those wishing to enter the Style Stakes competition will need to register first. This is free to do, at Concourse 2 and 4 on Level 1, and in the Style Stakes Arena between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, closing just before the first race, the Dubai Kahayla Classic, at 4.35pm. To enter, add your name to the list and take an official paddle.

Who can enter

A hat by milliner Vivien Sheriff, who is one of the judges this year. Vivien Sheriff / Instagram
A hat by milliner Vivien Sheriff, who is one of the judges this year. Vivien Sheriff / Instagram

There are five competitions on the day. The first to be judged will be Best Dressed Man at 5.10pm.

Next, at 5.45pm, is the Best Dressed Couple, followed by the Best Traditional Outfit competition at 6.20pm. The Best Traditional Outfit category allows everyone to show off traditional attire from their home country. One past winner is Sandra Maina, who wore Swahili bead necklaces, cuffs and headdress with a simple black T-shirt dress. At 6.55pm the Best Hat competition will take place.

Finally, at 7.50pm, the Best Dressed Lady competition will take place. Winners will be announced in a ceremony at 8.15pm, ahead of the final race of the day, the Dubai World Cup, at 9.30pm.

In addition to being presented with prize money cheques, winners can expect to go home with goodie bags containing shopping, dining, professional make-up sessions and fashion vouchers.

All entrants must be over 18 years of age.

What are the judges looking for?

Stylist Sarah Silsbury, seen here at the Dubai World Cup 2024, will be a judge this year. Sarah Silsbury / Instagram
Stylist Sarah Silsbury, seen here at the Dubai World Cup 2024, will be a judge this year. Sarah Silsbury / Instagram

In each category, the judges are looking for personal flair, and a well thought-out look that brings out the wearer's personality. In other words, this is not about who is wearing the most expensive clothes, but rather who has put together an outfit that fits the upscale mood of the day and that reflects their personality. It might be something very patterned and flamboyant, or delicate and understated, as long it is worn with panache.

Returning as a judge at the Style Stakes is Sarah Silsbury. The woman behind the Dubai Secret Shopper personal shopping and styling service has plenty of experience at helping clients use clothing to bring out their best. For those entering the Style Stakes, Silsbury will be keeping an eye out for “confidence, originality and a touch of drama”, she says. “When everything, from the hat to the heels, works in harmony, that’s when fashion magic happens.”

Winning looks should exemplify “polish, personality and a real sense of occasion,” she adds. “It’s about looking elegant but also bringing something fresh and memorable.”

Fellow judge and milliner Vivien Sheriff agrees. “Proportion, balance and thoughtful styling are key to standing out,” she says.

As a milliner, she pays extra attention to the headwear on display, offering her insight on how to put together a winning look. “Make the hat the focal point of your ensemble, not an afterthought,” she says, adding that it is important to keep the whole effect sleek and unfussy. “A minimalist hat works better with a highly detailed outfit, and vice versa,” she says. Finally, be sure to place the hat properly “slightly tilted forward is more flattering”.

Both judges agree that for impact, bold and bright colours are very effective. “The choice of colour depends on what statement you want to make,” says Sheriff. “Monochrome is always quite dramatic, and strong colours like cobalt blue, purple and red make bold statements.”

This does not mean all colours, however. “Avoid neon, overly bright shades and full metallic outfits,” Sheriff adds.

Silbury agrees, but adds her own take. “Bold shades like emerald, cobalt or scarlet will always turn heads, but a beautifully styled pastel can be just as striking,” she says. “Blush and champagne are softer and more feminine.”

Hopefuls on the stage at the 2024 Dubai World Cup Style Stakes, at Meydan Racecourse. Antonie Robertson / The National
Hopefuls on the stage at the 2024 Dubai World Cup Style Stakes, at Meydan Racecourse. Antonie Robertson / The National

The trick to really nailing a colour, Sheriff explains, is to “match undertones, not just colours”. In other words, if wearing pink for example, think about if it is warm (orange based) or cool (blue based) and build the total look around that.

A simple way to impress the judges is by understanding the dress code. Race days are traditionally dressy, so this means avoiding anything too “casual, too tight, or too short,” explains Silsbury, adding that a day at the races is “all about elegance”.

Likewise, playing it safe in black is a no-no, however tempting it may be. “Avoid head-to-toe black – it looks too heavy for this type of occasion, and is best left for evening wear,” says Silsbury. And forgo towering heels if this is not how you would normally dress. “If your shoes aren’t comfy enough to last the day, they’re the wrong shoes,” she says, adding it is better to opt for elegant flats like ballerinas than totter around in heels that add blisters.

Sheriff agrees, saying that she is looking for balance. “Overly trendy outfits, too many accessories and casual shoes,” are things to be avoided.

The trick to a showstopping outfit, Sheriff says, is wearing something that makes you feel good. “Confidence is key,” she says. “There have been many memorable looks, but the common element is a strong, simple silhouette paired with exceptional millinery. It always wins.”

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The End of Loneliness
Benedict Wells
Translated from the German by Charlotte Collins
Sceptre

The specs: 2018 Honda City

Price, base: From Dh57,000
Engine: 1.5L, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 118hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 146Nm @ 4,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.8L / 100km

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Revolve @revolve

Uniqlo @uniqlo

Warby Parker @warbyparker

Zara @zara

The biog

Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.

Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books

Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption stands out as his favourite movie, a classic King novella

Favourite music: “I have a wide and varied music taste, so it would be unfair to pick a single song from blues to rock as a favourite"

Results

International 4, United States 1

Justin Thomas and Tiger Woods (US) beat Marc Leishman and Joaquin Niemann (International) 4 and 3.

Adam Hadwin and Sungjae Im (International) beat Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay (US) 2 up.

Adam Scott and Byeong Hun An (International) beat Bryson DeChambeau and Tony Finau (US) 2 and 1.

Hideki Matsuyama and C.T. Pan (International) beat Webb Simpson and Patrick Reed (US) 1 up.

Abraham Ancer and Louis Oosthuizen (International) beat Dustin Johnson and Gary Woodland (US) 4 and 3.

Graduated from the American University of Sharjah

She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters

Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks

Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding

 

PAST 10 BRITISH GRAND PRIX WINNERS

2016 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2012 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2011 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
2010 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2009 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2008 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2007 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)

The biog

Favourite car: Ferrari

Likes the colour: Black

Best movie: Avatar

Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher Colleges of Technology and diploma in production from the New York Film Academy

Know your Camel lingo

The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home

Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless

Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers

Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s

Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival

Bio

Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
He is the eldest among 11 brothers and sisters.
He was educated in Sharjah schools and is a graduate of UAE University in Al Ain.
He has written poetry for 30 years and has had work published in local newspapers.
He likes all kinds of adventure movies that relate to his work.
His dream is a safe and preserved environment for all humankind. 
His favourite book is The Quran, and 'Maze of Innovation and Creativity', written by his brother.

India cancels school-leaving examinations
RESULT

Chelsea 2

Willian 13'

Ross Barkley 64'

Liverpool 0

RESULTS

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Raghida, Szczepan Mazur (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: AF Alareeq, Connor Beasley, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
6pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-2 Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 2,200m 
Winner: Basmah, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Liwa Oasis Group 2 (PA) Dh300,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Alwajel, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: SS Jalmod, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,600m
Winner: Trolius, Ryan Powell, Simon Crisford

Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

The biog

Name: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi

Age: 23

How she spends spare time: Playing with cats at the clinic and feeding them

Inspiration: My father. He’s a hard working man who has been through a lot to provide us with everything we need

Favourite book: Attitude, emotions and the psychology of cats by Dr Nicholes Dodman

Favourit film: 101 Dalmatians - it remind me of my childhood and began my love of dogs 

Word of advice: By being patient, good things will come and by staying positive you’ll have the will to continue to love what you're doing

Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

Friday’s fixture

6.15pm: Al Wahda v Hatta

6.15pm: Al Dhafra v Ajman

9pm: Al Wasl v Baniyas

9pm: Fujairah v Sharjah

.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Sam Smith

Where: du Arena, Abu Dhabi

When: Saturday November 24

Rating: 4/5

PRISCILLA
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The finalists

Player of the Century, 2001-2020: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Ronaldinho

Coach of the Century, 2001-2020: Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Jose Mourinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid), Sir Alex Ferguson

Club of the Century, 2001-2020: Al Ahly (Egypt), Bayern Munich (Germany), Barcelona (Spain), Real Madrid (Spain)

Player of the Year: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

Club of the Year: Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Real Madrid

Coach of the Year: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta), Hans-Dieter Flick (Bayern Munich), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)

Agent of the Century, 2001-2020: Giovanni Branchini, Jorge Mendes, Mino Raiola

Directed by Sam Mendes

Starring Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays

4.5/5

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Asia Cup Qualifier

Final
UAE v Hong Kong

TV:
Live on OSN Cricket HD. Coverage starts at 5.30am

EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Results

2pm: Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (Dirt) 1,200m, Winner: Mouheeb, Tom Marquand (jockey), Nicholas Bachalard (trainer)

2.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Honourable Justice, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

3pm: Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Dahawi, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

3.30pm: Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Dark Silver, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash

4pm: Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Dark Of Night. Antonio Fresu, Al Muhairi.

4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Habah, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

CREW
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERajesh%20A%20Krishnan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETabu%2C%20Kareena%20Kapoor%20Khan%2C%20Kriti%20Sanon%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Cherry

Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo

Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo

1/5

FIXTURES

Thursday
Dibba v Al Dhafra, Fujairah Stadium (5pm)
Al Wahda v Hatta, Al Nahyan Stadium (8pm)

Friday
Al Nasr v Ajman, Zabeel Stadium (5pm)
Al Jazria v Al Wasl, Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium (8pm)

Saturday
Emirates v Al Ain, Emirates Club Stadium (5pm)
Sharjah v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Sharjah Stadium (8pm)

MATCH INFO

Qalandars 109-3 (10ovs)

Salt 30, Malan 24, Trego 23, Jayasuriya 2-14

Bangla Tigers (9.4ovs)

Fletcher 52, Rossouw 31

Bangla Tigers win by six wickets

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

Tips to keep your car cool
  • Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
  • Park in shaded or covered areas
  • Add tint to windows
  • Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
  • Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
  • Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
West Indies v England ODI series:

West Indies squad: Jason Holder (c), Fabian Allen, Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas.

Fixtures:

1st ODI - February 20, Bridgetown

2nd ODI - February 22, Bridgetown

3rd ODI - February 25, St George's

4th ODI - February 27, St George's

5th ODI - March 2, Gros Islet

Brief scores:

Day 2

England: 277 & 19-0

West Indies: 154

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

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Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

The essentials

What: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

When: Friday until March 9

Where: All main sessions are held in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City

Price: Sessions range from free entry to Dh125 tickets, with the exception of special events.

Hot Tip: If waiting for your book to be signed looks like it will be timeconsuming, ask the festival’s bookstore if they have pre-signed copies of the book you’re looking for. They should have a bunch from some of the festival’s biggest guest authors.

Information: www.emirateslitfest.com
 

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Company%20profile%20
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Continental champions

Best Asian Player: Massaki Todokoro (Japan)

Best European Player: Adam Wardzinski (Poland)

Best North & Central American Player: DJ Jackson (United States)

Best African Player: Walter Dos Santos (Angola)

Best Oceanian Player: Lee Ting (Australia)

Best South American Player: Gabriel De Sousa (Brazil)

Best Asian Federation: Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Federation

Updated: April 03, 2025, 8:54 AM