More than a race

The Dubai World Cup has an appeal that extends beyond the sport of horse racing

The sport of horse racing occupies a special place in the hearts of Emiratis. Ali Haider / EPA

With the Dubai World Cup to be held tomorrow at Meydan Racecourse, the world’s attention is again drawn towards our country.

It is the world’s most valuable horse-racing event, with prize money of $10 million (Dh36.7m) up for grabs. And, although it is just 20 years old, the Dubai World Cup is an established highlight of the international racing calendar, up there in prestige with the Kentucky Derby, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Grand National and the Melbourne Cup.

If past years are any indication, it will out-glitz and out-glamour all those events in a way only Dubai can.

But its appeal transcends all that. The sport of horse racing occupies a special place in the hearts of Emiratis, and the Cup will also be a celebration of our nation’s heritage and culture, and the deep affection we have for thoroughbreds and their Arabian forebears.