Heavy rain lashed the country this week, continuing the pattern of unstable and overcast conditions we have experienced all year. But in 1997, when this photograph was taken, the country was experiencing something of the same.
These two boys are studying the form ahead of the Dubai World Cup, one of the richest horse races in the world. That year, rainfall forced the horse race’s postponement for a day until Sunday, April 3. From 1986 the Dubai World Cup was held at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse,
before the complex was redeveloped. From 2010, the Dubai World Cup was held at Meydan Racecourse.
The US$10 million (Dh37m) feature race marks the end of Dubai’s racing season, and tonight Arrogate, the world’s top-rated horse, will be the one to watch. For the thousands attending, here’s hoping the rain won’t play a role.
* John Dennehy
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Results
Women finals: 48kg - Urantsetseg Munkhbat (MGL) bt Distria Krasniqi (KOS); 52kg - Odette Guiffrida (ITA) bt Majlinda Kelmendi (KOS); 57kg - Nora Gjakova (KOS) bt Anastasiia Konkina (Rus)
Men’s finals: 60kg - Amiran Papinashvili (GEO) bt Francisco Garrigos (ESP); 66kg - Vazha Margvelashvili (Geo) bt Yerlan Serikzhanov (KAZ)
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
