Sunny forecast for Dubai World Cup

Temperatures expected to rise for world's richest horse racing event on Saturday

Bright sunshine is expected for the Dubai World Cup on Saturday. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Race-goers should be able to leave their umbrellas at home for the Dubai World Cup with temperatures predicted to be riding high on Saturday.

The UAE has been hit by sandstorms, high winds, heavy rain and thick fog - which even led to flight delays at Dubai International Airport - in recent days.

But it looks like being perfect hat weather for the richest day of racing on the planet at Meydan Racecourse.

Forecasters expect temperatures to soar to as high as 29C on the big day, although there could be cloudy skies.

Saturday will see humid and partly cloudy weather in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

More than 50,000 fans are expected to flock to Dubai for the annual sporting spectacle, which was first held in 1996.

While all eyes will be on a packed nine-race card - headlined by the $12 million Dubai World Cup race itself - the day is also traditionally a chance for the fashion-conscious to get dressed to impress.

The day will conclude with a musical performance by American pop star Gwen Stefani.