Thousands of people will attend the Dubai World Cup on Saturday. Pawan Singh / The National
Thousands of people will attend the Dubai World Cup on Saturday. Pawan Singh / The National
Thousands of people will attend the Dubai World Cup on Saturday. Pawan Singh / The National
Thousands of people will attend the Dubai World Cup on Saturday. Pawan Singh / The National

Motorists warned of delays during Dubai World Cup on Saturday


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Transport authorities have warned motorists to expect delays on Saturday as large crowds gather for the Dubai World Cup.

Tens of thousands of spectators are set to flock to Meydan Racecourse for the 27th staging of the horse racing spectacle.

The sporting action will begin at 3.30pm, with the main Dubai World Cup race set for 8.35pm, but many fans will make their way to the 80,000 capacity venue early to soak up the carnival atmosphere.

Roads affected

A number of routes are expected to be busy both before and after the highly anticipated race meeting.

The RTA said on Friday that delays are expected on Al Meydan Street, Al Khail Road and Dubai-Al Ain Road between 1pm and midnight.

“Please depart early and use alternative roads to reach your destination,” the RTA tweeted.

More than 6,000 car parking spaces will be provided at the racecourse.

Transport plan in place

The RTA said 4,500 taxis would be in operation on Saturday to help transport fans to and from the event.

Fifty shuttle buses will take people to Dubai Mall and City Deira following the conclusion of the festivities.

The Dubai World Cup meeting will feature some of the top names in horse racing from all over the world, with the highlight being the $12 million Group 1 Dubai World Cup, a 2,000m contest on dirt.

Dubai World Cup — in pictures

  • A jockey rides Zagrey from France during preparations for the Dubai World Cup 2023 at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. The 27th edition of the Dubai World Cup will take place on March 25. All photos: EPA
    A jockey rides Zagrey from France during preparations for the Dubai World Cup 2023 at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. The 27th edition of the Dubai World Cup will take place on March 25. All photos: EPA
  • A jockey rides Justin from Japan during preparations for the Dubai World Cup 2023 at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, on March 22, 2023. The 27th edition of the Dubai World Cup will take place on March 25.
    A jockey rides Justin from Japan during preparations for the Dubai World Cup 2023 at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, on March 22, 2023. The 27th edition of the Dubai World Cup will take place on March 25.
  • A jockey rides First Class from the US during preparations for the Dubai World Cup.
    A jockey rides First Class from the US during preparations for the Dubai World Cup.
  • A jockey rides Vela Azul from Japan during preparations for the Dubai World Cup.
    A jockey rides Vela Azul from Japan during preparations for the Dubai World Cup.
  • Jockeys ride their horses during preparations for the Dubai World Cup 2023.
    Jockeys ride their horses during preparations for the Dubai World Cup 2023.
  • Men stand near a horse at Meydan.
    Men stand near a horse at Meydan.
  • A jockey rides Sibelius from the US.
    A jockey rides Sibelius from the US.
  • Jockeys ride their horses during preparations for the Dubai World Cup at Meydan.
    Jockeys ride their horses during preparations for the Dubai World Cup at Meydan.
Updated: March 24, 2023, 6:00 PM