Sharjah 24 – WAM: The Dubai World Cup 2024 – the world’s richest horse race for thoroughbreds – tops the list of international sports events being hosted in the emirate through the Holy Month of Ramadan this year.

First held in 1996, the Dubai World Cup is widely considered the jewel in the crown of horse racing globally, with its highlight being a Group 1 flat race on dirt over 2,000 metres. Held on the last Saturday of March at the Meydan Racecourse as the final race of the Dubai World Cup Night, the race is open for Northern Hemisphere Thoroughbred four-year-olds and up and Southern Hemisphere Thoroughbred three-year-olds and up.

The Dubai World Cup was launched in 1996 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who owns Darley Stud and Godolphin Racing, one of the world’s leading Thoroughbred breeding and racing operations. Since its 2019 running, the race has carried a purse of US$12 million, reclaiming its place as the world’s richest horse race, a record held by the Pegasus World Cup in 2017 and 2018.

In addition to the race night at Meydan, Dubai is playing host to 32 more international and local sporting events, all of which are being held in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council.

Next up will be the International Union’s ‘World Strongman’ Championship on 28th March,The Masters Cup Polo Championship, the Hatta Ramadan Sports Tournament Largest sporting event, Al Wafa Ramadan Football Tournament, Al Quoz Ramadan Football Tournament, A charity cycling race in support of those affected by the war in Gaza, Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, Ramadan Sports Championship for mixed games and the Ramadan Football League for men, Ramadan mini-football tournament, the Americano Ramadan Padel League, the Ramadan Sports Forum, Dubai Police Ramadan Cycling Games Championship, Allegiance to Zayed Chess Championship, Dubai Police Football League, Ramadan Communities Championship, Gulf Champions Ramadan Football Tournament, Ramadan Triathlon Football Championship, Ramadan Team Chess Championship, Ramadan Goals Corporate Championship, Ramadan Endurance Cycling Race, and Fitz Ramadan Sports Festival.

Other events in the offing are the Ramadan Walking March in Dubai Silicon Oasis, the Open Ice Hockey Cup in the Ice Ring at the Sports Complex in the Mirdif area, and the Magic Ramadan Padel Championship held at the Magic Sports Academy in Dubai Investment Park.