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Dubai World Cup 2025: How did UAE fall in love with horse racing?
Revered for their resilience, Arabian horses have been a cornerstone of the Arab equestrian heritage for over 4,500 years
- PUBLISHED: Fri 4 Apr 2025, 1:40 PM
The deep-rooted bond between Emiratis and horses is a story that stretches across centuries, interwoven with the traditions and identity of the Arab world. More than mere animals, horses have been loyal companions, icons of prestige, and integral to survival in the unforgiving deserts of the Arabian Peninsula.
This connection finds its origins in the Bedouin way of life, where Arabian horses were meticulously bred not only for endurance and speed, but also for their grace and loyalty. These horses were prized possessions; they were members of the family, often sharing their owners’ tents. Revered for their resilience, Arabian horses have been a cornerstone of the Arab equestrian heritage for more than 4,500 years.
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Islamic tradition further deepened the reverence for horses, with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) extolling their virtues. This led to a disciplined approach to breeding, ensuring the purity and strength of the Arabian bloodline — an influence that persists in modern equestrian sports.
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In the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s deep admiration for Arabian horses played a pivotal role in helping them gain global prominence. From his formative years in Al Ain, Sheikh Zayed recognised their beauty and historical significance. His vision fostered world-class breeding programmes and helped position the UAE as a leader in endurance racing and international equestrian events.
Following his passing in November 2004, his son Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Court, took on the mantle of preserving and promoting Arabian horses. Sheikh Mansour created the Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival to preserve the legacy of his father. The festival is significant in the world of equestrian sports and highlights the UAE’s deep-rooted equestrian culture and commitment to developing world-class racing events.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took this passion for horses in a transformative direction. His first visit to Newmarket Racecourse in 1967 alongside his brother, the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ignited his fascination with thoroughbred racing. That moment would set the foundation for what would lead to the establishment of the Godolphin racing stable and Darley Stud, institutions that have since redefined the global flat-racing landscape.
Horse racing in the UAE officially began in 1981 with a modest event at the Camel Track in Nad Al Sheba, held under Sheikh Mohammed’s patronage. What started as a local initiative soon gained momentum, leading to the development of Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in 1992 and just four years later, the establishment of the Dubai World Cup.
Beyond the racetrack, stories of Sheikh Mohammed riding bareback along the shores of Dubai’s Jumeirah beach offer a glimpse into his connection with horses. This tradition of bareback riding, deeply rooted in Emirati culture, is one that former UAE champion trainers Ali Rashid Al Raihe and Musabbeh Al Muhairi also embraced in their formative years.
Sheikh Mohammed himself has achieved remarkable success in endurance riding, a sport that mirrors the resilience and determination of the Arabian horse. His triumph at the World Endurance Championship in 1998 underscored not only his competitive spirit but also the UAE’s growing influence in the equestrian world.
The UAE’s dedication to equestrian excellence extends beyond racing. The inaugural Dubai International Arabian Horse Show in 1993 marked a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to preserving the Purebred Arabian show horse. Over the years, the prestigious event instituted by the late Sheikh Hamdan, together with the Sharjah International Arabian Horse Festival, has further solidified the UAE’s reputation in global equestrian circles.
The country’s influence on modern thoroughbred racing can also be traced back to legendary foundation stallions — the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian, and the Godolphin Arabian. These horses, introduced to England in the 17th and 18th centuries, are the ancestors of nearly all modern racehorses. Their legacy, combined with the UAE’s unwavering commitment to equine excellence, continues to shape the sport’s future.
A pivotal figure in realising Sheikh Mohammed’s equestrian vision was Colonel Ali Khamis Al Jafleh, a UAE Air Force pilot who found himself at the heart of Dubai’s racing transformation. Personally entrusted by Sheikh Mohammed, Al Jafleh faced the challenge of gaining recognition from the prestigious Jockey Club, a governing body that ensures international racing standards.
“The first challenge was proving that the UAE adhered to global racing regulations, particularly demonstrating that our horses were free from disease and could travel internationally,” he recalled. “Once we met those requirements, everything else fell into place.”
Today, the UAE is well known for its strong presence in horse racing and breeding.
From the vast sands of the desert to the grandeur of Meydan Racecourse, the country’s passion for horses continues to drive its ambitions.
Whether in endurance riding, Arabian horse breeding, or the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing, the UAE remains dedicated to honouring the timeless legacy of the horse while shaping the future of
the sport.