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Ramadan at the races: Iftar, Emirates Super Saturday and more
Dubai Racing Club brings together live horseracing, elevated Iftar dining and immersive cultural experiences at Meydan Racecourse
- PUBLISHED: Mon 16 Feb 2026, 7:56 AM
As the sun dips behind the Meydan skyline and the call to prayer echoes across the grandstand, a different kind of race night begins.
This Ramadan, Dubai Racing Club is reimagining the traditional Iftar experience at Meydan Racecourse, blending heritage, hospitality and high-stakes horseracing into one "multi-layered evening" during the Dubai Racing Carnival.
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Alongside live racing and an elevated dining setting, visitors will be immersed in Arabian calligraphy displays, traditional Oud performances and elegant Ramadan-themed décor that transform the racecourse into a seasonal cultural destination.
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On February 20 and 28 — the latter hosting the highly anticipated Emirates Super Saturday — as well as March 6 and 13, guests can break their fast in the privacy of Suite 304, overlooking the track as live racing unfolds below under the lights.
How the evening will unfold
Hospitality for Iftar guests begins at Maghrib and continues until 10pm, creating a relaxed and seamless experience. The call to prayer is observed, and dedicated prayer rooms are located on the same level as the hospitality areas.
Racing itself begins at 5.30pm, with approximately 35-minute intervals between races. To respect the timing of Iftar, the race interval around Maghrib is extended, allowing guests to break their fast comfortably before returning to the programme. The result is an evening where the spiritual observance of Ramadan remains central, even as the rhythm of race night continues.
The experience has been positioned to appeal to a broad audience. “The experience is designed to accommodate both social and corporate audiences, offering an inviting setting that balances comfort with shared celebration,” organisers said.
“While the concept is positioned to appeal to corporate groups and hosted gatherings, current demand has largely come from individual guests and small groups seeking a distinctive Iftar environment within the race night setting.”
A menu rooted in tradition
The Iftar buffet has been curated to reflect the spirit of Ramadan and regional culinary traditions. Guests can expect authentic Arabic favourites, including dishes such as ouzi and harees, alongside classic Ramadan beverages like qamar el dein, jallab, tamar hindi and Vimto.
The Ramadan package is priced at Dh350 per adult and Dh125 per child aged six to 12. All other areas of the racecourse will operate as normal.
Culture woven into the evening
Live Arabic calligraphy will be available in the concourse, offering guests an interactive cultural touchpoint. Within Suite 304, traditional Oud performances begin after Maghrib and continue between races, creating a relaxed and authentic ambience.
Ramadan-themed décor is integrated across key areas of the venue, including the entrance gates, concourse, Paddock Garden and the suite.
Select race nights will also spotlight Emirati artists within the racecourse’s Art Gallery space. On February 20, Emirati visual artist Mona Mohammed Amin Al Khaja will showcase her work. With exhibitions spanning New York, London, Tokyo and Cairo, and works held in institutional collections, she is regarded as one of the UAE’s respected artistic voices.
On Emirates Super Saturday, contemporary Emirati artists Hamad Al Shamsi and Faris Alhammadi will present works inspired by Emirati identity, heritage symbols and equestrian culture.
A defining night
The February 28 race night carries particular weight. Emirates Super Saturday is considered the final and most prestigious lead-up to the Dubai World Cup, attracting elite international horses, owners and trainers. Future champions often emerge on this night, making it a defining moment in the global racing season.
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