DP World will sponsor the $5 million Dubai Turf at the Dubai World Cup on March 28 at Meydan Racecourse, the Emirates News Agency reported on March 19, 2026. The sponsorship covers one of six Group 1 races at a meeting known for drawing the world’s best trainers, jockeys and horses.
The Dubai Turf, contested over 1,800 metres, has produced winners from South Africa, the United Kingdom, Japan, France and the UAE since its first running in 1996, according to event records. In recent years, Lord North trained by John and Thady Gosden dominated the contest with wins in 2021 and 2023 as well as a dead-heat in 2022 with Panthalassa. The 2025 edition saw Japanese-trained Soul Rush prevail by a narrow margin against Romantic Warrior, who was then the highest-earning racehorse in the world. Racing reports from prior years confirm the event’s consistent ability to attract elite international fields.
Ahmad Yousef Al-Hassan, CEO and Managing Director at DP World GCC, described the Dubai World Cup as a key highlight. “Dubai World Cup night is a highlight on the international calendar and reflects Dubai’s bold sporting ambitions. We are proud to support an event that is deeply rooted in Dubai’s culture and heritage and one that reflects its spirit of progress,” Al-Hassan said. He noted that the sponsorship aligns with the company’s long-term engagement in the region’s sports development.
Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member at the Dubai Racing Club, expressed appreciation for the renewed backing. “DP World has been a longstanding supporter of sport in Dubai, through its backing of golf and horse racing, in particular,” he said. “We value their support of the Dubai Racing Carnival and the Dubai Turf, one of our most important races, and hope that they have a wonderful afternoon at the Dubai World Cup.” The partnership dates back several seasons with DP World having sponsored the Dubai Turf in previous years as indicated by racing reports from 2022.
The G1 Dubai Turf sponsored by DP World is set as race seven on a nine-race programme, the Dubai Racing Club stated. Industry reports place the purse for the main Dubai World Cup at $12 million under Emirates Airline sponsorship while supporting Group 1 races add further value. A review by Thoroughbred Daily News of past meetings confirms the night routinely offers one of the largest single-day prize funds in the sport.
The Dubai World Cup has expanded significantly since its 1996 launch to become a major international fixture drawing entries from more than 20 countries in some editions according to a 2023 Thoroughbred Racing report. Such global participation enhances competitive standards across the card. Meydan Racecourse serves as the central venue for the meeting which forms the climax of the Dubai Racing Carnival.
