Full Guide to ERA Emirates Racing Authority Dubai

Are you a fan of horse racing? If so, then you must have heard of the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) for sure. This is the recognised governor for horse racing sport in the United Arab Emirates. This detailed guide will introduce you more to it. As well as its racecourses, race calendar, and more. 

Overview 

Horse racing Dubai

The ERA is the main administrating body for equestrian sports, which consists of horse riding mainly. It was founded in order to set the Emirates Racing Authority rules as well as amending and enforcing them. Moreover, it supervises and encourages horse breeding and ownership intending to improve the quality of racing.

In addition, the ERA Board acts to govern every aspect of the sport, including licensing the trainers, jockeys, and stable personnel. Also, it manages the Emirates Racing entries along with the race meeting declarations. 

Location

Additionally, the Emirates Racing Association is located in Nad Al Sheba 1, in Dubai, to be exact. It is considered a bit on the outskirts of the city, which is suitable for the use of this venue. The map below will illustrate more details regarding its location. As well as how to get there from anywhere in Dubai. 

Nearby Communities

Emirates World Series Horse Race Authority is situated in Dubai, thus, it is surrounded by many of its communities. This includes various residential ones, which is a perk as getting there will only take a few minutes. Some of these communities include: 

Nearby Attractions 

Moreover, a few of Dubai’s landmarks and attractions are close in distance to the ERA. Some of them include: 

  • Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: 10 minutes away
  • Al Quoz Pond Park: 11 minutes away
  • Bowling Center Dubai: 15 minutes away
  • Dubai Frame: 18 minutes away
  • Dubai Hills Golf Club: 19 minutes away

Transportation 

public bus

To get to the ERA Racing Authority, you can take a taxi or an Uber or Careem. These options will get you there directly. However, if you are taking the bus, you would get off at a nearby station and take a taxi from the bus stop to the ERA. Some of the nearby bus stops are:

  • Dubai Polo Club Bus Stop: 11 minutes away 
  • Business Bay 2 Bus Station: 14 minutes away

Parking 

parking lot

In contrast, if you are driving to the Emirates Horse Racing Authority then you will find plenty of covered parking spaces. For instance, the Meydan Racecourse stretches approximately 1.3 kilometers. And has the capacity for 8,600 cars. 

Emirates Racing Authority Contact Number

ERA Emirates Racing Authority

In addition, you can contact the ERA at the number below. And you will get a response within no time. Also, you can follow their updates on social media platforms. 

  • Phone number: +971 5 6564 6913

Racecourses 

racecourse

Furthermore, the ERA has two main racecourses in Dubai. The biggest of which is the Meydan Racecourse. Followed by Jebel Ali Racecourse. 

  • Emirates Racing Authority Meydan
    • Size: 1.6 kilometres 
    • Capacity: 20,000 seaters, 60,000 grandstand 
    • Uses: business, sports, and entertainment 
    • Tracks: 1750 metres of dirt surface, 2400 metres of turf tracks
  • Jebel Ali Racecourse
    • Capacity: more than 2,000 grandstands 
    • Uses: racing 
    • Track: 1 Dirt right-handed (Horseshoe shape)

Emirates Racing Calendar

horse racing

First of all, the Racing Emirates calendar for 2024 started on February 2 and lasted till February 29. The upcoming events are due in March and April. Furthermore, each day has various races taking place. The table below will help out with the dates, and you can get more specifics via the ERA official website. 

March Racing Calendar Number of Races per Day 
1 March7 Races 
2 March 9 Races 
3 March7 Races 
7 March1 Races 
8 March8 Races 
9 March1 Races 
10 March1 Races 
14 March1 Races 
15 March1 Races 
16 March7 Races 
21 March1 Races 
22 March
30 March8 Races 

Moreover, the race schedule for April is not detailed yet. For starters, it is to commence on April 4, with two races and one race the following day which dates April 5. 

Licensing 

The ERA is responsible for licensing individuals who wish to take place in horse racing events. Such individuals include the ones listed below. In addition, licensing application fees differ from one category to another. 

  • Trainer: AED 1,200
  • Owner:
    • 1 year: AED 1,200
    • 3 years: AED 2,500
  • Jockey: AED 1,200
  • Apprentice: AED 1,200
  • Rider’s agent: AED 500

Moreover, to issue a formal licence, those interested can submit a form online via the ERA’s official website. The steps below will illustrate the process thoroughly: 

  1. Head to the ERA website, and click on “Industry
  2. A dropdown list will appear, from it you can choose “Licencing” 
  3. This will redirect you to 5 application forms. Choose the desired one. 
  4. Fill out the information, which would include:
    • Personal information
    • Emergency Contact
    • General questions – they may differ from one application to another 
    • Horse details 
    • Pay the fees online 
    • Get your licence immediately 

The Emirates Racing Authority App

Emirates Racing Authority App

In addition, if you want to stay up to date with the race schedule, entries and results. You may like to install their app on your phone. The application can be found on both Android and iOS. Also, the app keeps pushing live updates through notifications so you won’t miss a thing. 

Emirates Racing Club Dubai 

Dubai Racing Club (DRC) is a horse race organiser, often hosting horse racing at Meydan Racecourse. This event takes place annually from November to March. Explore the admission ticket prices along with membership prices below. 

  • General Public Season Pass: AED 60 
  • Season Pass:
    • Adults Premium: AED 550 
    • Kids Premium: AED 420 
  • Diamond Season Pass: AED 3,295 / AED 4,425
  • Explorer: 
    • Adults: 
      • AED 2,499 per two people 
      • AED 3,299 per two people 
    • Youth (up to 12 years old): AED 500
  • Dubai World Cup Tickets: 
    • General Public: AED 80 
    • Apron Views: AED 80 

FAQ

Where can you watch Emirates Racing live online? 

You can watch the ERA live stream via their official website as well as the mobile app. 

Where to find the Emirates Racing results exactly? 

Both the official website and mobile app showcase the current season’s results as well as the results from past seasons. 

Does the ERA have a racecourse outside Dubai?

Yes, it does. It has two racecourses; one in Sharjah and another in Al Ain. 

Who is on the Dubai Racing Club Committee? 

The Dubai Racing Club Committee consists of Major General Expert Mohammed Essa Al Adhab as the Member-General Manager. His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum is the chairman, and Mr. Khalifa Thani bin Abood Al Falasi is a member. 

To sum up, the Emirates Racing Authority enhances equestrian sports in the United Arab Emirates. Horse racing enthusiasts must explore its racecourses, including the Jebel Ali Racecourse as well as the Meydan Racecourse. In addition, make sure to explore more event venues in the UAE on Property Finder’s blog

This Blog is made available for educational purposes only, in addition to providing you with general information and a general understanding of its content, including referenced laws and regulations, and not to provide specific legal advice. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent advice from a licensed professional.