Complete Guide on Meydan Racecourse in Dubai

If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, don’t miss Meydan Racecourse. It’s not just a place for racing horses. It’s a luxury destination packed with food, fun, hotels, and big events. Whether you love fast horses, want a fine dinner, or just want to soak in something special, Meydan has it all. In this guide, you’ll find its history, events, architecture, ticketing info, nearby hotels, and tips so you can enjoy every moment.

• The story behind Meydan
• Architectural brilliance
• Major events at Meydan Racecourse
• The Meydan experience
• Tickets and entry info
• Visitor Information
• Hotels near Meydan Racecourse
• Meydan beyond racing
• Key takeaways
• FAQs

The story behind Meydan

Meydan quickly became one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks through the deep cultural and historical roots of horse racing in the UAE.

Dubai’s horse racing roots

Horse racing has been part of Arabian culture for centuries. Beyond sport, horses meant travel, trade, and strength. Over time, racing became more formal, more exciting, and a celebration. Dubai embraced that, turning its horse racing tradition into a global spectacle.

The vision behind Meydan

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, saw more than just a racetrack. He wanted Meydan to be a luxury lifestyle destination, one where racing meets world‑class hospitality and where people come for more than just the races.

Opening day

Meydan Racecourse officially opened in 2010, replacing the old Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. It was built to impress with modern facilities, large crowds, and a venue capable of hosting top international events.

Architectural brilliance

The design and scale of Meydan set it apart as one of the most ambitious racecourses in the world. Its futuristic architecture blends innovation with luxury.

Scale and capacity

Spread across 7.5 million square metres, the Meydan horse race course is simply an engineering marvel. The grandstand stretches 1.6 km, making it the longest in the world. Over 60,000 people can watch the races from the stands. The racecourse also has covered parking for 8,600 cars.

Track details

• Dirt track: 1,750 metres
• Turf track: 2,400 metres

It also includes receiving barns, stables, all-weather training tracks, horsemen’s and jockey lounges.

Special design features

• A futuristic crescent shape with solar panels.
• One of the world’s largest LED screens for race coverage.
• On-site Horse Racing Museum and Gallery, highlighting the UAE’s equestrian heritage.

More than racing

• The Meydan Hotel is a five‑star hotel right on the track. Most rooms have a clear view of the race.
• New Meydan Freezone Corporation has modern office spaces and top-tier conference facilities.
• Fine-dining restaurants and lounges are located throughout the space for pre- or post-race meals. 
• Business and meeting rooms make it easy to mix work with entertainment.
• Meydan Golf Course is a floodlit, 9-hole championship course with skyline views and night-time play.

Major events at Meydan Racecourse

Meydan is home to some of the biggest and most glamorous racing events in the world. These occasions attract global audiences, celebrities, and horse racing enthusiasts alike.

Dubai World Cup

The Dubai World Cup is Meydan’s most famous event. It has one of the richest prize pots in horse racing. It was first held in 1996. In 2025, the prize purse was about USD 30.5 million, attracting top jockeys, trainers, and celebrities from around the world. Fashion shows, luxury hospitality, and VIP lounges make it a red-carpet event.

Dubai Racing Carnival

This runs from November to March. It builds up to the Dubai World Cup and features international horses. If you go during this season, you’ll catch many big races on both dirt and turf.

Other events

• Emirates Super Saturday: A key lead‑up to World Cup day. Winners here often go on to compete at the main event.
• Festive Friday: This is part of the Racing Carnival. It offers great racing with a social, lively vibe.
• Other equestrian events: Equestrian auctions and endurance competitions
• Non‑racing events: Concerts, launches, and exhibitions. Meydan serves as a year‑round entertainment hub.

The Meydan experience

Beyond horse racing, Meydan is a complete leisure and lifestyle destination. Visitors can enjoy fine dining, world-class hospitality, and entertainment that lasts all night.

Hospitality and VIP treatment

• The Meydan Grandstand has 78 corporate suites with racetrack views.
• It has private lounges with gourmet dining and beverage services.
• Private events and client entertainment packages, offering unparalleled views and an exclusive horse racing experience, are tailored for individuals, groups, and corporate clients.

The Meydan Hotel

• World’s first 5-star trackside hotel integrated into the racecourse.
• Rooms and suites come with balconies offering unobstructed views of the racetrack.
• Facilities include:
  • Infinity pool with city views
  • Fine dining restaurants
  • Spa and wellness centre
  • Meeting, event, and conference spaces

Dining options

• Meydan has restaurants that suit every mood, from fine dining to casual bites.
• Unhindered, expansive views of the racetrack improve the eating experience.

Nightlife and entertainment

• After races, Meydan offers exciting entertainment options with various clubs, bars, and live concerts.
• Exhilarating nightlife experience attracts both locals and international tourists.

Tickets and entry info

Understanding ticket categories helps you plan the perfect race day experience. From budget-friendly seats to luxurious hospitality packages, there’s an option for everyone.

Ticket categories

Here’s what you can choose from:

• General admission: Basic access for budget-friendly visitors.
• Grandstand seats: Trackside tickets for excellent views of the track.
• Hospitality packages: Premium experiences with food, drinks, and the best seating.

Popular VIP options

• The Gallery: For exclusive trackside brunch and direct views of the finish line.
• Paddock View (Level 1): Prime race track, finish line, and parade ring views with international buffet, premium beverages, and free-flowing bubbly.
• Winner’s Circle restaurant (Level 2 and 3): Elevated glass-front dining room with tiered seating and premium racecourse views.
• First-Class Lounge (Level 3): For a premium lounge experience overlooking the racecourse with international cuisine.
• Silk Restaurant (Level 4): Exclusive fine dining and VIP experience with direct views of the race track, finish line, and parade ring with international buffet and premium beverage selection.
• Sky Bubble (Level 7): For a luxury rooftop experience of the race course and Dubai skyline.
• Royal Enclosure: Private VIP seating behind a glass screen, offering the highest level of exclusivity and comfort at the Dubai World Cup 2025. It features luxurious leather seating, Majlis-style service, chauffeured pick-up, a private banquet, and premium drinks.
• Private Suites: Terrace seating and fine dining are available for the ultimate corporate and group experience, with customisable catering packages and dedicated staff.

Pricing and booking

You can purchase tickets via the official Meydan racecourse website. Travel agencies and event partners also provide tickets and packages. General tickets are very affordable. Premium packages can go from a few hundred to several thousand USD, especially during the Dubai World Cup.

Visitor Information

Planning your visit to Meydan is simple with the right tips. From directions to dress code, here’s everything you need to know.

Location

Meydan Racecourse is in Nad Al Sheba, about 12 kilometres from Downtown Dubai. 

Getting There

• By car: You can easily access it from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. 
• By taxi or ride apps: Uber, Careem, and Dubai Taxis are the most convenient and preferred options.
• By metro: Business Bay is the nearest metro station. You can take a short taxi ride from there.

Dress Code

• Regular days: Smart casual
• Dubai World Cup and VIP: Formal attire (suits, dresses and hats)

Tips for first-time visitors

• Book early: Tickets for the Dubai World Cup sell out months in advance. Hotels near Meydan also fill up quickly.
• Arrive ahead of time: Get there early to beat the traffic and secure a good spot.
• Dining reservations: Secure a table at Meydan’s restaurants by booking beforehand, particularly for event days.
• Explore more: In addition to Meydan Racecourse, there is the Meydan Golf Course and many other nearby attractions in Downtown Dubai.
• Bring sunscreen: Dubai’s sun can be intense even in winter.

Hotels near Meydan racecourse

If you’re looking to stay nearby, there are several hotel options ranging from luxury experiences to more affordable stays.

The Meydan Hotel

• The most convenient choice with direct access.
• 5-star luxury experience
• Rooms with direct views of the race track
• Infinity pool, spa, restaurants and meeting spaces

Nearby luxury hotel options

• JW Marriott Marquis Dubai: This is one of the tallest luxury hotels in the world.
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View: This is a posh hotel with river views near Business Bay.
• Habtoor Palace Dubai: This is a part of the Al Habtoor City complex.

Mid-range options

• Plenty of hotels in Business Bay and Al Quoz offer budget-friendly stays.

Meydan beyond racing

Beyond horses and competitions, Meydan has grown into a multi-purpose destination. It hosts everything from golf to global development projects.

Meydan golf

• A 9-hole floodlit golf course stretching over 3,600 yards with over five tee options and six natural lakes in the layout.
• It is a championship course designed by Peter Harradine, suitable for amateurs and professionals.
• The venue allows floodlit play till 11 pm and offers stunning Dubai skyline views.
• Has fun promotions like the #PerfectSelfieatMeydan
• The facility is partnered with Troon, a global leader in club and golf management with a presence in over 30 American states and 25 countries.

Meydan one project

A mega project is being built near the racecourse. Here are some of its features:

• World’s longest indoor ski slopes
• Meydan One Mall for luxury shopping and dining
• The world’s tallest residential tower (in progress)
• Meydan One Waterpark, featuring massive wave pools and exhilarating water slides
• It is strategically positioned and connected to the Arabian Gulf via a navigable waterway. 

Business and events

With the help of cutting-edge facilities, Meydan serves as a hub for business gatherings, product launches, and exhibits. It is ideal for corporate events that desire a touch of luxury.

Key takeaways

Meydan Racecourse is more than just a racetrack. It’s a world-class destination for racing fans, food lovers, business travellers, and anyone who enjoys luxury and entertainment. Whether you’re visiting for the Dubai World Cup or just exploring something new in Dubai, Meydan offers something unforgettable.

From stylish hotels and fine dining to golf, nightlife, and big global events, it’s a place where tradition meets modern luxury. If you want excitement, elegance, and a truly unique experience in Dubai, visit Meydan Racecourse. 

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