Abu Dhabi Turf Club Prepares For Exciting 2025-2026 Racing Season Featuring 16 Events

The Abu Dhabi Turf Club has finalised its plans for the 2025–2026 racing season, which will include 16 horse races. The main events are the UAE President's Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses and the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup for Thoroughbreds on the turf track. The club announced that both local and international horses will participate in these categories, highlighting the UAE’s passion for equestrian sports and cultural heritage.

The total prize money for the season is AED 20 million. The programme features races for all categories and age groups, including novice and locally bred horses. It also covers handicap, classic, and listed races. Notably, it includes the most Purebred Arabian races in a single season, with special events during Ramadan.

The season kicks off next Saturday with an evening of seven races: five for Purebred Arabians and two for Thoroughbreds. The opening race is the Al Wathba Preparatory Sprint for Arabian horses aged four years and older, covering 1,200 meters. On November 14, the venue will host the Preparatory Race for the President of the UAE Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses (Listed).

Another significant event is scheduled for November 22: the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup (Group 3) for Union Day, offering AED 500,000 in prizes. A major highlight on December 6 is the President of the UAE Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses (Group 1), with a prize pool of AED 8 million.

Eng. Ali Al Shaiba, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Racecourse, mentioned that they are preparing for another outstanding racing season. He noted that their facilities are world-class, with a turf track designed to meet high standards of safety and organisation for both jockeys and horses.

The new season’s programme blends competitive, heritage, and community races. This offers a unique experience not only to participants but also to families and horse racing fans.

With inputs from WAM