ADNOC To Sponsor Abu Dhabi Gold Cup 2026-2028 As Part Of A Three-Year Strategic Partnership

Abu Dhabi Racecourse and ADNOC have signed a three-year strategic partnership that will run from 2026 to 2028, making ADNOC the official sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup during this period. ADNOC will also act as main sponsor of the seventh and final race on the card, which will bring together leading owners, high-calibre horses and elite riders from the UAE and abroad.

The agreement is designed to strengthen the status of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup within global horse racing and to underline Abu Dhabi’s ambitions in the sport. The event is positioned as a key part of the international racing calendar, marking Abu Dhabi’s first participation in Thoroughbred racing at this competitive level.

The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup will be staged for the first time on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at Abu Dhabi Racecourse. The meeting will feature a comprehensive programme of seven races. These races will mainly showcase elite Arabian Purebred horses, with classified contests that target high-quality competitors and support the wider development of Arabian racing.

Races on the card will include contests for Arabian Purebred horses across several classifications, highlighting the depth of the regional breeding and training sector. The "Mares" category will be the richest race of the evening, with a total prize fund of up to US$1 million, which is expected to attract leading mares from both local and international stables.

Engineer Ali Al Shaibah, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Abu Dhabi Racecourse, and Chairman of the Organising Committee, said, "This partnership represents a forward looking vision to establish Abu Dhabi as a global horse racing destination. With ADNOC’s support, we are ensuring the attraction of the best horses and talent, and that the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup remains a milestone on the international racing calendar."

For ADNOC, the sponsorship is presented as a way to support local traditions while engaging wider audiences. Saif Al Falahi, Executive Director of Group Human Capital, Corporate Support and HSE at ADNOC, said, "The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup is a unique opportunity to highlight our local culture and heritage and share it with the wider community. Through this partnership, ADNOC is proud to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s presence on the global horse racing scene and celebrate the UAE’s long standing traditions."

With the new partnership in place, organisers plan to use the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup to strengthen the capital’s profile in international horse racing, highlight Arabian Purebred competition and deliver a high-value programme for participants and spectators, while maintaining a strong link to culture and heritage across the three editions from 2026 to 2028.

With inputs from WAM