Meydan Racecourse

Racing season starts in November with the 10-week Winter Racing Challenge, but doesn’t heat up until January. It culminates in late March with the elite Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race, with prize money of a dizzying US$10 million. Dubai racing’s new home (from 2010) is the spectacular Meydan Racecourse, a futuristic stadium with a grandstand bigger than most airport terminals. Spanning 1.6km, it has a solar- and titanium-panelled roof, can accommodate up to 60,000 spectators and integrates a five-star hotel. A museum and IMAX theatre are in the works as well. There’s a free-admission area where dress is casual. For the grandstand you’ll need tickets and should dress to the nines. For the exact racing schedule and tickets, contact Dubai Racing Club. Even if you don’t like horse racing, attending a race presents great people-watching opportunities. Meydan is about 5km southwest of central Dubai. To get there, take the 2nd interchange from Sheikh Zayed Rd, turn left onto Al-Meydan Rd and follow the signs.