| At first Dubai may seem like an unlikely place for | | | | worldwide for many centuries. |
| horse racing but, as the city that built a snow dome in | | | | Historically, horses were used as a symbol of power, |
| the desert, perhaps it should come as no great | | | | wealth and status within Middle Eastern society, and |
| surprise that this Middle Eastern shopping paradise also | | | | horses where selectively bred generation upon |
| hosts the world's richest horse race. | | | | generation to increase speed and stamina, which is |
| The race was founded in 1996 by the ruler of Dubai, | | | | now seen in many thoroughbred horses across the |
| Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is | | | | world. |
| also the owner of Darley Stud and Godolphin Racing, | | | | The race draws horses, riders and racing fans from all |
| one of the world's leading thoroughbred breeding and | | | | over the world and offers a number of upmarket |
| racing operations. | | | | hospitality events for punters. The 'Breakfast with the |
| Held annually at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, the | | | | Stars' event features live commentary, celebrity |
| 2000m track is a left handed dirt course. The race is | | | | interviews with top guests and live entertainment, with |
| most notable for being the world's richest race, with | | | | a lavish breakfast buffet that is served on the lawns |
| some US$6 million at stake, and the race is recognised | | | | next to the paddock. |
| as the centrepiece of international racing and hailed as | | | | International Village is the heart of the Dubai World Cup |
| the thoroughbred "World Championship". | | | | social scene and is a great spot to soak up the |
| The fact that the race takes place in the Middle East | | | | exhilarating atmosphere of the races. A ticket-only |
| is especially significant, as every thoroughbred horse in | | | | event, the International Village incorporates a multitude |
| the world is descended from three Arabian stallions | | | | of food and beverage outlets and also features the |
| which were originally exported from the Middle East: | | | | bubble lounge, exhibition stands, live entertainment and |
| the Darley Arabian, the Byerley Turk and the | | | | giant digital screens to view the live action racing. |
| Godolphin Arabian. These stallions were bred with | | | | Those wishing to visit the world's richest horse race |
| English mares and all modern thoroughbreds carry the | | | | and looking for accommodation can take their pick |
| genetics of these Arabian horses. | | | | from Dubai's beach hotels, downtown hotels, or Marina |
| The image of Arabian horsemen charging across the | | | | hotels, which together offer a selection of upmarket, |
| desert is still a strong part of Arab mythology, and | | | | luxury places in which to base yourself during the |
| there has long been a strong association between the | | | | Dubai World Cup. |
| Middle East and horses that has been recognised | | | | |