Dubai Racing Carnival 2025–26: Schedule and Participation Rules Announced
Reşat Yurday Köstem
The Dubai Racing Carnival returns for the 2025–26 season, running from November 7 to March 13 with 16 race days, 40 pattern races, and prize money exceeding AED 53 million.
Races will be staged on Fridays, with the exception of Emirates Super Saturday on February 28. The Carnival will feature 31 Group races and 9 Listed contests, offering one of the richest prize funds in the global racing calendar.
Three Special Race Days
This year’s Carnival will once again include three themed meetings:
Festive Friday – December 19, 2025
Fashion Friday – January 23, 2026
Emirates Super Saturday – February 28, 2026
‘Win and You’re In’ Path to Dubai World Cup Night
A highlight of the Carnival will be the 10 key trial races that serve as direct qualifiers for the Dubai World Cup meeting. Winners of these contests will earn automatic entry into the corresponding races on World Cup night. Any horse that wins both the trial and the World Cup day equivalent will also receive a 10% bonus of the race’s purse.
Last season, Dubai Future collected a USD 100,000 bonus after winning the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy before going on to capture the G2 Dubai Gold Cup.
Travel Subsidies and Eligibility
The Dubai Racing Club Selection Panel will provide travel assistance for horses rated 105 and above. In addition, two-year-olds (2025 crop) and three-year-olds (2026 crop) that finish in the top three in Group races at Meydan or complete the Carnival with a rating of 95 or higher will also be eligible for transport support.
Entry Deadline
Entries for the 2025–26 Carnival close on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.