Saluting the revered history of Dubai racing while firmly looking ahead to a shining future, we welcome participants to the 27th running of the Dubai World Cup. Founded upon the noble values of horsemanship, this event celebrates the gathering of the most skilled horsemen and women from all over the globe here in Dubai, the world’s proving ground for excellence and site of storied competition for coveted prizes.
This year’s edition coincides with the ‘Year of Sustainability’ declared by my brother, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, under the theme: ‘Today for Tomorrow’, which embodies the UAE approach to sustainability and commitment to meeting not only the challenges of now, but also of the years ahead.
In marking this event, we recall the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan, the empowering leader who sparked the unparalleled rise of our nation. Under his reign, our country conquered the boundaries of space and reached the far-away horizons of Mars. His immeasurable contributions to his people, this region and the world live on, always inspiring us.
Also on the occasion of this event, we offer condolences to our brothers and friends in Syria and Turkey who lost their loved ones during the disastrous earthquake that devasted their nations. Since launched in 1996, the Dubai World Cup has advocated the principles of tolerance, love and peace.
Every year, the gala racing event attracts elite international runners and connections who cherish fair competition and who are powered by the determination to achieve excellence, which has no finish line. We look forward to welcoming champions capable of emulating the heroic achievements of preeminent Dubai World Cup stars like the phenomenal Cigar in the inaugural running at Nad Al Sheba; Dubai Millennium, dazzling in clinching the title to begin this century; Thunder Snow, the only champion to win twice; Mystic Guide, hero of the Silver Jubilee edition, and last year’s winner, Country Grammer, who gave our Saudi brothers their second title and now bidding to become the second horse to complete a double.
Thanks to our guests and horse connections who accepted the challenge and came here from far afield. We wish them and our visitors an enjoyable stay and the best of good fortune at Meydan. Thanks also to the organising committee and teams for their efforts to make this edition a success.
Ramadan Kareem
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai
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