The distinctive features of horse racing in the United Arab Emirates are showcased at the running of the Dubai World Cup which in 2008 happens on Saturday 29 March.

Richest Horse Race
For a country that lusts after world records, it is no surprise that the Dubai Cup (the red ribbon event) is ‘the richest horse race in the world’. The prize of $6 million is part of a total $21 million at stake in prize money.

Not a Good Bet!
There is no betting at horse races as gambling is illegal in the Emirates. But gambling is not entirely non-existent as race goers can buy raffle tickets to win the latest Bentley Continental or a Range Rover.

Check out the score card with horses, trainers and jockeys and pick out your winner for Race 7—the Dubai World Cup Emirates Airline. The hot favorite is the American heavyweight ‘Curlin’ but many locals are backing ‘Jalil’ from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Goldolphin stable.

Fashion Extravaganza
Horse racing is merely the sideshow to the more prominent fashion competitions. Will all the contestants be wearing black, abayas and burqas? No, there will be a range of fashion garments on the catwalk and at a fashion curtain raiser earlier this month several women paraded in trendy, ornate abayas, not the plain ‘body bag’ design.

Emirates Hospitality
While gambling is banned at a Dubai Race meet, alcohol flows freely. Even last year when the Dubai Derby coincided with the Prophet’s birthday, a special dispensation was given by the Ruler to allow the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. While race events in the Emirates can proceed without betting they cannot proceed well without race goers being able to imbibe from the magnums of fine champagne.

The Weather and the Track
The weather is always hot in the Emirates and the track hard. The harsh conditions have led several horses to break down in the lead up this year. Top South African trainer, Mike de Kock, has taken to putting his horses on treadmills instead of exercising them on the track.

This racing carnival reaches back to the traditional Arab horsemen but it also illustrates yet another way that the UAE is being changed by globalization.