The Dubai World Cup is a thoroughbred horse race event held annually since 1996 at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, s10 minutes away from the city centre of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The race was the creation of Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emir of Dubai, who owns Darley Stud, one of the world's leading thoroughbred breeding and racing operations. It is the world's richest horse race, with a purse of USD 6 million since 2004.

The late His Highness Sheikh Zayed was registered as owning the largest stock of Arabian horses in the world. He had established the first Emiri stable in 1969 with 12 horses. Today, his sons have taken it to full membership of the World Arabian Horses Organization. The Maktoum family of Dubai with their 1000 horses in training around the world have stormed the international racing scene.

The Dubai horse racing track at Nad Al Sheba has both a dirt track and a turf track. The dirt track has three chutes, a 2,000 metre (1 1/4 mile), a 1,600 metre (1 mile) and a 1,200 metre (3/4 mile) chute. The 2,000 metre chute will be used in the Dubai World Cup. The track is well maintained and has the latest equipment fitted to guard against the possibility of rain.

The turf track is 2,200 metre (1 3/8 mile) laid with United States grass. During the winter, rye is planted to add cushion and colour.

There is a designated car park for coaches and plenty of parking for visitors. A taxi service will also be operational.

The Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Sheema Classic, Dubai Golden Shaheen and Godolphin Mile complete a night of history. This is also a rare opportunity for ladies to wear hats to the occasion.