Horse racing is in UAE’s DNA, says Dubai Racing Club CEO

Horse racing is in UAE’s DNA, says Dubai Racing Club CEO
The Dubai World Cup will take place at Meydan Racecourse on April 5. (Supplied)
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Updated 17 March 2025
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Horse racing is in UAE’s DNA, says Dubai Racing Club CEO

Horse racing is in UAE’s DNA, says Dubai Racing Club CEO
  • Ali Al-Ali spoke to Arab News about the emirate’s emergence as a regional and global racing hub and the upcoming Dubai World Cup

DUBAI: With less than three weeks left before the Dubai World Cup, Ali Al-Ali can look back with more than a measure of satisfaction on another successful racing season calendar at Meydan.

On Saturday, April 5, the racing world’s attention will again turn to the emirate as the globe’s best horses, jockeys and trainers take part in the 29th edition of the thoroughbred race. However, for the CEO of Dubai Racing Club, as well as many racing enthusiasts, the Dubai Racing Carnival has been up and running since November and concluded its last pre-World Cup event on Friday.

“The Carnival was restructured last year, season 2023-2024, and this is the second iteration of it,” said Al-Ali. “We have had a lot of feedback from both the racing side and the guest side, great feedback coming from both of those, talking about how the Carnival has created a whole new experience for the people that are coming to the course and enjoying a time out on a Friday night, as well as creating a very competitive atmosphere for international horses coming from all over the world.”

One of the highlights of the calendar took place on Saturday, March 1, and for some of the participants provided a path to the main card of the Dubai World Cup.




Ali Al Ali, CEO of Dubai Racing Club. (Supplied)

“Emirates Super Saturday has always been a great night,” said Al-Ali. “It’s a mini rehearsal for the Dubai World Cup. It was the first time that Emirates Super Saturday falls under Ramadan, and I think we created a beautiful mix of Ramadan vibes, culture, horse racing, hospitality and entertainment on that night.”

The Dubai Racing Club was established in 1992, and the Dubai World Cup had its first run four years later. From its origins at Nad Al-Sheba Racecourse to its current home of Meydan, it has become one of the world’s most famous racing events, featuring a total prize of $30.5 million for nine races, of which $12 million is set aside for the showpiece race.

“Well, horse racing has always been in the DNA of Dubai and the UAE as well,” said Al-Ali. “The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum was to bring the horses back to their original home.

“From there began the mission of His Highness to create a hub and to create a racing environment that suits everyone coming into the region,” he added. “And (he also wanted) to prove that these horses entering here in Dubai do always have a better chance of winning outside as well. Going back to how it has evolved, I believe with His Highness’ directions and continuous support, we are at a pinnacle at the moment and we’re only pushing forward.”

Having the right facilities and talent is what helped Dubai become a regional and global racing hub, according to Al-Ali.

“I see Dubai as a great hub due to the infrastructure, and most importantly, the know-how of flying in international horses and providing them with the right atmosphere, the right facilities, the right supplies, the right support to race in a very safe and enjoyable racecourse.”

The 2025 Dubai World Cup will take place only days after Eid Al-Fitr, but Al-Ali says that preparations have been going on for some time now.

“We’ve been preparing since almost a year now. That’s how we do it and that’s always what we try to achieve. We always try to achieve absolute excellence when it comes to the Dubai World Cup,” he said.

The CEO says that technology is increasingly playing a major part in maintaining that excellence.

“From a technological perspective, we see that the Dubai Racing Club is going to be one of the pioneering jurisdictions in implementing both artificial intelligence within our operations, as well as enhancing the technology that is helping and aiding horse racing around the region.”

Al-Ali is now looking forward to the start of this year’s festivities on April 1.

“The Dubai World Cup Week is full of activities and entertainment, and we’ve got the Post-Position Draw, the Post-Position Gala, the Dubai World Cup Gala, and the breakfast of the stars as well, which is now called the Morning Gallop.”

Horses and trainers are already making the move to Dubai ahead of the big week.

“We have received some of the horses that are going to be running on the Dubai World Cup night and we’re expecting more of them to come throughout these weeks,” Al-Ali said.


Starc stars as Delhi beat Rajasthan in IPL’s Super Over thriller

Starc stars as Delhi beat Rajasthan in IPL’s Super Over thriller
Updated 15 sec ago
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Starc stars as Delhi beat Rajasthan in IPL’s Super Over thriller

Starc stars as Delhi beat Rajasthan in IPL’s Super Over thriller
  • Left-arm quick Starc kept Rajasthan down to 188-4 in response to Delhi’s 188-5 and then returned to bowl another disciplined over
  • Needing 12 to win, KL Rahul started with a double and then hit a boundary before Tristan Stubbs finished off with a six

NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals edged out Rajasthan Royals in IPL’s first Super Over of the season after pace bowler Mitchell Starc defended nine off the last over to end the match tied on Wednesday.
Left-arm quick Starc kept Rajasthan down to 188-4 in response to Delhi’s 188-5 and then returned to bowl another disciplined over at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground.
Rajasthan managed just 11 runs from their Super Over after Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag hit a boundary each but both got run out on ball four and five and the innings ended with those two wickets.
Needing 12 to win, KL Rahul started with a double and then hit a boundary before Tristan Stubbs finished off with a six on the fourth ball from Sandeep Sharma.
Delhi, led by Axar Patel, got back to winning ways and returned to take top spot in the 10-team table with five victories and just one defeat on six matches.
Rajasthan, who have been chasing the IPL title since their inaugural triumph in 2008 under late Australian hero Shane Warne, slumped to their fifth loss in seven matches.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana hit 51 each to set up Rajasthan’s chase of 189, but wickets at regular intervals kept Delhi in the hunt.
Australia’s Starc dismissed Rana in the 18th over before Dhruv Jurel hit back in his 26 and the left-handed Hetmyer made 15 not out.
Starc’s 20th over was on target as it was just singles and twos in the six balls and with two needed to win on the last delivery Jurel was run out while attempting a second run and the teams prepared for one-over eliminator.
Earlier Rajasthan raced to 50 in five overs with Jaiswal on fire and skipper Sanju Samson switched gears but retired hurt after his 19-ball 31 as he felt some pain in his ribs.
Left-handed Jaiswal raised his third fifty of the season before being dismissed by left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav but Rana kept up the batting surge.
Rana survived a reprieve on 20 when Stubbs dropped the batter on the ropes for the ball to go for six and the batter made the most of it but the batting effort was not enough.
Delhi rode on Abhishek Porel’s 49 and 34 each from Patel and Stubbs.
In-form Rahul made 38 and put on 63 runs with the left-handed Porel.
Later Axar put on 41 runs off 19 balls with South African Stubbs as the two hit the ball to all parts of the ground much to the delight of the home crowd as Delhi managed 77 runs from the last five overs.


Jeddah governor inspects Formula 1 preparations

Jeddah governor inspects Formula 1 preparations
Updated 25 min 46 sec ago
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Jeddah governor inspects Formula 1 preparations

Jeddah governor inspects Formula 1 preparations
  • Corniche Circuit is hosting race for 5th consecutive year from April 18-20
  • Track extends over a distance of 6.176 km

JEDDAH: Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi conducted a field tour of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit to inspect security preparations and arrangements for the STC Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The governor was accompanied by Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation and Saudi Motorsport Company.
They toured the teams’ pitlane, paddock area, operations room, track and met team representatives, wishing them luck in the upcoming race, which begins on Friday.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, known as the fastest street circuit in the calendar, is hosting the race for the fifth consecutive year from April 18-20. It is one of the most distinctive circuits, with 27 corners, more than any other circuit in the championship. The track extends over a distance of 6.176 km, and drivers face 16 left-hand turns and 11 right-hand turns while racing at astonishing speeds of up to 322 km per hour.
The circuit is famous for its streamlined design and narrow track, with three DRS zones that enhance the intensity of the competition and increase the excitement of the race.
Lewis Hamilton won the inaugural 2021 race but Red Bull have won the following three thanks to Max Verstappen in 2022 and 2024, and Sergio Perez in 2023.


Onana to return in goal for Man Utd against Lyon: Amorim

Onana to return in goal for Man Utd against Lyon: Amorim
Updated 16 April 2025
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Onana to return in goal for Man Utd against Lyon: Amorim

Onana to return in goal for Man Utd against Lyon: Amorim
  • “Onana, he will play tomorrow,” Amorim said at his pre-match press conference
  • “As a coach and former player first of all I try to do things that can help a player in this situation

LONDON: Andre Onana will start in goal for Manchester United in their season-defining Europa League match against Lyon on Thursday, manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed.
The Cameroon international made two costly errors in last week’s 2-2 draw in France in the first leg of their quarter-final and was dropped for Sunday’s 4-1 defeat against Newcastle.
Back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir played at St. James’ Park but Onana will be back in goal at Old Trafford.
“Onana, he will play tomorrow,” Amorim said at his pre-match press conference.
The Portuguese coach said: “As a coach and former player first of all I try to do things that can help a player in this situation.
“We speak about managing players physically but we also have to manage them also mentally.
“We had one weekend where I felt it was better for Andre Onana not to play and a good thing for Altay (Bayindir) to play.”
The United boss also confirmed that forward Joshua Zirkzee will miss the rest of the season.
The Netherlands international, 23, limped off in the second half of Sunday’s defeat at Newcastle after suffering a hamstring injury.
“Joshua is out for the season,” he said. “He will not play more this season, let’s prepare him for the next one.
“It is tough for him especially in this moment. He is improving in all aspects and it is hard for any player to stop.”
United are an embarrassing 14th in the Premier League with just six matches left and could end up in 17th spot, just above the relegation places.
That would be their lowest finish since they were relegated from the top division in the 1973/74 season.
But Amorim still has a chance to end United’s turbulent campaign with a European trophy, which could prove transformative as he rebuilds.


Gabon striker Boupendza dies after 11th floor fall

Gabon striker Boupendza dies after 11th floor fall
Updated 16 April 2025
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Gabon striker Boupendza dies after 11th floor fall

Gabon striker Boupendza dies after 11th floor fall
  • “The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” the federation said
  • “Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker“

LIVERVILLE: Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza died on Wednesday at the age of 28 when he fell from the 11th floor of a building in China, according to the national football federation (Fegafoot).
“The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” the federation said in a statement on X.
“Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon.”

In 2022, the Panthers were eliminated in the last 16 of the AFCON by Burkina Faso.
“Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his biological family,” the federation added.
Gabonese president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also took to X to add his condolences.
“It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented center-forward who brought honor to Gabonese football,” he posted.
Broadcaster Gabon 24 said that while “the exact circumstances of this tragedy are still unclear” an investigation is underway “to establish the facts.”
Born in Moanda, Boupendza joined French side Bordeaux in 2016, spending most of his time on loan at other French clubs.
In 2020 he signed for Turkish side Hatayspor, and was top scorer in the Super Lig in 2020-21 before moving on to Al Arabi, with whom he won the Qatar FA Cup, and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.
Spells in the USA with FC Cincinnati and Romania’s Rapid Bucharest followed ahead of his move to China in January.


New report shows why brands need to invest in women’s football in Saudi Arabia

New report shows why brands need to invest in women’s football in Saudi Arabia
Updated 16 April 2025
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New report shows why brands need to invest in women’s football in Saudi Arabia

New report shows why brands need to invest in women’s football in Saudi Arabia
  • Among fans of women’s sport in the Kingdom, 61% follow football
  • 56% of female fans would think more positively about brands that sponsor the women’s game

RIYADH: New research from football media company Footballco has revealed a growing interest in opportunities for women’s football in Saudi Arabia.

The report, released recently, also provides a profile of fandom in the region and how supporters want to consume both editorial and branded content.

Footballco’s study shows that among fans of women’s sport in Saudi Arabia, 61 percent follow football, compared to 47 percent globally.

This strong interest is relatively new, with 27 percent having followed women’s football for three to five years, 40 percent for up to two years, and one third stating that they have watched more games in the past 12 months.

The growth also highlights how, despite female fans being allowed into stadiums since 2018, some still felt excluded by the sport.

Seventy-two percent said that women’s football attracts fans who previously felt excluded from the sport, while 68 percent agree that inclusion can help tackle issues in broader society.

While females have played football in Saudi Arabia for decades, the Saudi Women’s Premier League only launched in 2022, making the surge in interest even more remarkable.

This is mirrored by the relatively high proportion of fans considering themselves Super Fans (21 percent). Only the US has a bigger proportion of Super Fans, and it is larger than in both Brazil and leading European markets.

Andy Jackson, Footballco’s senior vice president for the Middle East, said that globally an “increasing interest in women’s football follows an increasing interest in female empowerment.”

This was being replicated in Saudi Arabia with also a surge in interest in football more broadly, “creating a perfect storm that’s driving growth in both men’s and women’s football.”

The research shows that fans in the Kingdom see female players as great role models, more so than in other markets.

Saudi Arabia fans believe female footballers are the second-most inspirational group of women, beaten only by entrepreneurs. Globally, female footballers appear fourth behind entrepreneurs, actors and singers.

This should encourage brands to align themselves not only with women’s football as a sport but also with the women on the pitch. This point is emphasized by 56 percent of female fans saying they would think more positively about a brand that sponsors the women’s game.

For brands already involved in women’s football or those curious about opportunities, these numbers highlight that while socially conscious activations can be popular, they also need to align with broader lifestyle and cultural themes.

Sixty-one percent of women’s football fans say that they like it when content is a mixture of lifestyle and culture, rather than focusing on only the game.

By far, the most popular medium for this content is video, with 89 percent of fans naming it as their preferred format, which includes long- and short-form, live streams and documentaries.

Yasmin El-Bizri, Middle East and North Africa strategy director for Footballco, said: “Too often women’s football content and creative can be too focused on the struggle.

“While that’s important, it’s not everything and the output still needs to entertain and engage — this especially true in Saudi, where 54 percent of fans see women’s football as fun and entertaining.”

The research goes on to show that brands cannot rely on copying what they do for the men’s game. Sixty-six percent of fans say that the women’s game should be celebrated as different and that should be reflected by the media and the brands.

The research suggests brands should look at ways to increase participation for women and girls in all areas of football. Of those surveyed, 49 percent thought growth would be best achieved through more opportunities to play, while 30 percent wanted to see women in more off-pitch roles, in both men’s and women’s football.

“What’s clear is that Saudi women’s football isn’t an opportunity for brands in the future, it’s now,” Jackson added.

“As we’ve seen in more established markets, the brands that see the greatest benefits are those that are involved early on and get recognized for their contribution to supporting the game.”

Footballco’s research is based on data collected from more than 8,000 women’s sports fans across the world, including more than 1,000 from Saudi Arabia.

Footballco is home to a global football media brand, GOAL, and the biggest Arabic-language sports website, Kooora.

Footballco also operates two dedicated Arabic women’s football brands, INDIVISA, which covers the game and culture from the grassroots, and the Gen-Z YouTube show Yalla Girl.

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