Dubai Racing Carnival 2026–27: an owner's guide
By the Silk Road Bloodstock team · Updated 21 October 2026
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The Dubai Racing Carnival returns to Meydan on Friday 6 November 2026, with 16 race meetings running into March and building to Dubai World Cup night on 27 March 2027. Here are the dates published so far, how owners have a runner, and how to enjoy the season even before you own a horse.
Dates published so far
| Date | Meeting |
|---|---|
| Fri 6 Nov 2026 | Opening night of the Carnival, Meydan |
| Fri 20 Nov 2026 | Carnival meeting |
| Fri 4 Dec 2026 | Carnival meeting |
| Fri 11 Dec 2026 | Carnival meeting |
| January–February 2027 | Further Friday meetings |
| Fri 5 Mar 2027 | Carnival meeting |
| Fri 12 Mar 2027 | Carnival meeting |
| Sat 27 Mar 2027 | Dubai World Cup night (Dubai World Cup US$12m) |
The full fixture list and race conditions are published by Dubai Racing Club. Always check the official calendar before you plan.
How owners have a runner at the Carnival
Buy a horse that is already racing
A horse in training has form and an official rating, so you can judge whether it fits the Carnival's races. The Tattersalls Horses in Training Sale (26–29 October) is the last big European sale before the season starts.
Choose your route
- Based in the UAE: the horse is imported and trained by a UAE-licensed trainer for the whole season. See buying a racehorse in Dubai.
- Visiting from Europe: the horse stays with its European trainer and travels for chosen races.
Work back from the race
Pick the meeting first, then the horse. Import permits, health tests, quarantine and acclimatisation all take time, so a horse for the early meetings needs to be bought and shipped quickly. A target in February or March gives more room.
Enjoy the season before you own
Tickets for Carnival meetings start from about Dh10, with hospitality packages for groups. A night at Meydan is the best way to watch the horses, meet trainers and decide what kind of horse you would like to own.
Your runner at Meydan
Tell us the meeting you have in mind and your budget. We will tell you honestly what is realistic this season, and which European horses could suit.
Begin a private conversation Send your brief
Prefer email? Write to info@silkroadbloodstock.com
Budgets from US$50,000 per horse. 5% fee, agreed in writing. Racing is never certain.
Sources: Khaleej Times, Visit Dubai events calendar, WAM (Emirates Racing Authority schedule), Dubai Racing Club.
Read next: The owner's calendar 2026–27 · Buy a racehorse in Dubai · Buy a racehorse in Saudi Arabia