Abu Dhabi Turf Club has launched its 2025–2026 racing season, unveiling a programme of 16 race meetings with total prize money exceeding AED20 million. The calendar reflects the UAE’s deep-rooted equine heritage and its growing status as a world-class hub for purebred Arabian horse racing.

Themed Ride the Rhythm, the 2025-2026 calendar offers a rich mix of local and international horses, including purebred Arabian and thoroughbred horse races, covering all categories and age groups. The programme also features the largest number of purebred Arabian horse races of any UAE season.

The Garden also makes its return this season, offering the most refined way to experience race nights at Abu Dhabi Turf Club. The Garden delivers a full-sensory experience, offering guests live musical and artistic performances, fashion moments, kids play zone, and a curated selection of F&B kiosks and a Turfside premium dining lounge.

His Excellency Eng Ali Al Shaiba, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Abu Dhabi Turf Club, said: ‘’We are excited to welcome another exceptional season of racing at Abu Dhabi Turf Club. Our world-class facilities and well-prepared turf track ensures the highest standards of organisation and safety for both jockeys and horses. This year’s calendar brings together competitive racing, heritage, and community, offering something special for everyone, from industry participants to families and racing fans.

“The support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been instrumental in elevating the quality and appeal of racing at Abu Dhabi Turf Club, particularly in showcasing purebred Arabian talent on the world stage. His patronage continues to inspire excellence and attract enthusiasts from the UAE and beyond.”

The season opened on 25 October 2025 with a seven-race card, including five purebred Arabian horse races and two thoroughbred contests. Headlining opening night is the Wathba Prep Sprint, a 1200m sprint for Purebred Arabians aged four and above.

The action reaches its peak on 6 December 2025, the season’s richest and most prestigious night of racing. The card is headlined by the HH the President Cup (Group 1) for Purebred Arabians, carrying a prize fund of AED8 million, alongside the Group 3 Al Wathba Sprint, the UAE Breeders’ Cup, the Abu Dhabi Derby, and the HH the President Cup for Thoroughbreds. The total prize money for the meeting stands at AED10.8 million.

Another key highlight is the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup meeting on 7 February 2026, featuring the inaugural US$1 million Abu Dhabi Gold Cup for Thoroughbreds (Listed, 1600m), one of the world’s most valuable listed races, alongside the Liwa Oasis (Group 2), the first leg of the Arabian Triple Crown (Listed), and the AlAnudd Classic (Group 1) for Purebred Arabians, with a total prize pool exceeding AED5 million.

The season concludes on 11 April 2026 with the Arabian Triple Crown Leg 3 (Group 3, AED 300K) and Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Gold Cup for locally bred purebred Arabians.

The 2025–2026 Season schedule is: 25 October: 1st Race Meeting: Season Opening Night; 2 November: 2nd Race Meeting; 8 November: 3rd Race Meeting; 14 November: 4th Race Meeting; 22 November: 5th Race Meeting; 6 December: 6th Race Meeting: UAE President Cup Purebred Arabian; 14 December – 7th Race Meeting; 20 December – 8th Race Meeting; 7 February 2026 – 9th Race Meeting: Abu Dhabi Gold Cup; 14 February 2026: 10th Race Meeting; 21 February 2026 – 11th Race Meeting; 27 February 2026 – 12th Race Meeting; 7 March – 13th Race Meeting; 14 March 2026 – 14th Race Meeting; 4 April 2026 – 15th Race Meeting and 11 April 2026 – 16th Race Meeting: Season Finale.

Tickets for the 2025–2026 season are now available via: abudhabiturfclub.platinumlist.net