Dubai World Cup 2026: Glamour Quotient At High During Horse Race

Colorfully dressed attendees gathered for horse races and social events at the Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. The annual spectacle went ahead despite regional tensions linked to the conflict with Iran, but crowds were smaller than usual.

Updated on: 30 March 2026 10:10 am

Published at: 30 March 2026 10:10 am

Glamour at the Dubai World Cup horse race but thinner crowds due to Iran war-1

Jockey Jose Ortiz, aboard Magnitude, celebrates winning the $12 million Dubai World Cup horse race over 2000m (10 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Altaf Qadri

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Glamour at the Dubai World Cup horse race but thinner crowds due to Iran war-jockey Jose Ortiz

Magnitude's jockey Jose Ortiz, center, poses for photos while holding the trophy after winning the $12 million Dubai World Cup horse race over 2,000 meters (10 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Altaf Qadri

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Magnitude, right, with jockey Jose Ortiz, leads after the field after the start on they way to winning the $12 million Dubai World Cup horse race over 2000m (10 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Altaf Qadri

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Glamour at the Dubai World Cup horse race but thinner crowds due to Iran war-jockey Connor Beasley

Native Approach with jockey Connor Beasley wins $2 million Al Quoz Sprint over 1200m (5 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Altaf Qadri

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Glamour at the Dubai World Cup horse race but thinner crowds due to Iran war-Horses gallop

Horses gallop as they compete in Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Altaf Qadri

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Glamour at the Dubai World Cup horse race but thinner crowds due to Iran war-Racegoers

Racegoers pose for photos in the grandstand ahead of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Altaf Qadri

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Glamour at the Dubai World Cup horse race but thinner crowds due to Iran war-Emirati men

Emirati men watch Dubai World Cup horse races closing ceremony at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Altaf Qadri

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Racegoers dine at in the grandstand during the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Altaf Qadri

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Glamour at the Dubai World Cup horse race but thinner crowds due to Iran war-

A performer plays a violin as Emirati officials are seen behind during the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. | Photo: AP/Altaf Qadri

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