From Emirati bukhoor to women in saris: Dubai World Cup blends racing, fashion, culture

From face painting to traditional crafts, first-time visitors and fashion enthusiasts embraced the UAE's rich heritage at the 30th edition of the Dubai World Cup.

Three-year-old Evania stood patiently in line for 15 minutes to get the perfect face painting to match her pretty dress at her very first Dubai World Cup.

She came with her parents, Jishu and Neethu, to the 30th edition of the iconic horse race, which unfolded at Meydan Racecourse on Saturday under clear skies and sunshine.

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"She has been very excited since we came," said Jishu. "We spent some time on the track side and watched the horse races. Then we came to the face painting area. I am glad that her first DWC is such an unforgettable experience for her."

Evania was not the only first-time attendee swept up in the magic of the event.

The Dubai World Cup, which marked its 30th edition in 2026, drew thousands of visitors who came not just for the racing but for the full experience of glamour, culture, and family entertainment.

While some attendees pored over their race cards to predict the winners, others enjoyed the live music and delicious food offerings.

Celebration of Emirati heritage

Beyond the racetrack and the famous Style Stakes fashion competition, visitors were treated to a vibrant showcase of traditional Emirati arts and crafts.

At various cultural pavilions across the grounds of the Meydan grandstand, guests discovered the intricate art of Talli, an Emirati handicraft used to decorate women's garments with coloured threads sewn in beautiful patterns. Nearby, an artisan demonstrated 'Al Khoos', an ancient weaving technique involving handwoven palm leaves that remains one of the oldest professions still practised today.

The traditional craft of leather tanning was also on display, showcasing how animal hides were historically processed into durable materials used to create everyday items such as water containers, footwear and bags. Another artisan smoked bukhoor that filled the air with the familiar smells of an Emirati home.

For those with a sweet tooth, traditional dishes like luqaimat and regag were served alongside other culinary offerings, giving visitors a taste of the nation's rich food heritage.

 A chance to dress up

For many attendees, the Dubai World Cup was not just about watching horses – it was about participating in a social spectacle that has become one of the most anticipated events on Dubai's calendar.

Indian expat Keerthi Poornima came to the event with an elaborate and unique hat made of feathers that she crafted herself.

She paired it with a sari to participate in the traditional category of the Style Stakes fashion competition, bringing along her one-year-old daughter Harsidhii and her mother, Amsaveni, to share the experience.

Russian mother and daughter duo Eliana and Christina spent over a month putting together their outfits for the occasion.

"We shopped online and started planning what we wanted to wear," said Eliana. "It was a long process that we put a lot of thought into. Christina was so excited that she could barely sleep last night. We love the ambiance of the Dubai World Cup and love attending it."

A sense of unity

Across the arena, the mood was upbeat, and guests felt a sense of unity. Betty Page, winner of the best hat category at the Style Stakes competition, said her win felt poetic because of its timing. “We have had a tough month, and the last week was all rainy and grey,” she said. “Today, the weather is beautiful, and the sky is clear. My win felt poetic, like it was a sign that difficult times will pass and the sun will shine again.”

Milliner Evelyn McDermott said it was great to see everyone dressed up. “It has been a difficult month for us, but it is great to see everyone dressed up and looking good,” she said. “It is a reminder that the real Dubai spirit is one of resilience.”