Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Wednesday, 12 February 2025: Abu Dhabi Turf Club proudly announces the inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup on 16th February 2025, transforming the traditional 11th Race Meeting into an extraordinary celebration of Purebred Arabian racing excellence. This prestigious event carries forward a rich legacy of Arabian horse racing while ushering in a new era of entertainment and excellence at one of the region’s most distinguished venues.
The 11th Race Meeting has been a cornerstone of Purebred Arabian racing, consistently attracting elite horses from across the UAE. The transition to the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup represents both a continuation of this proud heritage and an ambitious step forward in elevating the event’s profile.
The centerpiece of the event, the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup Group 1, offers an impressive purse of AED 1,000,000 over 2200 metres. This premier race is designed to test both speed and stamina, attracting the finest Purebred Arabian horses from leading stables across the UAE. The day’s racing programme also features the Group 2 Liwa Oasis, 1400 metres with a prize of AED 300,000.
| Race | Category | Distance | Prize Money | |
| 1 | Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic | CONDITIONS | 1400M | AED 100,000 |
| 2 | Abu Dhabi Colts Classic | CONDITIONS | 1400M | AED 100,000 |
| 3 | Liwa Oasis | Group 2 | 1400M | AED 300,000 |
| 4 | Arabian Triple Crown R1 | LISTED | 1600M | AED 230,000 |
| 5 | Wathba Stallions Cup | HANDICAP (0-100) | 2200M | AED 70,000 |
| 6 | Abu Dhabi Gold Cup | Group 1 | 2200M | AED 1,000,000 |
| 7 | Louvre Abu Dhabi | THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN | 1400M | AED 66,000 |
The comprehensive race card demonstrates the event’s dedication to all levels of racing excellence, from prestigious Group races to important developmental races for UAE-bred horses.
His Excellency Ali Al Shaiba, Director General, Abu Dhabi Turf Club, commented:
“We are proud to welcome top contenders to Abu Dhabi Turf Club for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Gold Cup Race Meet. As we approach the final stages of the 2024-2025 racing season, we welcome new audiences from around the world and celebrate the excellence, dedication, and commitment of our partners, racegoers, and all those involved in the sport.”
The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup is set to redefine the racing experience by offering an unprecedented level of luxury and entertainment. Emirates Palace, the 5-star hotel, renowned for its exceptional culinary expertise, has curated a selection of premium dining experiences that showcase the finest in international and local cuisine.
The event’s entertainment programme has been carefully crafted to create an atmosphere of excitement and energy. Live performances will provide an upbeat musical backdrop, while prominent DJs will maintain the festivities throughout the day. The entertainment schedule has been designed to complement the racing programme, ensuring that guests enjoy a seamless blend of sporting action and social engagement.
Fashion takes centre stage with the Best Dressed competitions, offering AED 12,000 in prize money across multiple categories:
- Best Dressed Family: AED 5,000
- Best Dressed Female: AED 3,000
- Best Dressed Male: AED 3,000
- Best Hat/Fascinator: AED 1,000
The Garden area serves as a central hub for entertainment and social engagement, featuring:
- Interactive gaming zones designed for both adults and children
- Family-friendly activity areas with supervised entertainment
- Sophisticated lounge spaces for relaxation and socialising
- Premium refreshment points offering international cuisines
- Dedicated viewing areas with optimal race visibility
The event offers various ticketing options to ensure accessibility for all racing enthusiasts:
Admission:
- Adults: AED 150 (including AED 100 redeemable value)
- Children (12 and under): AED 50
- Children under 3: Free entry
The redeemable value for adult tickets can be used towards food and beverages within the venue, adding significant value to the attendance experience. Early booking is recommended as Garden tickets are expected to sell out quickly.
While this marks the inaugural year under its new identity, the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup builds upon the Purebred Arbian horse racing legacy and is positioned to grow in stature and prominence as a permanent fixture in the UAE’s racing calendar, appealing to both racing enthusiasts and those new to the sport.
The long-term vision for the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup includes plans for expansion, with the goal of attracting more competitors and establishing the race as a major milestone in the racing calendar. This aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader strategic objectives of promoting cultural exchange and sporting excellence on a regional scale.
Event Schedule
- Gates Open: 3.00pm
- First Race: 4.00pm
- Entertainment Programme Begins: 3.00pm
- Feature Race – Abu Dhabi Gold Cup (Group 1): 6.30pm
About Abu Dhabi Turf Club
Established in 1976 through the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Turf Club has transformed from an equine sanctuary into a premier destination for racing excellence.
Following extensive renovations in 2023, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE and President of ADTC, the club now features a championship turf racecourse, grandstand with seating for 10,000 guests, exclusive VIP suites, and a newly renovated hospitality garden.
As a world-class venue for both national and international races, ADTC hosts a vibrant calendar of racing events from October through April, attracting global owners, trainers, jockeys, and spectators. Seasonal highlights include the prestigious President’s Cup and other Group 1 races.
The club hosts multiple Group 1 races annually and continues to play a vital role in the development of both thoroughbred and Arabian horse racing in the region. While 2025 marks the inaugural year under the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup name, this event is a permanent addition to the Club’s seasonal calendar and heritage.