The closing ceremony of the 29th edition of Dubai World Cup, hosted at the Meydan Racecourse, achieved a major feat by setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest flying LED screen constructed from multirotor drones, comprising an impressive 5,983 drones. This spectacular display, witnessed by more than 60,000 spectators, lasted approximately 20 minutes and showcased state-of-the-art drone technology, lasers, lights, and an extraordinary fireworks display—creating a fully immersive visual experience that harmonized artistic brilliance with cultural messaging.
The sky was adorned with 3D formations, featuring grand portraits of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, alongside animated depictions of horses and the championship trophy. According to Guinness World Records, “Dubai Racing Club broke their own record attempted previously, with a total of 5,983 they have created the largest screen made of drones, with the ability to present videos and images, similar to a commercially available screen, this showcases the innovation and technology of drones.” Notably, last year’s closing ceremony featured the world’s largest LED screen created by 4,000 drones. The event closed with heartfelt gratitude to all participants and the message, “See you next year: 30th anniversary of Dubai World Cup.”
Read more: Dubai World Cup success reflects UAE’s commitment to global excellence
A thrilling showcase of equestrian excellence
The 29th edition of Dubai World Cup wrapped up last night at the iconic Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, presenting a captivating spectacle of horse racing excellence. A total of 102 horses from 13 countries competed across nine races, with a combined prize pool of $30.5 million. The main event marked a historic victory as “Hit Show,” representing Wathnan Racing (Qatar) and ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, secured the $12 million top prize—the highest purse in global horse racing.
This edition delivered excitement and excellence at every turn, from fiercely contested races to world-class organization and a vibrant crowd of over 60,000 spectators at the venue. The event was broadcast with cinematic precision using numerous cameras, complemented by engaging activities that captivated a diverse global audience. With over 1 billion viewers across 170 countries tuning in via TV, digital platforms, and in-flight entertainment, Dubai World Cup reaffirmed Meydan’s status as a premier global hub for purebred and Arabian horse racing—blending tradition, sport, and modernity in the heart of the UAE.
More than 15 years after its grand opening in 2010, Meydan Racecourse continues to maintain its reputation as one of the world’s top racing venues, thanks to its cutting-edge infrastructure and world-class facilities. Since its inception in 1996, an initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai World Cup has consistently grown in prestige. Several of its races have earned a place among the Top 100 global horse races, a testament to its elite standing and rich heritage. The 2025 edition reaffirmed Dubai World Cup as the crown jewel of the international racing calendar, highlighting the UAE’s position as a global center for the equestrian industry and its continuing leadership in hosting world-class sporting events.
Insights on the event’s continued success
Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, general manager and board member of the Emirates Racing Authority and vice-chair of the Asian Racing Federation, emphasized that the 29th edition of Dubai World Cup has reinforced the event’s ongoing success and longevity. He stated that it vividly reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who envisioned the UAE as a global leader and central hub for horse racing. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Shehhi remarked, “The Dubai World Cup continues to stand out globally, bringing together the elite of horses, owners, trainers, and jockeys. With its world-class organization, massive spectator turnout, and hundreds of millions of viewers following the nine races—offering a total prize pool of $30.5 million, including $12 million for the main race—it remains a global benchmark in the industry.”
He further highlighted the role of Meydan Racecourse, with its state-of-the-art facilities, modern infrastructure, and highly skilled teams, in welcoming people from around the world in a uniquely diverse sporting celebration. “It’s a scene that mirrors the UAE’s global standing and embodies the nation’s humanitarian message—one of tolerance, harmony, love, and mutual respect,” he said. Al Shehhi also praised the Dubai Racing Club, chaired by Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook bin Juma Al Maktoum, for its outstanding efforts in organizing the event. “The Club delivered a world-class race day experience, enriched the evening with exciting side events, and ensured all logistical and operational needs for attendees were met with excellence—presenting an honorable image of the UAE and Dubai to the world.”
UAE’s triumph with Dubai Future
Al Shehhi extended his congratulations to Qatar’s Wathnan Racing for the impressive victory of “Hit Show,” ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, in the main race of the evening. He also commended the strong performance of the UAE’s own “Dubai Future,” trained by renowned Emirati trainer Saeed bin Suroor, who claimed the title of the Dubai Gold Cup. Additionally, he lauded the Emirati horse ‘Dark Saffron’ for winning the prestigious Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen race for purebred Thoroughbreds, celebrating yet another standout moment for Emirati racing on the international stage.
Florent Geroux’s winning moment
Jockey Florent Geroux, who clinched Dubai World Cup title aboard “Hit Show,” shared his excitement after the win, “I always ride Hit Show the same way I did last night—and he’s always given me a great feeling. Everything unfolded in the best-case scenario I had envisioned. I had my eye on the rival horse, Forever Young, throughout the race.” Jockey Cristian Demuro, who delivered a thrilling last-second victory with Japan’s ‘Soul Rush’ in the seventh race – Dubai Turf, one of the most dramatic moments of the Cup, reflected on his emotional win, “Last year, I was beaten by a nose (on Namur, second to Facteur Cheval). This year, I won by a nose. The luck was with me today.”
Elite international horses
Abdulaziz Al Maraziq, executive director of Dubai Stud, emphasized that Dubai World Cup continues to solidify its global leadership year after year, thanks to the caliber of elite international horses it attracts and the thrilling competition for titles across all races. He stated, “Meydan Racecourse has become a focal point of global attention, drawing top-tier participants from around the world. This year’s races were marked by intense competition and surprising outcomes that defied expectations.”
Commenting on the victory of “Dubai Future,” owned by Godolphin and trained by renowned Emirati trainer Saeed bin Suroor, in the second race despite being nine years old, Al Maraziq said, “Some horses reach their peak and deliver exceptional performances even at an older age. It all comes down to the skill and success of the trainer—and what ‘Dubai Future’ achieved is a testament to that excellence, experience, and outstanding training.”
