With the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, many will be asking the question: Will the Dubai World Cup go ahead this year?
So, with this in mind – Read Horse Racing spoke to experts around the world who shared their views on the situation.
Some believe it should be going ahead and some are against it.
Why Is Dubai Affected By US/Iran Conflict?
The UAE, particularly Dubai has been subject to aggression from Iran following their conflict with America. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also been targeted by Iran.
Missiles and drones have been directed towards the areas mentioned, and whilst some have hit, the majority of them have been intercepted.
With the Dubai World Cup just over a week away, should Meydan Racecourse and the Dubai Racing Club have second thoughts about letting the meeting go ahead?
Races such as the Sheema Classic and the main-event – the Dubai World Cup – are a real spectacle, but no event should go ahead if there are risks to human or equine welfare – right?
When Is The 2026 Dubai World Cup?
The 30th edition of the Dubai World Cup is scheduled to take place on Saturday March 28th.
There has been 16 meetings in the lead-up to World Cup night but could the final leg of the Dubai Racing Carnival be under threat?
Will The Dubai World Cup Go Ahead?
See what the racing people around the world said exclusively to Read Horse Racing.
Note: If you do want to use any of the quotes on this article, please credit the site.
Dylan Cunha – Group 1-Winning Trainer
Q: Will the 2026 Dubai World Cup go ahead?
“I think it should go ahead. I think more people have died daily in South Africa where I’m from than in Dubai since the war started. I’d put money on that.
“Dubai is very safe and the government do a fantastic job at protecting everyone and their decision making is effective and fast. I’d have 100% confidence to run a horse if I had one for the meeting. Our horses and staff are still out there waiting for a flight back and they seem very happy and content to be there.”
Emmet Kennedy – TalkSport Broadcaster & Final Furlong Podcast Host
Q: Will the 2026 Dubai World Cup go ahead?
“I love Dubai World Cup night and always look forward to it, but this is different. With regional instability and airspace disruption, it’s no longer just a sporting direction, it’s a safety and ethical one.
“If there’s any question mark over security, the Dubai World Cup should not go ahead. No race is worth putting people or horses at risk.
“The optics of staging a global sporting event in the middle of a regional conflict are impossible to ignore.”
You can catch Emmet each week on his popular Final Furlong Podcast – with top guests and even better racing insights.
Andy Newton – Read Horse Racing Site Manager & Final Furlong Podcast Pundit
Q: Will the 2026 Dubai World Cup go ahead?
“The Dubai World cup is one of the richest horse races in the world – but there is, of course, no price on lives, safety and the wellbeing of everyone involved in trying to stage the race – and above all, the horses.
“It’s a shame, but with many unknowns in the area and the event a possible target to grab more headlines – the risk surely isn’t worth taking.
“Maybe the sponsors Emirates can instead donate the $12m Dubai World Cup prize money to some good causes that have been affected by the ongoing troubles – now there’s an idea that might hit the headlines for the right reasons!”
Archie Brookes – Japanese Racing & Bloodstock Expert
Q: Will the Dubai World Cup go ahead?
“Dubai Racing Club is pushing ahead, confirming the event is on schedule, but it’s no surprise some trainers are pulling out.
“A few top Japanese horses like Masquerade Ball, Museum Mule, Jantar Mantar etc have already been scratched due to travel and safety concerns. European connections are watching closely too, leaving decisions late with Calandagan due over for the Sheema Classic.
“That said, I think it will go ahead – organisers are adamant, and horses like Forever Young are already stabled there and prepping fine. But overall entries are down, with some US and other Japanese runners bailing.
“Personally, if safety for horses, staff and attendees can be assured, it should proceed. Horse racing is a global business and Dubai has poured millions into it. But if the attacks ramp up, they need to cancel or postpone; no race is worth risking lives or equine welfare. We’ve seen events scrapped before for less.”
Callum Helliwell – Sky Sports Racing On-Course Reporter & Broadcaster
Q: Will the 2026 Dubai World Cup go ahead?
“As for the Dubai World Cup, personally I wouldn’t go ahead with it. My standpoint is simply that there is still attacks going on as of earlier this week. For me, I wouldn’t want to go out there and run my horses if I had horses that were ready to run.
“Although I can totally understand why people would disagree with me. My main concern wouldn’t be attacks on public spaces, though it would be the problem of getting into Dubai and back out again.
“I’ve spoken to jockeys returning from there in the last couple of weeks and it was very hard to get back, and there has been even more delays this week after the most recent strike. Me personally, I wouldn’t want to go out there right now and instead I would be looking at other options.”
Stephen Darbyshire (SD) – Races Now Pundit/Personality & Pro Punter
Q: Will the 2026 Dubai World Cup go ahead?
“Can you imagine they’re running the Dubai World Cup and a missile comes up ahead. It’s just stupid, so if somebody actually used their head then they could run it at Kempton or somewhere a bit safer!
“I think they’re just trying to save the tourism industry. It’ll be interesting to see what racing media go out there if it does go ahead. The only way I can see it going ahead is if they’ve stopped the missiles by this weekend.”
Basher Watts – Horse Owner/Racing Influencer
Q: Will the 2026 Dubai World Cup go ahead?
“I’ve been to the Dubai World Cup for the last two years. In my opinion it shouldn’t go ahead, but I’m 99% sure it will go ahead!”
Who Won The Dubai World Cup Last Year (2025)?
The US-trained Hit Show, under jockey Florent Geroux won the 2025 Dubai World Cup – banking a cool £5,568,000 for trainer Brad Cox and his owners Wathnan Racing.
Hit Show, who returned a monster 66/1 in the betting, came home 1/2 a length ahead of the Frankie Dettori-ridden Mixto.
With the Japanese horse Forever Young, who was sent off the hot 4/9 favourite, back in third (watch below).
2025 Dubai World Cup Result
🥇Winner: Hit Show (66/1)
🥈Mixto (40/1)
🥉Forever Young (4/9 fav)
WATCH: Hit Show Winning The 2025 Dubai World Cup at Meydan
