This weekend, on March 29th, the world will watch some of the finest racehorses compete on the Meydan Racecourse for a massive prize of US $27 million (nearly AED/SAR 100 million). And because horse racing isn’t enough (at least, not in Dubai), the Dubai World Cup Ceremony will also feature a concert by Jennifer Lopez, next to some acrobatics, a parade-style show, and further pyrotechnic performances. See what you need to do in order to get ready for the big race.
1. OPT FOR A HAT THAT TURNS HEADS
Be prepared to attend the Dubai World Cup in style. No matter what you decide to wear, and whether you opt for a daring outfit or a demure one, make sure to adorn your head with a statement piece. The current Millinery exhibition at the BurJuman mall offers some interesting options. Whether ostrich, goose, or pheasant: the more feathers, the merrier. “I have a large clientele here in Dubai who like things to be different and special. They don’t want to look like every one else. They want to stand out,” says Australian milliner Liza Georgia, in a conversation with Style.com/Arabia. And don’t forget to add equine-inspired jewelry. It’s the year of the horse, after all.
2. DON’T MISS J.LO’S CONCERT
In recent years, the Dubai World Cup concert held after the race has featured international acts from artists including Carlos Santana, Seal, and Jessie J. This year, J.Lo will close the world’s richest horse racing day with a concert that can be seen from Apron Views, located in the front of the Grandstand. “I traveled to Dubai on my Dance Again World Tour and had one of the most exciting shows and electrifying nights on stage,” said Lopez in an official statement. The concert is exclusive to 2014 Dubai World Cup day ticket holders, so get your tickets on time.
3. PICK YOUR HORSE
Discover the stable tours at the Dubai Racing Club and learn how the best horses are trained for action on the field. The stable tour starts with a buffet breakfast at Meydan Hotel’s Farriers Restaurant and is followed by a tour through the stables and the Meydan Grandstand. In addition to that, you can try some horse riding at the Emirates Equestrian Center if you wish to train your horse racing skills.
4. DRESS UP TO THE NINES FOR THE JAGUAR STYLE STAKES
If you’ve always dreamt of taking part in a beauty pageant, your dream might (more or less) come true during the Dubai World Cup. Jaguar, one of the official sponsors of the event, will host the Jaguar Style Stakes competition at the Apron Views on March 29th from 4:30pm to 7:30pm just prior to the race. Categories for 2014 include Best Dressed Lady (winner and runner-up), Best Dressed Man, Best Dressed Couple, Best Hat, Most Creative Hat, and Most Elegant Lady. The Best Dressed Lady will actually drive away with a Jaguar F-TYPE convertible (on loan for a year). Participants can register on the day of the event from 2pm to 3:50pm at one of the registration desks located inside the Concourses at Gates A, C, D, and the Style Stakes Arena.
5. FLY HIGH WITH EMIRATES SKYWARDS
Try your luck at the Thanks A Million competition by Emirates Skywards and get the chance to win a million Skywards miles—the equivalent of 22 Dubai-Europe flight tickets or 10 tickets to the Far East. If you don’t score the big prize, you might be lucky enough to win one of the additional prizes for a total of 750,000 Skywards Miles. The raffle ticket only costs AED 20 and the proceeds will be donated towards the Emirates Airline Foundation, which provides humanitarian philanthropic aid and services for children in need.
www.dubaiworldcup.com
—Elisabeta Tudor
