Overview:

Al Ain Racecourse – Al Ain, located in the United Arab Emirates, is the oldest and most famous horseracing track in the Middle East. Opened in 1983, Al Ain has regularly held racing events since then, including the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup. The course hosts over 20 horse races each year, usually taking place from October to March. This impressive track has a 6,000-person capacity, and offers facilities like an air-conditioned VIP restaurant, a bar, and an entertainment area. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in UAE
Prominent Features:

1. Grandstand & Parade Ring: This is the main hub of the racecourse, where the horses and jockeys parades before and after a race, whilst spectators are able to closely follow the action from the newly refurbished Grandstand. 2. Jack Brown Stand: This stand, situated opposite the Grandstand, on the far side of the Parade Ring, provides a great viewpoint for guests who wish to experience the excitement and atmosphere of race day. 3. Track: Al Ain Racecourse boasts a 6 furlong oval racetrack with a straight course of 8.5 furlongs leading to the finishing line. 4. Clubhouse: Offering spectacular views of the track, the Clubhouse serves as the ideal setting for a day at the races and features a fully-equipped bar, restaurant, and terrace area. 5. Paddock: The Paddock, which is situated beside the Parade Ring, provides an up-close view of the horses and jockeys prior to a race. 6. Caretaker's Quarters: located on the outer edge of the racecourse, this area offers a comfortable location for the caretakers who tend to the horses on race day. 7. VIP Pavilion: The VIP Pavilion provides exclusive views of the track for guests, as well as a luxurious setting to relax and enjoy a day at the races. This national monument of UAE portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Al Ain Racecourse is one of the oldest horse racing tracks in the Middle East. The racecourse was founded in 1933 by a British Army officer, Captain Gordon Haycock. He had been stationed in the region for two years and, with permission from Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan, leased the land from which the racecourse was built. Al Ain Racecourse officially opened with its first racing meeting on December 25, 1933. The inauguration was considered one of the first modern day sporting events in the region. Since then, the racecourse has grown dramatically and now serves as one of the major horse racing venues in the world. The first races held at Al Ain Racecourse were mainly between Arabs. After the second World War, the track began to attract riders from all around the world. Famous jockeys such as Lester Piggott, Willie Carson, Pat Eddery, and Walter Swinburn have ridden at the racecourse. In the early 1990’s, the UAE government began investing significantly in the sport of horse racing and revamped the Al Ain Racecourse. The track was also given a facelift and iconic grandstands were built. In 1998, the first Dhow Racing Festival was held and has since become an annual event at the venue. Today, Al Ain Racecourse is a thriving hub of horse racing in the UAE with the Al Ain Derby, the highlight race of the season, drawing in hordes of spectators. You must visit one of these historical places in UAE on your UAE tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Al Ain Racecourse is the first and only Thoroughbred Horse Racing facility in the United Arab Emirates. 2. Al Ain Racecourse is the home course to the prestigious Emirates Cup, which is held annually in the UAE. 3. Al Ain Racecourse features a grass racetrack, state-of-the-art grandstands, and a total of 15 stables. 4. The Al Ain Racecourse is the venue of the world’s richest horse race – the Meydan Group-sponsored ‘Al Ain De Riche Purse’. 5. The Al Ain Racecourse hosts regular Arabian Horse Racing events all year round. 6. Visitors to the racecourse can also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in the purpose-built grandstand area, as well as the large range of shopping and dining options at the nearby Al Ain Mall. Visit one of the famous monuments of UAE with your friends and family.