Oscars of racing are here

Meydan is dressed up for the world's biggest racing carnival

All roads will lead to Meydan on Saturday where the UAE'S flagship sporting venue will stage the 27th edition of the $30.5 million Dubai World Cup extravaganza.

The journey that an expected crowd of over 50,000 fans will make to the racecourse is not as significant at the destination itself, where months of planning by owners, trainers, and jockeys will be put on the line in nine glittering races.

The meeting culminates in the $12 million Dubai World Cup, a race that has traditionally been popular with both local racing fans and visitors to the emirate and also for millions watching around the world.

The conceivable star of the show is the ebullient Frankie Dettori, who will be riding at Meydan for one last time before his retirement at the end of the year.

A record-setting rider, Dettori has been a part-time Dubai resident for over 18 years, during which time he has won every major race, including the Dubai World Cup four times.

Dettori has seven rides on the card, including the favourite for the big race, Country Grammer who he rides for famous American trainer Bob Baffert.

Saturday's race meeting is not just about horses but is also a major event on the UAE'S social calendar, where fashion elegance and extraordinary hats are so diverse.

General admission tickets are priced at just Dh20 and allow holders access to the main public areas, including the outdoor grandstand seating area, close views of the parade ring, and access to the food court on the mezzanine floor.

Once upon a time, all roads led to Rome, but times have changed, they now lead to Meydan on the last Saturday of every March, since 1996.

The race for excellence has no finish line.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2013