The Emirates Racing Authority registered 1,099 horses for the upcoming 2026-2027 racing season, marking a 31 percent increase from the previous season, according to a statement carried by the Emirates News Agency this week. The authority, which manages horse racing across much of the UAE, saw the registrations cover a range of thoroughbred and purebred Arabian horses. This rise continues a trend of expanding participation in the national racing program.
According to the ERA’s official website, the registry office processes all horse registrations as well as entries and declarations for every race meeting in the UAE while the authority maintains a roster of nearly 350 registered owners. It additionally licenses trainers, jockeys, officials and stable personnel to ensure compliance with established standards. These operational details provide the framework for integrating the newly registered horses into the competitive schedule.
The Emirates Racing Authority announced the official schedule for the 2026-2027 UAE horse racing season, which is set to commence on Oct. 22, 2026, at Abu Dhabi Turf Club. The calendar features 64 race meetings across five racecourses throughout the UAE with racing taking place at Meydan Racecourse for 17 meetings, Abu Dhabi Turf Club for 16, Al Ain Racecourse for 14, Jebel Ali Racecourse for 11 and Sharjah Racecourse for six. The expanded roster of horses will have more opportunities to compete in this comprehensive program.
A Technavio report projected the global horse racing market to grow by $114.5 billion between 2023 and 2028 at a CAGR of 14.71 percent. The analysis included dedicated forecasts for the UAE market size during that timeframe. A separate analysis published on Yahoo Finance in January 2025 estimated the global industry at $127.339 billion for 2025 with an anticipated rise to $182.393 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.45 percent.
The UAE has developed a reputation as a leading center for high-stakes horse racing, according to multiple industry reports. A Zion Market Research overview noted that the Dubai World Cup provides cash prizes exceeding $25 million for competitors. The event forms a cornerstone of the annual racing calendar in the UAE.
The Emirates Racing Authority continues to play a central role in organizing these activities through its various departments and coordination with racecourse operators. Its latest registration figures come as the sector prepares for the season opener in October. No further specifics on the composition of the 1,099 horses were included in the initial release from the authority.
