Meydan Racecourse is officially turning into a playground for the fashionable and the fast this Friday, January 23, as the Dubai Racing Carnival rolls on with one of its most stylish fixtures of the season.

Dubbed Fashion Friday, the race day features a blockbuster card of nine Group races, blending world-class horse racing with trackside glamour, luxe hospitality, and serious people-watching.

Expect an afternoon of high-stakes competition, million-dollar races, and an excuse to dress up and make a day of it, yes, families included..

The headline act is the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge, a $1 million (Dh3.6 million) race that doubles as a crucial stepping stone to the Dubai World Cup in March.

While the horses thunder past at up to 60km/h, the vibe off the track is just as electric, with fashion, food, music, and art all in the mix.

Fashion takes centre stage

This is the day to dress to impress. Beyond the outfits and photo ops:

• Millinery Exhibition (Concourse 3): Shop bespoke headwear from designers like Evelyn McDermott and Lisa Tan
• Paddock Garden: Live art by Samia Art from 6.30pm, painting abayas in real time
• After racing, DJ Slim keeps the party going from 10.45pm

What’s on the menu

If you’re doing Fashion Friday properly, hospitality is part of the plan:

• The MAINE pops up at Suite 401 with its signature American flair
• Finish Line Brunch at The Gallery offers a race-day twist on Dubai’s favourite pastime
• Want souvenirs? The DRC Merch Shop is open at Gate 3 and Gate 4

The Dubai Racing Carnival runs until March 13, but Fashion Friday remains the undisputed social highlight of winter.

Know before you go

• Gates open: 4pm
• First race: 5.30pm
• Kids’ Village: 4pm–10pm
• Event wraps: 11pm

Event Details
When: Fri Jan 23 (4pm–11pm)

Where: Meydan Racecourse

Tickets: From Dh10