As the CEO of the prestigious Dubai Racing Club, Ali Abdulrahman Al Ali found himself at the helm of one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the world —- the 2025 Dubai World Cup.
This wasn’t just any race day for him; it was his first as CEO, and it carried a sense of immense pride and responsibility. His reflections offer an insider’s view of the precision and preparation, challenges, and unforgettable moments of the day.
For Al Ali, the Dubai World Cup represents the UAE’s global ambitions, showcasing its vision and dedication to sporting excellence and world-class hospitality.
“It was an incredible honour and a deeply humbling experience,” he told Khaleej Times. “The Dubai World Cup is more than just a race day – it’s a celebration of the UAE’s vision, sporting excellence, and world-renowned hospitality. To lead this iconic event for the first time as CEO is a responsibility I carried with great pride.”
His gratitude towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the visionary founder of the Dubai World Cup, and Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook, Chairman of the Dubai Racing Club, is palpable.
Al Ali credits their leadership and support for enabling his team to deliver such an extraordinary event. “I am deeply grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the opportunity given to myself and the team to showcase our ability to deliver an event of this stature, and to Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook for his constant guidance and unwavering support. This experience is something I will always cherish.”
The Dubai World Cup is a spectacle in itself but for Al Ali, what truly defined the day were the moments of connection and shared excitement among the diverse crowd.
“There were many memorable moments throughout the day,” he said. “But what resonated most with me was witnessing the unity and shared passion of everyone in attendance — from the distinguished guests and international visitors to the racing professionals and local fans.”
He also notes the significance of having Sheikh Mohammed present, a leader whose vision continues to shape the event. “The presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the visionary founder of the Dubai World Cup, gave the occasion extraordinary significance,” said Al Ali. “His continued support and leadership are at the heart of what makes this event so special. The energy, pride, and sense of occasion throughout Meydan made it a truly unforgettable experience.”
Organising such a monumental event doesn’t come without its challenges. Al Ali reflected on the complexity of managing logistics, and operations, and ensuring that every detail — from guest experience to sporting excellence — was flawless. But it was the reward of seeing everything fall into place that made all the hard work worthwhile.
Organising such a monumental event came with its challenges. However, the reward of seeing everything fall into place made all the hard work worthwhile.
“Organising an event of this scale brings with it a range of challenges — from logistics and operational precision to ensuring the highest levels of guest experience and sporting excellence,” he explained. “But the most rewarding aspect was seeing it all come together so seamlessly. Witnessing the excitement, the global spotlight on Dubai, and the pride shared by every member of our team and the wider community made every effort worthwhile.”
For Al Ali, it wasn’t just a successful event; it was a testament to the passion and commitment of everyone involved.
“As we look back at this edition, I am proud of what we accomplished,” he says. “It’s a reflection of our collective effort and a reminder of what can happen when we all work toward a shared goal. This is what makes the Dubai World Cup truly special.
“Witnessing the excitement of the crowd, the global spotlight on Dubai, and the pride shared by every member of our team and the wider community made every effort worthwhile. This 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when vision, teamwork, and dedication come together with a shared purpose.”
Al Ali Ali’s words serve as a window into the heart of the 2025 Dubai World Cup, an event that encapsulates not just the thrill of flat-racing but also the spirit of unity, excellence, and a shared vision for the future of Dubai and the UAE.
