There’s a particular magic to Jebel Ali Racecourse, one that Mohamed Al Ahmed, its General Manager, is deeply familiar with. Horse racing isn’t just a profession for him; it’s in his blood. The third generation of a family devoted to the sport, Al Ahmed grew up among stables, practically living and breathing racing. “My granddad, my dad, myself — we’ve all been in the industry. They started as jockeys, professional athletes, and I followed the same path. I was an ex-rider, a jockey in flat racing. But even when I ventured into different business sectors, I couldn’t stay away from horse racing. It’s something in the blood, I would say.”
That passion has taken him around the world, from the grand tracks of Japan and Singapore to the historic courses of the UK and France. And for the past three years, it has been fuelling his work at Jebel Ali Racecourse, one of Dubai’s most storied racing venues. “The location is prestigious, literally in the heart of Dubai, facing the Palm. But many people weren’t even aware of it. One of my aims was to change that.”
Al Ahmed has put in the work to make Jebel Ali a destination, not just for racing enthusiasts, but for the wider community. “I know what it takes to make something a trend in Dubai,” he says. “That’s why we introduced concept days, Women’s Day, Motorsport Day, and Gallop and Glam, our fashion-focused race day. We want to make racing more than just about the horses. It’s about atmosphere, networking, a day out.”
The racecourse itself is unique. Its track features a natural uphill incline — something more commonly seen in European courses, particularly in the UK. That distinctiveness hasn’t gone unnoticed. “Even Newmarket, the headquarters of horse racing in the UK, has benchmarked us because of the family-friendly atmosphere, the picnic-style setup, and the vibes we create.”
For Al Ahmed, the goal is clear: to make Jebel Ali Racecourse an essential weekend destination. “On an average race day, we have 7,000 to 8,000 people. On big days, it’s around 15,000. But I want to bring in more than just the die-hard racegoers. That’s why we collaborate with motorsport clubs, fashion brands, and different communities. Racing is more than just watching horses run, it’s an experience.”
One of the biggest shifts he’s aiming for is getting more people to understand and engage with the sport itself. “I’ve attended races all over the world, and what struck me is that 70–80% of attendees aren’t necessarily horse racing fans. They’re there for the experience. It’s like Formula One — people go for the spectacle, the entertainment, the social aspect. We’re building that here.”
One of Jebel Ali’s standout features is Horseman Garden, a space designed for visitors to take in the full spectacle of race day. “It’s a picnic-style setup where you can see everything from horses getting saddled, warming up in the parade ring, the race itself, and the thrilling finish line. No other racecourse in the world offers this kind of immersive experience in one place.”
But it doesn’t stop there. Future plans include a new grandstand to accommodate growing crowds, expanded hospitality areas, and after-race entertainment. “We want Jebel Ali Saturdays to be a thing. You come, you enjoy the racing, the F&B, the music, and stay into the night. It’s about creating a full-day experience.”
This weekend, Jebel Ali Racecourse will host its biggest event of the season, featuring one of its most prestigious races. But what really sets the day apart is the reimagined fashion event, Gallop and Glam. “We don’t want a standard fashion contest where you stand somewhere holding a number. Instead, we’re letting the garden be your runway. Dress up, enjoy the day, and our judges will be mingling, choosing winners based on style and presence in the crowd. It’s about elegance, not just competition.”
Al Ahmed has watched Dubai’s horse racing culture evolve over the decades. “The quality of the races, the atmosphere, the people…it’s all changed and improved. Today, more people understand and appreciate the sport. And that’s what we’re trying to build here. A place where you don’t just watch the race, you experience it.”
For anyone stepping into Jebel Ali Racecourse for the first time, his advice is simple: “Come to Horseman Garden, take it all in. You’ll see the horses up close, feel the energy of the crowd, and witness the thrill of the finish line. And even if you’ve never followed racing before, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the sport.”
Jebel Ali Racecourse isn’t just preserving tradition but rather redefining what horse racing can be in Dubai. And with Al Ahmed at the helm, it’s not just about history — it’s about making history.