Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and Arena Racing Company (ARC) have finalized a new three-year agreement with Dubai Racing Club to broadcast live racing content from the renowned Meydan Racecourse. This deal, effective from the 2025–26 season through the 2027–28 season, signifies a significant expansion of an existing collaboration between RMG and the Dubai Racing Club, now incorporating ARC into the mix to enhance the distribution capabilities.
The partnership will leverage GBI Racing, already a formidable presence in the horse racing broadcast industry, reaching approximately 10,000 venues worldwide and partnering with over 100 digital platforms. This move ensures that Meydan’s prestigious racing events receive one of the broadest global broadcast reaches in the sport, cementing its status as a major player on the world stage.
Meydan Racecourse, a monumental structure with the capacity to host over 80,000 spectators, is a key venue in the international racing calendar. It regularly hosts significant events like the Dubai Racing Carnival and the Dubai World Cup. The upcoming Dubai World Cup, scheduled for March 28, 2026, will mark the 30th anniversary of the event, offering a staggering 30.5 million dollars in prize money, making it one of the richest days in horse racing.
The CEOs of the involved organizations have expressed their enthusiasm about the new agreement. Nick Mills of RMG highlighted the deal as a continuation of a long-standing and successful relationship with the Dubai Racing Club. Brendan Parnell from ARC echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the global appeal of Meydan’s racing content. Erwan Charpy of Dubai Racing Club expressed optimism, noting that they anticipate an increase in international interest as a result of the expanded distribution.
This agreement coincides with a transformative period for the United Arab Emirates’ gambling industry. Recently, Play 971 became the first fully licensed online gambling platform under the newly established General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). This marks a significant shift in the UAE’s approach to gambling, which has traditionally been very restrictive, with the national lottery being the sole legal gambling activity until now.
Further changes are on the horizon, with developments such as the anticipated opening of Wynn’s Al Marjan Island resort in 2027, which is expected to feature gambling facilities. Additionally, the GCGRA is undergoing leadership changes, with Jim Murren stepping in as chair following the departure of CEO Kevin Mullally. These developments suggest a liberalization of the gambling industry in the UAE, which could have far-reaching implications for the region’s economy and cultural landscape.
As Meydan Racecourse gears up for this new chapter, the increased global visibility facilitated by RMG and ARC’s collaboration promises to enhance its profile significantly. The emerging opportunities in the UAE’s gaming market are expected to contribute to this growth, offering potential new audiences and avenues for engagement.
While this partnership is poised to elevate Meydan’s standing, there remains potential criticism from those wary of the broader implications of expanded gambling activities in the UAE. Concerns about social impact and the pace of regulatory changes are likely to be points of discussion among critics and observers. Nevertheless, proponents argue that these developments could lead to increased economic diversification, helping to position the UAE as a leading destination for both tourism and international sports events.
The introduction of Play 971 and the prospective opening of new resorts reflect a broader trend towards greater acceptance of gambling in the region. Stakeholders within the UAE believe that a carefully regulated approach could strike a balance between economic benefits and social responsibility.
Over the next three years, as Meydan Racecourse showcases its events to a wider global audience, the combined efforts of RMG, ARC, and Dubai Racing Club aim to capitalize on this moment of change. The world will be watching as Meydan continues to attract the attention of racing enthusiasts and investors alike, symbolizing the UAE’s evolving role in the international sports and entertainment landscape.
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