Dubai World Cup 2025 breaks own Guinness World Record with largest flying LED drone screen
Over 60,000 spectators witness historic race and sky spectacle
DUBAI: The 29th edition of the Dubai World Cup came to a dazzling close at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest flying LED screen formed by multirotor drones.
A staggering 5,983 drones lit up the night sky in a symphony of synchronised motion and colour, delivering a jaw-dropping visual masterpiece that captivated a live audience of more than 60,000.
The 20-minute spectacle, blending futuristic drone technology, choreographed light shows, lasers, and fireworks, transformed the atmosphere above Meydan into a cinematic display of movement and meaning. From animated galloping horses and glimmering trophies to towering portraits of UAE leaders His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the performance showcased the power of innovation fused with cultural reverence.
New Guinness World Record
According to Guinness World Records, the feat eclipsed the previous record – also held by Dubai Racing Club – set with 4,000 drones during the 2024 edition. The new record established the drones as the largest airborne LED screen capable of displaying full-motion images and video content in ultra-clear resolution, rivaling traditional commercial screens in visual impact.
The show concluded with a final message displayed across the vast airborne screen: “See you next year: 30th anniversary of Dubai World Cup.” The farewell was met with resounding cheers, marking the end of a race day unlike any before.
Royal attendance
The grand event was graced by the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who was joined by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed lauded the global reach and cultural unification fostered by the Dubai World Cup, saying: “The Dubai World Cup has become a global event where cultures converge, serving as a reminder that sport has the power to bring people closer and unite nations.”
He emphasised the significance of horse racing as a symbol of the nation’s heritage and a vital link to the UAE’s future vision, reinforcing Dubai’s identity as a world-class sports and tourism hub.
Champion crowned
The prestigious Group 1 Dubai World Cup race, sponsored by Emirates Airline, saw Hit Show from Qatar’s Wathnan Racing claim the US$12 million title. Trained by Brad Cox and ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, Hit Show led a field of 11 elite contenders across 2,000 metres of Meydan’s famed dirt track.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed presented the trophy to the winning team in a moment of pride and jubilation, cementing Hit Show’s place in global racing history.
Dubai World Cup 2025
The 2025 edition featured 102 top-class horses representing 13 nations, battling it out in nine fiercely competitive races for a combined prize purse of US$30.5 million. The event drew some of the most distinguished breeders, owners, and trainers from across the equestrian world.
Held under the patronage of the Emirates Racing Authority and organised by Dubai Racing Club, the race day attracted widespread attention not only for its lucrative rewards but also for its flawless execution and entertainment value.
Meydan Racecourse, with its state-of-the-art infrastructure, once again proved its reputation as one of the world’s premier horse racing venues. The event was broadcast live across 170 countries, engaging more than one billion viewers globally through television, digital platforms, and in-flight entertainment.
Equestrian highlights
Jockey Cristian Demuro delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the evening in the seventh race, Dubai Turf, riding Japan’s Soul Rush to victory by a nose – echoing last year’s race where he lost by the same margin. "The luck was with me today," he said, recalling the narrow triumph with emotion.
Emirati pride was further boosted as Dubai Future, trained by veteran Emirati trainer Saeed bin Suroor and owned by Godolphin, claimed victory in the Dubai Gold Cup. Notably, the horse, aged nine, showcased remarkable endurance and experience, underlining the value of skillful training.
Another standout moment came in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, where Dark Saffron, an Emirati-trained thoroughbred, sprinted to victory, spotlighting the UAE’s growing prowess in global horse racing.
Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, General Manager and Board Member of the Emirates Racing Authority, hailed the Dubai World Cup as a reflection of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s visionary leadership. He highlighted the event’s role in uniting global audiences and presenting Dubai as a beacon of excellence in sport.
“The Dubai World Cup continues to stand out globally,” said Al Shehhi. “With its world-class organisation, massive turnout, and hundreds of millions of viewers following the nine races, it remains a global benchmark in the industry.”
Al Shehhi also applauded the organisational efforts of the Dubai Racing Club, chaired by Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook bin Juma Al Maktoum, for delivering a seamless experience for all guests and participants. From logistics and race operations to hospitality and entertainment, every element was executed to perfection.
Scenes of celebration
The race day, dubbed the most spectacular on the international equestrian calendar, hosted prominent guests including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The festive atmosphere extended beyond the racetrack, with cultural performances, fine dining experiences, and family-friendly zones, offering an inclusive celebration that matched the grandeur of the main event.
Abdulaziz Al Maraziq, Executive Director of Dubai Stud, summed up the significance of the occasion, stating: “Meydan Racecourse has become a focal point of global attention, drawing top-tier participants from around the world. This year’s races were marked by intense competition and surprising outcomes that defied expectations.”