Dubai Racing Club Announces Second Year of the Dubai Racing Education Programme
Mdmar – Dubai
Dubai Racing Club has announced the launch of the second year of the Dubai Racing Education Programme (DREP), the region’s first structured learning pathway designed to introduce high school and university students to the world of Thoroughbred horseracing.
Building on the success of its inaugural year, the 2026–27 edition expands access, deepens industry engagement and continues the programme’s mission to connect young people with the knowledge, culture and professional opportunities of the sport.
Beginning on Saturday, 10 October, this year’s programme is open to 10 high school Students and 10 university students, with 50 per cent Emirati and 50 per cent expatriates. The high school students will study for 12 weeks, followed by eight for the younger intake.
Established to open the horseracing industry to the next generation, DREP offers a free, selective and immersive learning experience which takes students inside the racecourse, stable and the wider racing environment. The programme blends classroom teaching with race‑day operations, stable visits, horse care, riding, veterinary exposure, breeding, nutrition, technology, sustainability and direct interaction with leading professionals across the UAE racing community.
As outlined in the programme profile, students ‘build a clear understanding of racing fundamentals, regulation, training, breeding, nutrition, veterinary care, race-day operations, marketing, sustainability and technology,’ while developing confidence, communication and leadership through horses.
Speaking on the launch of the second year, Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Racing Club, said: “DREP reflects our commitment to opening the racing world to young people and giving them meaningful access to the knowledge and expertise which drives this industry. Last year’s cohort showed us how powerful structured learning and mentorship can be.
“This year, we are expanding that journey, strengthening the link between education and opportunity, and helping students understand the professionalism, care and ambition which defines racing in Dubai.”
The programme’s structure is based around a five‑stage learning journey – Discover, Experience, Connect, Develop, Present – culminating in a final project where each student identifies a racing challenge or opportunity, researches it with mentor support, and presents a practical recommendation to an assessment panel. High school and university awards recognise outstanding achievement, with prizes of up to AED15,000 for the best projects.
The successful students will attend a graduation ceremony on Emirates Super Saturday, 27 February 2027, at Meydan Racecourse.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
The “Mdmar” website which was Founded by Khaled Makhlouf in 2007 for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
