# Dubai World Cup: what to do between sessions in Dubai

Source: https://eventweekends.com/culture/dubai-world-cup/
Last checked: 2026-11-02

## In short

- **When:** Saturday, 27 March 2027 (expected, not yet confirmed by the organiser)
- **Where:** Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, about 6 km from the centre
- **Free time:** Gaps of two to four hours between screenings or shows, and whole days for companions.
- **Best base:** Downtown and Business Bay: Near the Burj and malls.
- **Getting there:** Dubai International (DXB) is on the metro red line; downtown is 20 minutes away.
- **Weather:** In March, Dubai averages highs of about 27°C and lows of 20°C, with roughly 16 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 12 h 15 min of daylight.
- **Top things to do:** Burj Khalifa At the Top; Old Dubai and souks walking tour; Museum of the Future

## Weather and what to pack

In March, Dubai averages highs of about 27°C and lows of 20°C, with roughly 16 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 12 h 15 min of daylight.
- Comfortable walking shoes and a small day bag.

## Airport to venue

Dubai International (DXB) is on the metro red line; downtown is 20 minutes away. Dubai World Central (DWC) serves the airshow site.

Taxis; dress code applies in some enclosures.

## Where to stay

- **budget:** Deira and Bur Dubai. Older districts on the metro.
- **mid:** Downtown and Business Bay. Near the Burj and malls.
- **luxury:** Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Beach resorts.
- Hotels we would book: Rove Downtown (budget), Vida Downtown (mid), Atlantis The Palm (luxury)

## Day plans for the free hours

### Between screenings or shows

A two- to four-hour gap: something close by.
- Half-day: Old Dubai and souks walking tour. Abra ride, gold and spice souks.
- Eat: Al Ustad Special Kebab, Persian kebabs since 1978

### A free day

For companions without a pass, or attendees taking a day off.
- Full day: Aquaventure water park. On the Palm.

### Evenings

After the last show of the day.
- Evening: Dubai Marina dhow dinner cruise. Skyline at night.
- Eat: Ravi Restaurant, Pakistani in Satwa

### Rainy day

Indoor backups.
- Rain or heat backup: Museum of the Future. Interactive museum.
- Free: JBR beach.

## Tours worth booking

- [Burj Khalifa At the Top](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Burj%20Khalifa%20tickets&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-world-cup): Book a sunset slot.
- [Desert safari with BBQ dinner](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Dubai%20desert%20safari&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-world-cup): Dunes, camel ride and shows.
- [Old Dubai and souks walking tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Old%20Dubai%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-world-cup): Abra ride, gold and spice souks.
- [Dubai Marina dhow dinner cruise](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Dubai%20marina%20dinner%20cruise&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-world-cup): Skyline at night.
- [Museum of the Future](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Museum%20of%20the%20Future%20tickets&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-world-cup): Interactive museum.
- [Aquaventure water park](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Aquaventure%20tickets&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-world-cup): On the Palm.
- [Abu Dhabi day trip](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Abu%20Dhabi%20day%20trip%20from%20Dubai&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-world-cup): Grand Mosque and Louvre.

## Where to eat

- Al Ustad Special Kebab: Persian kebabs since 1978
- Ravi Restaurant: Pakistani in Satwa
- Time Out Market Dubai: Food hall
- Arabian Tea House: Emirati breakfast in Al Fahidi

## With kids

- Dubai Aquarium.
- IMG Worlds of Adventure.

## Rainy-day backups

- Dubai Mall.
- Etihad Museum.

## Getting around

- Metro red and green lines; Nol card. Dubai World Trade Centre has its own metro stop.
- Uber and Careem work across the Gulf and are the easiest way around.
- Dress modestly in malls, souks and religious sites; beach clubs and hotels are relaxed.
- Check current travel advisories for the region before travelling and keep bookings flexible.

## Questions people ask

### When is Dubai World Cup 2027?

The next edition is Saturday, 27 March 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

### What is the weather like during Dubai World Cup?

In March, Dubai averages highs of about 27°C and lows of 20°C, with roughly 16 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 12 h 15 min of daylight.

### How do I get from the airport to Meydan Racecourse?

Dubai International (DXB) is on the metro red line; downtown is 20 minutes away. Dubai World Central (DWC) serves the airshow site. Taxis; dress code applies in some enclosures.

### Where should I stay for Dubai World Cup?

For most visitors the best base is Downtown and Business Bay: Near the Burj and malls.

### What can we do between sessions at Dubai World Cup?

Good short outings in Dubai include Burj Khalifa At the Top, Old Dubai and souks walking tour, Museum of the Future. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

### What is there for kids and families near Dubai World Cup?

Family-friendly picks: Burj Khalifa At the Top, Desert safari with BBQ dinner, Museum of the Future. Dubai Aquarium.

### How far is Meydan Racecourse from Dubai centre?

About 6 km in a straight line. Taxis; dress code applies in some enclosures.

More in Dubai: https://eventweekends.com/city/dubai/