Who owns or governs Emirates Racing Authority, and what does it do?
The Emirates Racing Authority is a body corporate formed by Emiri Decree and describes itself as the internationally recognised governing body for horse racing in the UAE. Its board is chaired by HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with HE Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum as Vice-Chairman. It makes and administers the UAE Rules of Racing, licenses trainers, jockeys, officials and stable staff, registers horses, processes entries and declarations, and keeps the Emirates Thoroughbred Stud Book. Its 2026/27 calendar lists 73 race meetings at Meydan, Abu Dhabi Turf Club, Jebel Ali, Sharjah and Al Ain.
Ownership and governance
The ERA says it is a body corporate formed by Emiri Decree, and that its board carries ultimate responsibility for making sure the authority carries out its roles and functions. The board members listed on its website are HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Chairman), HE Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum (Vice-Chairman), HE Matar Suhail Ali Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri (Member) and HE Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi (Member and General Manager). In 2006 the board appointed a Steering Committee to review the racing rules, participant licensing and medication protocols. The website does not say how the ERA is funded.
According to the ERA, professional racing in the UAE began in 1992, at the same time as the authority was formed. It makes, amends and administers the UAE Rules of Racing, applying them through its stewarding and veterinary departments, and runs a Registry Office for horses, entries and declarations. Its other departments cover integrity and regulation, handicapping and programming, equine health and welfare, racing development and horse auctions. Its 2026/27 season calendar lists 73 race meetings between 30 September 2026 and 15 April 2027. The ERA is a member of the Asian Racing Federation and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.
What ERA runs
Studbooks
- Emirates Thoroughbred Stud Book
Sales
- ERA Horses in Training Online Sale
As listed by the organisation. See sources.
Key people
- HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al NahyanChairman
- HE Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al MaktoumVice-Chairman
- HE Matar Suhail Ali Al Yabhouni Al DhaheriMember
- HE Mohammad Saeed Al ShehhiMember & General Manager
As listed on About ERA.
Status and listing
- Status
- Not listed (body corporate formed by Emiri Decree)
Where it operates
- UAE
As the organisation reports it. See sources.
Key dates
- 1992
- Professional racing begins in the UAE, coinciding with the formation of the ERA
- 1996
- The first Dubai World Cup is run at Nad Al Sheba and won by Cigar
- 2006
- The ERA board appoints a Steering Committee to review racing rules, participant licensing and medication protocols
- 2007
- The ERA hosts the 31st Asian Racing Conference, with more than 900 participants from 35 countries
- 2007
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announces Meydan as a new racecourse to replace Nad Al Sheba
- 2009
- The final races at Nad Al Sheba are held on Dubai World Cup day
- 2026
- The 2026/27 season opens at Meydan on 30 September, with 73 meetings on the calendar to 15 April 2027
Questions readers ask
Who owns the Emirates Racing Authority?
The ERA is a body corporate formed by Emiri Decree. It is governed by a board chaired by HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with HE Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum as Vice-Chairman and HE Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi as Member and General Manager.
What does the Emirates Racing Authority do?
It makes and administers the UAE Rules of Racing, licenses trainers, jockeys, officials and stable staff, registers horses, handles race entries and declarations, and keeps the Emirates Thoroughbred Stud Book.
Where is the Emirates Racing Authority based?
Its postal address is PO Box 9452, Dubai. Racing under its rules in 2026/27 takes place at Meydan, Abu Dhabi Turf Club, Jebel Ali, Sharjah and Al Ain.
Sources
Figures are taken from the documents listed below and carry the date they refer to.
