Racecourse Media Group (RMG) and Arena Racing Company (ARC) have inked a significant three-year agreement with Dubai Racing Club, ensuring the distribution of live images and data from the iconic Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, a key player in the United Arab Emirates’ bustling horse racing scene. This partnership spans the upcoming 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 racing seasons, promising to bolster the international presence of Dubai’s premium racing events.
RMG, with its deep-rooted expertise in television production, has been a pivotal partner for the Dubai Racing Club for over ten years. This new venture sees RMG collaborating closely with ARC, a long-term ally, to distribute content via GBI Racing, an established international platform birthed from the alliance of ARC and RMG. The content is set to reach a broad audience, as GBI Racing broadcasts to approximately 10,000 venues across the globe, serving over 100 digital clients.
Meydan Racecourse, renowned for its grandeur and state-of-the-art facilities, stands as one of the world’s largest horse racing venues. Its main grandstand extends over half a mile, accommodating more than 80,000 spectators, and plays host to major events such as the Dubai Racing Carnival and the prestigious Dubai World Cup. These events are a cornerstone of the global racing calendar, drawing significant international attention and participation.
The upcoming 2025-26 Dubai World Cup will mark the 30th iteration of this celebrated race, offering a staggering $30.5 million in prize money. The event comprises six Group 1 and three Group 2 races, scheduled to take place on 28 March next year, setting the stage for a thrilling showcase of equine talent.
Both RMG and ARC are optimistic about the revenue potential this deal holds. Nick Mills, CEO of RMG, expressed his enthusiasm for expanding the company’s existing relationship with Dubai Racing Club and tapping into new revenue streams alongside ARC. He emphasized, “RMG and ARC together represent unparalleled global distribution of horse racing content, promising unmatched viewer engagement and significant revenue generation.”
Echoing Mills’ sentiments, Brendan Parnell, ARC’s managing director of media and international operations, highlighted the global appeal of Meydan Racecourse content. “Meydan is a spectacular venue, and its content is a massive draw for racing enthusiasts worldwide. Through our expansive retail and GBI networks, we’re excited to partner with RMG to amplify the Dubai Racing Club’s international footprint,” he noted.
Erwan Charpy, head of racing operations and international relations at Dubai Racing Club, also expressed optimism, anticipating that the collaboration with RMG and ARC will drive increased global interest in the exceptional racing events held at Meydan.
This strategic agreement aligns with a broader trend of expansion within the UAE’s gambling and gaming landscape. In recent developments, Play 971 made headlines as the first fully licensed and regulated iGaming site to launch in the UAE, signifying a significant shift in the region’s gaming industry. Licensed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), Play 971 is reportedly undergoing a trial phase, accessible in select areas of the UAE.
Before this development, the UAE Lottery stood as the sole legal gambling entity, with Wynn’s Al Marjan Island resort slated to open its doors by early 2027. These ventures underscore the UAE’s evolving stance on regulated gaming, reflecting a gradual yet notable transformation of the market landscape.
Recent changes in regulatory leadership further emphasize this evolution. In November, Kevin Mullally, the founding CEO of GCGRA, announced his departure to dedicate more time to his personal life. With Mullally’s exit, Chairman Jim Murren has temporarily assumed leadership, ensuring the continuity of the regulatory body’s operations and its pioneering governance framework.
The growing acceptance and expansion of gaming in the UAE undeniably present opportunities and challenges. While the regulatory environment adapts to encompass new gaming formats, traditional and emerging stakeholders are poised to navigate this dynamic context, shaping the future of gaming and racing in the region. As these changes unfold, the RMG and ARC deal for Meydan Racecourse stands as a testament to the UAE’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for world-class racing and gaming.
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