Etihad Airways has been named Official Partner of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup and Presenting Partner of Race 1, strengthening the Emirate’s push to position elite sport as a global travel draw. The partnership brings together the UAE’s national airline and the Abu Dhabi Turf Club ahead of the flagship international horse racing event on 7 February 2026.
The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup takes place at Abu Dhabi Turf Club, featuring a one-mile race with a total prize fund of USD 1 million. The event attracts elite thoroughbred horses, leading jockeys and trainers from major racing nations, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a destination for world-class sporting events.
Organised by Abu Dhabi Turf Club, the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup plays a central role in the club’s long-term ambition to establish the capital as a premier international hub for horse racing excellence. The event blends high-level competition with hospitality, dining and entertainment, reflecting a broader strategy to appeal to international visitors seeking more than just sport.
Through its partnership role, Etihad Airways is positioned as a key gateway for racing fans travelling to the UAE capital. The airline’s involvement highlights how major carriers are increasingly aligning with high-profile events to stimulate inbound tourism and showcase destination appeal beyond traditional leisure travel.
“We are delighted to welcome Etihad as an Official Sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup and Presenting Partner of Race 1,” said Ali Al Shaiba, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi Turf Club and President of the Organising Committee.
“As the UAE’s national airline, Etihad plays a vital role in connecting Abu Dhabi to the world, and this partnership strengthens the Emirate’s presence on the international racing stage. Together, we are showcasing Abu Dhabi as a global meeting point and destination hub for elite sport, world-class competition and international audiences.”
The timing of the race in early February places it firmly within the peak winter travel season, when visitors from Europe and other cooler regions look for warm-weather experiences. For Abu Dhabi, the Gold Cup becomes not only a sporting fixture but also a reason to travel, aligning with the city’s broader calendar of international cultural and sporting events.
Beyond the track, the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup has been positioned as a complete race-day experience. Visitors can expect premium hospitality offerings, refined dining options and curated entertainment, signalling the evolution of Abu Dhabi Turf Club into a lifestyle destination rather than a single-purpose venue.
For Etihad Airways, the partnership reflects a wider ambition to connect global audiences with flagship moments in the UAE. “Etihad is proud to partner with The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup, an event that reflects the same standards of excellence and ambition that define our airline,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “Just as we connect Abu Dhabi to the world through extraordinary travel experiences, this partnership allows us to welcome the global racing community to our home. The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup represents the Emirate’s vision for world-class sporting events, and as the national airline, it is our privilege to play a role in bringing this prestigious occasion to international audiences and showcasing the very best of what Abu Dhabi has to offer.”
The collaboration underscores how Abu Dhabi is using sport as a platform to project its identity internationally, combining heritage with contemporary luxury. Horse racing holds a deep cultural significance in the UAE, and the Gold Cup builds on that tradition while presenting it through a modern, globally accessible lens.
With elite competitors, a seven-figure prize fund and the backing of a major international airline, the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup continues to raise its profile on the world thoroughbred circuit. For travellers, the event offers a compelling mix of high-stakes sport, winter sunshine and polished hospitality, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to stand alongside established global racing destinations.
As racing tourism gains momentum worldwide, the partnership between Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Turf Club positions the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup as more than a single day at the races. It becomes part of a wider travel narrative, where international events are designed to attract visitors, extend stays and showcase the Emirate as a destination where sport, culture and world-class experiences intersect.
