It’s a testament to the meticulous foresight and planning of the land’s governments that the United Arab Emirates, and Dubai in particular, so readily embrace diversity – religiously, economically and, more than anything, culturally. It would be a mistake to think of Dubai as merely a property hotspot, an architectural utopia or a capricious, short-lived tourist curiosity; this place is more than just a one-trick-pony.

Critics of Dubai often mock the emirate claiming that, while it can buy status, publicity, buildings and attractions, the one thing it is unable to procure is atmosphere or a soul. They’ve clearly never been to a day at the Dubai World Cup.

Bringing together the best horses, trainers and jockeys on its spectacularly flood-lit sand and dirt track, the state-of-the-art Nad Al-Sheba is home to the event that – with over US$ 15 million up for grabs – is the richest event in the global horseracing calendar.*

Of the seven races that make up the occasion, six are for thoroughbreds and one is for purebred Arabian horses. The main event – the World Cup itself – pays out an incredible US$6m to the winner and attracts crowds of over 65,000 spectators. Although it’s no surprise as, much like many other significant Dubai events, the meeting is accessible to all, with tickets starting at the best price of all: absolutely nothing.

The races are obviously enthralling but other attractions, including superb VIP hospitality, tours of Dubai and an Ascot-rivalling fashion extravaganza (particularly on Ladies’ Day when US€5,000 is up for grabs for the best-dressed dame in the Burjman Stakes), make the World Cup the undisputed highlight of the Dubai social calendar.

With so much money awarded to the triumphant horse, jockey and trainer, and substantial rewards in the style stakes, you’d assume that equally large sums were changing hands trackside. Not so. Gambling, much like bad taste, is illegal in Dubai and throughout the UAE. But that doesn’t mean that those that pride themselves on studying good form will see their skills go unrewarded. A Pick-7 competition is available to all spectators and there are cash prizes for the victors. This is legally not gambling as spectators do not place down any money. In Dubai, where there’s a thrill there’s a way.

Free entry and free betting but with more than enough opportunities to show off, the Dubai World Cup is demonstrative of the emirate’s fondness for putting on a show. But it’s also indicative of the commitment to provide people with real substance to fill Dubai’s spectacular shell.

*Please note that for the sake of ease and laziness on this author’s behalf, unless otherwise stated, you should automatically assume any building, event or aspect of life in Dubai to be the biggest, best, richest, tallest, most luxurious, most profitable or most enjoyable on the face of the planet.