The world of thoroughbred racing isn’t short of a dirham or two, and the most valuable race day of all takes place right here in Dubai. With nearly Dhs100million up for grabs – including almost Dhs37million for the big race alone – Dubai World Cup day (March 29) is the richest day of racing in the sport’s calendar. With a spectacular fireworks display and post-race concert lined up – as well as prizes for the best dressed – World Cup day is as much about the party as the pedigree horses.

Don’t forget, you can read all about the very special entertainment on raceday – Jennifer Lopez!

Meydan Grandstand, Al Meydan Road, Dubai, noon, Dhs25. Tel: (04) 3272110. Taxi: Meydan Racecourse. dubaiworldcup.com 

Like the horses, the crowd at the World Cup must be well groomed too. Here’s how…

HAIR
Salon Ink
The blow dries here are up there with the best in Dubai. The stylists will ensure your locks are lustrous in time to make your entrance at Meydan.

Beach Park Plaza Centre, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, Sun, Mon and Thur 10am to 7pm, Tue and Wed 10am to 9pm, Sat 9am to 6pm, Dhs125. Tel: (04) 3854402. Taxi: Beach Park Plaza Centre. saloninkdubai.com

Pastels
The blow-dry bar at Pastels features a range of styles – from Greek Goddess Chic to the VIP blow. Blow-dries start at Dhs120 but if you’re after an up-do to show off your hat to the max, your bill will be Dhs300 plus.

Ritz-Carlton, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, daily 9am to 7pm, Dhs120. Tel: (04) 3995016. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton JBR. pastels-salon.com

Sisters Beauty Lounge
This salon uses Kerastese products to produce smooth and sleek hair. A blow-dry at Sisters starts at Dhs120 for short hair.

Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnight, Dhs120. Tel: (04) 3398500. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. sistersbeautylounge.com 

FACE
SensAsia Urban Spa
When you book in for a Dr Dennis Gross Instant Radiance facial at SensAsia in March, they’ll throw in a 45-minute back massage and a 30-minute foot massage – good preparation for spending a day in heels at the World Cup.

Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm, Dhs600. Tel: (04) 3549228. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. sensasiaspas.com

The Nail Spa
There’s no time to waste on World Cup day, so a speedy treatment like the 20-minute Let’s Go Lashes at The Nail Spa, is a winner.

Aviation Club, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Al Garhoud, Dubai, daily 9am to 9pm, Dhs200. Tel: (04) 2821617. Metro: GGICO. thenailspa.com 

Talise Spa
If it’s a youth-boosting treatment you’re after, splash out on the Margy’s Prestige Glow Hyaluron-Collagen Facial. It hydrates the skin and plumps fine lines and wrinkles.

Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs995. Tel: (04) 3666818. Taxi: Madinat Jumeirah. jumeirah.com 

NAILS
The Cure
Grab your girlfriends and get down to The Cure because there’s a two for one deal on all mani/pedi treatments throughout March.

Building 10, BBC World, Media City, Dubai, Sat to Thur 9am to 8pm, Fri 10am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 3916485. Metro: Dubai Internet City. thecure.ae 

N.Bar
The Essential manicure and pedicure at N.Bar – winner of the What’s On award for favourite nail bar 2013 – takes just 50 minutes. The salon uses Essie polishes, so the hottest new shades are at your fingertips.

Citywalk, Al Safa Street, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm, Dhs140. Tel: (04) 3441154. Taxi: Citywalk. facebook.com/nbardubai

WIN WORLD CUP NAIL ART
Why stop at a new hat when you can get limited edition World Cup-inspired nail art designs? Choose from horses and lucky horseshoes at branches of The Nail Spa throughout March. To win a manicure and a full set of World Cup nail art, worth Dhs235 simply fill in your details below before Tuesday March 25 at midday. Usual terms and conditions apply.

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PICK A WINNING OUTFIT FOR RACE DAY

Dubai World Cup fashion