'We're not in competition with each other' - no panic in Dubai over Saudi growth
Dubai has no reason to feel threatened by the ambitions of its neighbours, according to Michael Wanklin, racing adviser to the Dubai Racing Club, with the growth of programmes in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar instead allowing the region to "blossom" as a major racing destination.
Once home to the world's richest race, Dubai and its World Cup on March 26 has forfeited top spot to the $20 million Saudi Cup in Riyadh. However, Wanklin believes the way nations such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar are seeking to replicate the success Dubai has had over the last 25 years is positive for the racing industry in the Middle East.
And he's backing the wider Gulf region to become a pivotal racing hub for the northern hemisphere during the winter.
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