About ERA

The Emirates Racing Authority is the internationally recognised governing body for horse racing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and it has been established for the following reasons:

  • For the purpose of making, altering, amending and administrating the Rules in the UAE.
  • For the purpose of carrying on the trade or business of Racecourse management and for the purpose of education, entertainment and participation by the general public in Horse racing.
  • To encourage Horse breeding and Horse ownership in the UAE and to improve the quality of racing.
  • To organise, represent and promote Horse racing on an international basis.
  • To promote tourism, trade and commerce in the UAE.

The ERA administers all aspects of the sport, including the implementation and application of the UAE Rules of Racing through its Stewarding and Veterinary Departments.  This also includes the licensing of all trainers, jockeys, officials and stable personnel.  The ERA Registry Office manages and processes the registration of horses for racing, and all entries and declarations for all race meetings in the UAE.  The ERA also administers the internationally approved Emirates Thoroughbred Stud Book.

The ERA Board assumes ultimate responsibility for ensuring the roles and functions of the Authority are fulfilled.  The ERA Board is comprised as follows:

HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Chairman

HE Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum

Vice-Chairman

HE Matar Suhail Ali Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri

Member

HE Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi

Member & General Manager

The Emirates Racing Authority is a body corporate formed by Emiri Decree.

In 2006, the ERA Board appointed a Steering Committee to assist it in fulfilling its responsibilities, with specific reference to reviewing the rules and regulations of racing,  the licensing of participants and the medication protocols for horses. In addition the Steering Committee  promotes organisational best practice, ensures adherence to relevant international standards, provides strategic guidance to the UAE racing industry and addresses any racing issues that may arise on a day-to-day basis throughout the racing season.

The ERA is a proactive member of the Asian Racing Federation and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, and is significant contributor to other significant regulatory authorities and committees, such as:

  • World Racehorse Rankings Committee (WRRC)
  • International Movement of Horses Committee (IMHC)
  • Asian Stud Book Conference
  • International Conference of Racing Analysts and Veterinarians (ICRAV)