Living Gulf was at the Dubai World Cup 2026, and we came away completely mesmerized—not just by the action on the track, but by the theatre of style unfolding alongside it.
The fashion story began almost instantly. The moment we stepped on to the main concourse, we spotted a couple who set the tone for the day: coordinated in Louis Vuitton suits, both sharply tailored suits crafted from the same fabric. It was striking without trying too hard. It was the kind of effortless coordination that makes you look twice. And it was only the beginning.
Over the next eight hours, what unfolded was less an event and more a moving runway. From the paddock gardens to the lounges, from sun-dappled social corners to high-energy viewing decks, the style game didn’t just hold but it soared. Living Gulf took a leisurely stroll through it all, and everywhere we looked, there was intention, drama, and delight.
Dresses appeared in every imaginable form, flow, and fabric. We saw liquid silks catching the light, breathable linens keeping things easy, and structured organzas holding their sculptural shape. There was every colour in the rainbow, and then every nuanced shade in between. This wasn’t accidental dressing; this was effort, imagination, and joy, worn proudly.
Heels rose high, keeping posture intact and expectations even higher. Accessories were playful yet precise, and as always at the derby, the hats told stories of their own. Fascinators pushed boundaries, broke rules, and somehow held everything together. More than once, we had to catch ourselves mid-stare, closing our mouths and reminding ourselves to keep walking. The style wasn’t just beautiful but was also arresting.
The men, of course, were not to be left behind. Dapper suits, crisply ironed shirts, and thoughtfully chosen hats complemented their partners in style, poise, and charisma. From deep, commanding tones to soft pastels and barely-there hues, the palette of the day ensured the event retained its firm place on the social calendar, circled in bold, every single year.
If there was speed on the track, there was high style off it. And we were there for both. The adrenaline surged as the horses thundered past, while curiosity and creativity peaked just as sharply in the stands.
And then came the celebration of it all. The organizers of the Dubai World Cup 2026 hosted their much-anticipated Style Stakes, spotlighting the best-dressed attendees of the day. It was a reminder that at this event, fashion is not just seen but is celebrated.
The style quotient wasn’t reserved for the ramp alone, where finalists sashayed with confidence and flair. Even the judges rose to the occasion, embracing the spirit of the event with deeply personal expressions of style.
Of particular note was Emirati actress Mahira Abdelaziz, who served as one of the judges. Dressed in a sleek black bodycon silhouette, she let her headpiece do the storytelling. It was a striking gold feathered falcon fascinator, accented with jewel-toned elements in the colours of the UAE. The piece, studded and sculptural, was more than ornamental; it was symbolic.
She described it as a tribute to the nation’s protectors in the skies; a homage to the unwavering vigilance of those who safeguard the country. Like the falcon that never truly rests, her headdress honoured the UAE’s brave hearts, whose presence allows life to unfold with a sense of security and ease. It was, in every sense, a moving and meaningful moment of fashion meeting purpose.
Beyond the ramp and the judges, the grounds themselves became a celebration of global style. Traditional ensembles from Germany, India, France, Korea, and beyond came together in a vibrant display of cultural pride. It was diversity not as a statement, but as a lived reality. We saw effortless elegance that was deeply beautiful.
The Best Dressed Lady, Sheila Wambui, didn’t just win for how she looked, but for what her outfit represented. In a beautiful nod to family and shared creativity, she incorporated her husband’s tie into her ensemble, folding and reimagining it into something entirely her own. Choosing colours she admitted she would never normally wear, she embraced the spirit of the day with a striking purple top paired with a flowing ivory skirt—an outfit that mirrored her confidence and enthusiasm.
What truly set her apart, however, was the story behind the look. Her children had a hand in bringing it all together—from doing her makeup to helping choose her accessories—turning her outfit into a collaborative expression of family, joy, and individuality.
Style Stakes Winners 2026
Best Dressed Lady: Sheila Wambui
Best Dressed Man: Mohammad Alwan
Best Dressed Couple: Anna Naumenko & Tarek Dada
Best Hat: Becky Page
Best Traditional Outfit: Nelisa & Thaabe Rambina
Winners were awarded a mix of coveted prizes, including Emaar vouchers, Emirates Skywards Miles, and luxury driving experiences from Al Tayer Motors. These are, no doubt, fitting rewards for a day where fashion was every bit as thrilling as the races themselves.
And perhaps nothing captured the mood better than an overheard moment in the restroom, a surprisingly perfect mirror to the day. A woman, mid-touch-up, turned to her friend and said, almost breathless, “Everywhere I turn, I see a beautiful woman. I can’t get over it. Turn here, and there’s someone beautiful. Turn there, and there’s someone beautiful. There are just so many beautiful people.”
She wasn’t wrong.
