WAM Dubai, 30th March 2012 (WAM) - UAE Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, graced today a reception hosted by Falcon and its partners ahead of the Dubai World Cup 2012 at Burj Khalifa.

The US$10million Dubai World Cup, world's richest raceday, which also features the most valuable races on the planet, will be staged on Saturday at the iconic Meydan Racecourse.

Over 400 VIPs, leaders of business community and reputed sports and social personalities and celebrities from across the world were present at the reception.

Sheikh Mohammed exchanged talks with the audience about sports achievements the UAE has made, particularly in horseracing and its evolution over the years as well as its status as a sports with special importance for the UAE and countries of the region being closely associated with Arab and Gulf heritage and culture.

In a welcoming address at the glittering occasion, HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, Wife of Sheikh Mohammed, affirmed that Dubai World Cup has maintained its prominent place among the high-profile events of the world's sports agenda and is gaining increasing interest among horse sports circles internationally.

She said that Meydan Racecourse also has become one of the world's top sporting facilities.

The guests paid profound thanks to Sheikh Mohammed, patron of the the world's top horseracing championship.

WAM/TF