NAME: Sophie Ryan
AGE: 34
INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @sophieryan123
JOB TITLE: Head of Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand at Dubai Racing Club
MOVED TO THE UAE IN: 2014
In joining Dubai Racing Club in Q2 of 2024, Sophie combined her two passions: cutting edge PR and horseracing. The daughter of Derby-winning jockey Willie Ryan, British-born Sophie has used her inside knowledge of the ‘Sport of Kings’ to great effect.
She started out as PR & Marketing Executive for Godolphin, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s global racing operation, before rising to her current role as Head of Corporate Communications for Dubai Racing Club, hosts of the Dubai Racing Carnival and world-famous Dubai World Cup meeting.
Beyond the racetrack, Sophie’s career has been marked by her strategic acumen in the Middle East’s luxury and events sectors. Her time at Jumeirah Group as PR and Communications Manager saw her blend luxury with narrative, creating experiences as unforgettable as the destinations themselves. Sophie then played a pivotal role in shaping the public perception of EXPO2020 Dubai and COP28 UAE, harnessing her expertise to highlight these landmark events with elegance and impact.
At Dubai Racing Club, Sophie’s vibrant energy and visionary approach continue to redefine what it means to engage with the world of racing. Her role not only involves steering the Club’s communication strategies but also crafting lifestyle narratives that capture the glamour and excitement of one of the most anticipated events on the global racing calendar.
Let's discover a day in the life of her career and world:
7-7:30AM: Formerly part of the 5AM cardio club, my mornings have thankfully transformed over the past few months to a much slower pace, no longer putting the pressure on myself to do a day before I start the day, and it’s been lifechanging! Typically, I start by ticking off a few simple wellness essentials: morning sunlight and hydration, I take LMNT electrolytes followed by AG1 for a complete hit of vitamins and minerals, before enjoying a coffee while I get ready for the day.
10AM: By this time, I am usually on to my second coffee and the workday is in full swing. I lead the Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand department and manage a team of 16, we are incredibly busy with being half-way through the Dubai Racing Carnival 2024/25 Season, and planning for the Dubai World Cup 2025. Often the mornings are when our Management or Department meetings take place, which I love as it’s a time for discussion and decision making. After which the team is briefed, and we move into execution and delivery phase.
12NOON: My day is always packed full of calls and meetings, it takes an army to bring a season of sporting, lifestyle and hospitality events to life and it requires meticulous planning across the board. Horseracing is a sport the brings so much joy to everyone associated with it, and I am very fortunate to work with a dedicated and passionate team who strive to bring the sport to life in every sense.
2PM: I don’t really follow rigid mealtimes during the day and eat either when I’m hungry or when I have time for a quick trip to the Spinney’s salad bar! But I keep a well-stocked cupboard of fruit and snacks for when I’m short on time.
4PM: This is usually when I work uninterrupted for a few hours and make sure that all projects are on track.
6PM: On average, I’ll make it to a barre or Pilates class around 3 times a week and try and get a game of tennis in when I can too. Recently, I’ve found that these types of workouts work best for my body, energy and stress levels. Earlier this year I certified as a Lagree Instructor and was teaching as much as I could over the summer, and I’m excited to pick this up again once the horseracing season in Dubai draws to a close in April.
8PM: I’m either at home doing some work to catch up and get ahead of the following day or spending time with friends. I love trying new restaurants and it’s a hugely important part of my role to be aware of what’s happening in the city across the hospitality and lifestyle space.
9PM: Getting in a solo walk, usually without music or a podcast, has become such a fundamental part of my routine. Not only does it feel good to move my body after a long day behind a desk or in meetings, but it allows me to clear my mind, process thoughts and find space to come up with new ideas and to be creative. I notice such a negative difference in my mind set on the days when I haven’t got my steps in and it’s my constant reminder to always try and find the time.
11PM: My evening skincare routine, which I’ve somehow managed to condense to around 5 minutes, and crash into bed!
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