Among the horses waiting to return include the Roger Varian-trained Defoe, who has been based in Dubai since February and was due to run in the March 28 Gr.1 Dubai Sheema Classic.

The European team are leaving a day before a two-week ban on flying is introduced by Emirates Airlines, which was also announced Sunday. Most of the visitors arrived in Dubai Friday after a morning flight from Stansted, a team that included Prince of ArranLord NorthMustashry, and the French-trained Call The Wind.

The shipping to and from Dubai is regularly handled by Janah Transport, which is part of the Godolphin operation. 

Janah ships over 5,000 horses a year around the world from its base in Newmarket.