Meydan sums up Dubai's spirit

Dubai will offer yet another gift to the world of horse racing as it watches with anticipation today. The 15th running of the Dubai World Cup is all set to be hosted at its new home: Meydan, the world's first racing city.

With Meydan, Dubai has again vaulted one step into the future. A promise, made two years ago to the racing fraternity, has been kept. Meydan should ensure that the soul of horse racing, the future of horse racing, the business of horse racing and the lifestyle associated with horse racing now find their epicentre in Dubai.

The first reactions to Meydan have been shock and awe. There is no other emotion that it can stir at a first glance.

Perhaps after the dust settles over the pioneering Tapeta race track tonight, after the competition which, at $26.25 million (Dh96.5 million), is the richest in the world, with the Dubai World Cup alone being valued at $10 million, and a mind-boggling cultural ceremony the likes of which may never have been seen before comes to a close, the racing fraternity will offer a second opinion.

Meydan is not just about size; it promises sustainability, viability and above all credibility. In a nutshell, these three phrases also sum up Dubai.