Record number of fans can watch the World Cup in Meydan

Dubai: Yet another landmark project, the result of the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will see a record 80,000 racing fans witness the 2010 Dubai World Cup.

Meydan, a comprehensive racing city, will cover a total area of 76 million square feet and will house state-of-art dirt and turf tracks.

Giving details of the project, Dubai Racing Club Chairman Saeed Al Tayer said: "The green light for the project was given by Shaikh Mohammad during last year's Dubai World Cup and we are proud to reveal it to the world today.

"We wanted to develop a world class facility and I cannot think of any other race course in the world that will rival it," he said, addressing the media before yesterday's Dubai World Cup meeting.

A world-class grandstand, spanning a kilometre just a stone's throw away from the present one at the Nad Al Sheba Club, will be the main feature. It will include a world-class hotel, over 10 restaurants, a relocated Godolphin gallery, the Dubai Racing Club and a museum.

"It is going to be home to the business community, owners, trainers, riders. You name it - it will encompass everything," he said. "Meydan is an Arabic word that means where people congregate and race, so it is a combination of definitions, but at the end of the day, it is about where people go and race and achieve results. I believe Meydan is not just for Dubai, but it's for the whole world," said Al Tayer.

The design and masterplan is by TAK and the company's Managing Director Teo A. Khing said: "The design as you approach the track is of a falcon, which is a defining symbol of of the local heritage and denotes decisiveness and speed. "The racing facilities will be outstanding, but it's not just for the season. We want to maximise entertainment all year around. It can stage conferences, concerts, functions, and carry on through the off-season," added Khing.

Dubai Racing Club CEO Frank Gabriel Jr said: "We have taken into account feedback from all aspects of the industry - racegoers, trainers, jockeys, our partners, sponsors, other racecourses - everyone - in making this racecourse the magnificent development it will be."

Project: Meydan - a Horse Racing City