Dubai: Major bridges and roads leading to the Meydan Racecourse in Nad Al Sheba open on Sunday ahead of the Dubai World Cup.
The new road network will ensure smooth flow of traffic and easy access to the racecourse and surrounding areas of Meydan City. More than 70,000 spectators are expected to visit the area to watch the $10-million (Dh36.7 million) Dubai World Cup Race on March 27 at the iconic Meydan Racecourse.
The project includes bridges extending more than 2km and including two 710-metre bridges, each of two lanes in each direction for entering and exiting Meydan, and another private bridge for celebrity use for direct access to Meydan Grandstand.
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Dubai Roads ad Transport Authority (RTA), hailed cooperation with Meydan Group, which has helped in stepping up the work tempo in completing the project in record time.
"Meydan Roads Network, which cost Dh1 billion, is one of the key projects undertaken by the RTA and it will cater to the traffic needs of world's biggest racecourse in addition to a five-star hotel, state-of-the-art stables, Meydan Gallery, canals, restaurants, IMAX cinema hall for 585 spectators, and parking space for 10,000 vehicles," Al Tayer said.
The project was completed in several phases by improving some crossings, bridges, expanding existing roads and the construction of new roads to cope with heavy traffic flow during the racing season. A special road provides fast access for VIPs from the Dubai-Al Ain Road to Meydan Road.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the project in September 2008. The project covers Meydan Road (earlier known as Muscat Road), Dubai-Al Ain Road, Al Khail Road and extension of Al Manama Road.
Meydan will continue to offer services even after the end of the racing season. The facilities will be used for holding conferences and corporate meetings.
