The world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup, is all set to commence on March 27th. Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has confirmed March 27th as the official grand opening of the new US $2 billion Meydan Grandstand and Race Track, that will host the World Cup. But yesterday, venue organizers said the Race Track is all ready and that it will, in fact, host the first races of the season tonight. Meydan, when opened, is all set to create sports history. The 6.7 million sq m complex promises the ultimate horse racing experience with unparalleled luxury, customer comfort, and racing technology. The Meydan boasts of two race tracks, a gigantic IMAX theatre, a sun-bathed pool deck, and ten world-class restaurants. There is also a 290-room five-star hotel, with 95 percent of the rooms offering both the state-of-the-art 2400m turf and 1750m all-weather surfaces. Spanning 1.6km along the striking straight, the grandstand is built to hold 60,000 spectators. The car park is another spectacular structure built in the shape of a falcon.
The driving force behind the racing region and ruler of Dubai, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has a special route built to access the venue. A 4km long canal links the course and the Dubai creek so that the ruler can avoid traffic and access the venue in a luxury boat. And since gambling is illegal in the United Arab Emirates, you will find no bookie boards at this stadium. There are also no trackside bars, although if you can get drinks if you are seated at any 10 restaurants.
An unbelievable luxurious complex, it promises an altogether new horse racing experience.
[Bodoglife And DailyTelegraph]
