Meydan update

[my miss storm cat]

The design.....

http://racing.scmp.com/freeservice/n...20070921bb.jpg

SCMP.....

Dubai on track with its sumptuous new course
(from a press release, no author)

The wealthy Gulf emirate of Dubai is pressing on with plans to build a US$1.2 billion track that will host the world's richest horse race in three years, The Khaleej Times reported.

The newspaper said a developer had been chosen for the Meydan Racecourse, near the existing Nad Al Sheba course, which will include a 60,000-seat grandstand and is set for completion in time for the 2010 Dubai World Cup.

The 67,000,000 square foot project - a brainchild of Sheikh Mohammed bin-Rashid al-Maktoum, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai - will be upgrading the current facilities to become world's best racing, stabling and training facilities.

Al-Maktoum owns the prestigious Godolphin stables with locations in Dubai and Britain.

Meydan LLC, a joint venture between Dubai's Arabtec Construction and Malaysia's WCT Engineering, has been given the contract for the development that will also feature a five-star hotel, several restaurants, a museum and gallery as well as parking for more than 10,000 cars.

"Our board of directors has been given clear instructions to ensure this project is executed to the highest possible standard, setting a benchmark for the rest of the world," Meydan chairman Saeed al-Tayer said.

The Dubai Racing Club announced in March that prize money for the 2010 showpiece race will be about US$10 million.

Next year's Dubai World Cup will be held on March 29.