Dubai World Cup Official Opening of $2 Billion Horse Racing Venue

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktourn, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Meydan, Ahmad Al Shaikh, Vice Chairman of Meydan and Sultan Al Subosi tour the new facilities at Meydan, host to this year's Dubai World Cup. (Image Courtesy Meydan City)

Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum yesterday confirmed March 27th as the official grand opening of the new US $2 billion Meydan Grandstand and Race Track -- the day of the world's richest horse race: the Dubai World Cup. However, venue organizers say it's ready now and it will host Dubai's first race of the season tonight.

"We've seen some of the world’s finest talents in horseracing take to the tracks...and we're excited at the responses we've had to the conditions and facilities we've built," said Meydan Chairman of the Board and CEO Saeed Humaid Al-Tayer. "Feedback and suggestions from our partners in the industry is something we've always heeded and Meydan is a result of this collaborative effort. We are indeed excited to showcase it to the world when the races begin."

A 1,200-metre turf race worth $1 million was added to the racing season's biggest event, making the 15th Dubai World Cup an eight-race meeting, hosting four Group 1, two Group 2, one Group 3 thoroughbred races and one Group 1 Purebred Arabian race - all worth a combined $26 million in prize money.

As for the new complex itself,   check out these impressive features: two racetracks, grandstand for 60,000 capacity crowd, 5 star hotel, international restaurants and an IMAX cinema.

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