Meydan, the most spectacular development to happen to the thoroughbred racing world this century, is in full construction and by all accounts will be ready for the 2010 World Cup in Dubai to be run for a supposed USD 10 million prize.

On a recent visit to Dubai in May 2009, SAHorseracing.COM, took some amazing pictures of the construction site that is Meydan. The sheer enormity of the project amazes as does the unbelievable time scale that the project is scheduled for completion. It is a massive construction site at present but in around 10 months, it will be the scene of racing's most important 2000m dirt race, the Dubai World Cup.

The opening of Meydan Racecourse in 2010 will be a defining moment in the sport's global history. Unparalleled levels of luxury, customer comfort and racing technology will combine to create the ultimate horseracing experience. And when the 60,000 capacity crowd have finished cheering on the world's finest thoroughbreds there's a 5 star hotel, international restaurants and an IMAX cinema to capture the imagination. In 2010 it will become the new home of the Dubai World Cup, and as such, the new global home for elite horseracing. It will attract the best thoroughbreds, owners and racing nobility from around the world.

The focal point for the entire development is the Grandstand - a 60,000 capacity landmark stadium incorporating a luxurious hotel, peerless breeding and training facilities and 6 haute cuisine restaurants. It's also home to both the Meydan Museum, Imax Theatre and Dubai Racing Club and can comfortably accommodate 10,000 vehicles in covered car parks.

Standing imposingly in the western wing of the Grandstand, The Meydan sets new standards in luxurious comfort and attentive customer service. The vast facade ensures that guests in almost all of the generously-proportioned rooms will have an unobstructed view of the famous racecourse. Pamper yourself with one of their renowned spa treatments, indulge your palate in one of the restaurants, or simply sit back and soak up the stylish contemporary decor and feel yourself unwind

Home already to one great spectacle, Meydan Racecourse will also house Dubai's second only IMAX theatre. With crystal clear images ten times larger than a traditional cinema, audiences will thrill to the hyper-reality the huge screens offer. Showing a selection of specially commissioned films about horses and racing as well the latest blockbusters, the IMAX at Meydan Racecourse is proof-positive that the stadium is a year-round entertainment venue.

Godolphin Parks

A celebration of canal-front living, Godolphin Parks has been designed and created for those who enjoy relaxing and living by water but who want to remain connected to the vital and essential pulse of city life.

Approached from its eastern side, the district is framed by the majestic Godolphin Gateway Tower, a 40 storey iconic building created in the image of a thoroughbred's head. Travel further into the city centre and you'll find the impressive Signature Mall – a high class shopping environment which spreads along one kilometre of the Godolphin riverfront. It's along this stretch that you'll also find a high quality residential development arranged on rows of piers, each one steadily encroaching into the water. Godolphin Parks is set to become not just a desirable place to live and work, but a shining example of ecological sensitivity and sustainability.

Metropolis

Planned and constructed to inspire and encourage, this prestigious address offers international blue chip businesses the opportunity to locate in one of the world's finest business environments. Metropolis is perfectly suited for corporations who demand the best – both for themselves and their employees.

Featuring an expansive commercial, retail and residential mix along with its very own town club and hotel, the district has already found favour with financial, telecoms, petroleum and technology corporations who recognise the productive inspiration Metropolis offers. Stunning landmark buildings and luxurious residential accommodation mingle seamlessly. The result is a community designed to strike the perfect work-life balance where residents and employees can effortlessly move between both elements of their lives, using one to augment the other.

Text source: Meydan website, Model images: Meydan, Construction pictures: SAHorseracing.COM