Dubai: Meydan

Nestling only four kilometres from the mouth of Dubai Creek, Meydan is founded on the simple guiding principles of partnership, community and sporting excellence. 'Meydan' is translated from an Arabic word meaning 'a meeting place' and in keeping with this philosophy, Dubai has created an interconnected cityscape of four distinct districts where the worlds of business, sport and cosmopolitan-living merge.

Meydan is a purpose-built development that aims to set new standards of living, build an inspirational business culture, and offer spectacular quality in entertainment and lifestyle.

The Racecourse:

At the heart of Meydan City lies an architectural masterpiece that is the iconic Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse. With a capacity of 60,000, this landmark stadium houses the world's first luxury 5-star trackside hotel, The Meydan, peerless breeding and training facilities, world-class amenities, and an exciting mix of food and beverage establishments. It also houses the Meydan Museum and Gallery, an IMAX Theatre, the Dubai Racing Club and Emirates Racing Authority offices, and can comfortably accommodate 8,600 vehicles in its majestic Falcon Car Park.

Currently the new home of the world's horseracing elite, Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse has marked a defining moment in the sport's global history by hosting the richest, most illustrious race - the Dubai World Cup. This icon is also the world's largest integrated racing facility, which comprises of a 1,750m all-weather Tapeta surface track and 2,400m turf track, providing unsurpassed standards in racing facility and technology for the ultimate horseracing experience.

Dubai World Cup

The Dubai World Cup is a horse race held annually since 1996 and from 2010 at the new Meydan Racecourse in the city of Dubai. The race is operated through the Emirates Horse Racing Authority (EHRA) whose Chairman is Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs of United Arab Emirates.

The race's first winner was the United States thoroughbred,Cigar, owned by Allen E. Paulson. A plaque honouring their win hangs outside one of the barns next to the racecourse.