18/10/09
Meydan & Godolphin River Developments
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Meydan to open Jan 28 but construction ongoing

by Andy Sambidge on Wednesday, 21 October 2009

Meydan, the new Dubai racecourse, will have a soft opening on January 28 and all construction work will be finished by World Cup night on March 27, a senior official has confirmed.

Dubai Racing Club chief executive Frank Gabriel said construction work would still be ongoing in some areas when the new mega project opens for the first race in January.

"We will have open on the first night what we need to have open," said Gabriel in comments published by the UK's Racing Post.

"There will be areas of the grandstands that are not required on January 28, but then we have two months to make sure that all the facilities are in place for Saturday March 27," he told the specialist racing magazine.

He said work continued around the clock on the kilometre-long facility, adding: "There will be no specific handover date, because we're working closer with the master planners all the time, but I can assure people who are thinking of booking for the World Cup that we will be ready."

In light of the construction programme, the carnival will take in nine race nights, one fewer than in previous years, Gabriel added.

With the Nad Al Sheba racecourse now part of the construction site, the 2009-10 UAE season, which starts on Friday November 6, is being shared among Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali and the newly reopened Sharjah track, the magazine reported.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/571198-meydan-to-open-jan-28-but-construction-ongoing

x1I-nNZdBGU

cKp_CbcpbUc

JFDsALCYSIs

^^
Thanks a lot for these videos.
Landscaping in last video look really good with the shiny cladding.
I really hope that people would be shocked at how beutifull this would be next year.:cheers:

hey :)

does anyone know what is going on with the "Horizons", which is part of the Meydan Development? (it consists of Meydan Gateway Towers, Horseshoe plaza, and Bathhouse Residences)

The progress here unbrokenable . 2010

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This is the bigger image
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13/November/2009

Meydan

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26/November/2009

Meydan

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That's what's up ! Thanks Imre

render mirror great:nuts:

Meydan racecourse on the fast track

Mohammad tours state-of-the-art facility which will host $10m Dubai World Cup in March

* WAM
* Published: 00:00 December 6, 2009
* Gulf News

http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/meydan-racecourse-on-the-fast-track-1.547214

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Saturday inspected work in progress at Meydan Racecourse in Nad Al Sheba, which is set to host the 15th running of the Dubai World Cup in March.

The race is the world's richest horse race with prize money set to reach $10 million.

Shaikh Mohammad's first stop was at the 1,300 square metre parking facility, which is designed in the shape of a Falcon and can accommodate up to 10,000 cars.

Spread over a total area of 76 million square feet, the Meydan horse city also includes dirt and a turf racetrack.

He listened to the engineers who designed the giant project which will house a maximum of up to 80,000 race-going fans. He was briefed on the details and components of the horse race track which is in the heart of the state-of-the-art horse racing city, which will include luxury hotels and a sky bubble restaurant, entertainment clubs, a concourse plaza, iconic towers and a boat-house.

Shaikh Mohammad then stopped at the five-star hotel, the first of its kind to be set up in a horse race track which can accommodate 70,000 viewers. He toured the hotel's various facilities and rooms so as to ensure the hotel's readiness to welcome the UAE's guests for the World Cup.

Shaikh Mohammad toured the hotel, which houses up to 290 suites and rooms and then went up to the roof, which overlooks the racetrack. He also viewed the swimming pool allocated for the hotel's occupants.

The project also includes over 10 restaurants a relocated Godolphin gallery, the Dubai Racing Club, a museum and a four-kilometre canal, which will run from the Dubai Creek to the racecourse.

Shaikh Mohammad also inspected the grandstand — the main feature of the new facility, spanning a kilometre and a half, and located just a stone's throw away from the present one at the Nad Al Sheba Club.

He inspected the grass which covers the racecourse ground, and the giant screen, located opposite the grandstand.

Shaikh Mohammad also inspected the underground horse tunnels and expressed his satisfaction with the work progress on the project and his confidence that it would be completed within its specified timeframe.

The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by March 2010. The whole project will be completed by March 2012. The total cost of the project is Dh10 billion.

R

^^I'm so glad this is turning out really good.
Here's the images from the report:
http://gulfnews.com/polopoly_fs/taking-stock-1.547220!image/667114877.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_475/667114877.jpghttp://gulfnews.com/polopoly_fs/taking-stock-1.547219!image/3801349764.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_475/3801349764.jpghttp://gulfnews.com/polopoly_fs/meydan-1.547218!image/2740990736.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_475/2740990736.jpg

Cant wait to see this project complete. I didnt go to the Dubai cup this year because of the huge queues the previous year. I am confident next years will be superb! Even if just phase 1 will be complete!

The only way is up :)

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/images/magazines/arabianbusiness.com/web/meydangrandstand_thumb.jpg
The AED10bn Meydan grandstand and racecourse – home to the world’s richest horse race – is on track to open for the start of the Dubai 2010 race season in January, its developers said on Tuesday.

The Dubai World Cup – with a prize pot of $10m – will be held on March 27, with the race season set to kick off on January 28.

The grandstand, which is the world’s largest at 1.6km – the equivalent of 22 Boeing 747s – was unveiled to media for the first time during a tour on Tuesday.

Part of a wider 200 million sq ft development, including a business hub, IMAX theatre, villas and high rise apartments, Meydan’s chairman, Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, said he was “confident about our project and moving forward.”

“The recent economic difficulties of the world is a challenge for everyone and we are working with our partners to ensure that this development is a successful one,” Al Tayer said.

“I think the whole world is dealing with a challenge, just like the challenge of making this dream become a reality. Hopefully Meydan should speak for itself. You have seen what’s been accomplished.”

Having flattened the existing Nad Al Sheba racecourse, home to the Dubai World Cup for the last 14 years, the developers were bound to deliver this project on time. Work began in June 2007 with the crescent roof finally fitted in April this year.

The grandstand, which also boasts the world’s longest LED screen, can accommodate 98,000 people at full capacity – 17,500 seated and 80,500 standing.

Organisers said they expected about 300,000 people to attend the 10 races in Dubai's 2010 horse race calendar.

“We’re really excited about the programme. I think we’ll see some great horses racing throughout the carnival, but especially on the Dubai World Cup,” Frank Gabriel Jr, Dubai Racing Club CEO said during a press conference at the development.

“Dubai World Cup will start and finish in front of the grandstand. It will be the first time in 15 years. As we know as anticipation builds, I think we’ll feel the energy building. It will be a great night.”

Meydan facts and figures

Meydan grandstand is 5,166 ft (1.6km)

The Meydan hotel has 290 rooms and suites

Falcon car park has 8,622 parking bays

The horse tunnel is 2km

Rooftop Bubble Lounge is 787 ft long and has capacity for 4,500 people

Once complete the development will have a marina with a link to Dubai Creek

As for the races, there are three double headers this year on Feb 4 and 5, Feb 18 and 19 and March 4 and 5

The racecourse has two tracks a turf track and an all weather track

www.arabianbusiness.com%2F576261-meydan-racecourse-on-track-for-jan-opening

Meydan race course construction on track

Meydan racecourse opens doors to media to offer a spectacular tour of what the future of UAE horse racing will look like.




Dubai: Ever wondered what the future of horse racing would look like? That question was answered in emphatic style on Tuesday when representatives of the media were taken on a breath-taking tour of the iconic Meydan racecourse and hospitality facilities.

The flagship new racecourse will stage its first meeting in six weeks' time with the opening of the Dubai International Racing Carnival, but you could almost feel a buzz of excitement building as hundreds of workers were briskly putting the finishing touches to the magnificent Meydan Grandstand, which has the capacity to accommodate over 60,000 spirited racegoers.

It was a crisp, winter morning with the sun shimmering on the racecourse district which is spread over 67 million square feet and was the perfect start to an all-encompassing excursion of Dubai's newest sporting and business venture.

Media thanked

"We are thankful for the support and interest that the members of the media have shown us since the inception of Meydan and are therefore delighted to give them a first-ever glimpse of the magnificent facilities that will set the stage for the most exciting racing season leading up to the 15th Dubai World Cup next year," said Saeed Al Tayer, CEO of Meydan.

"The project is on track and we are as excited as you are to witness racing at this fantastic new venue."

Jaws dropped and onlookers exchanged superlatives by the dozen at the sight of the Meydan Grandstand, which is the world's largest at 1.6km long and features a spectacular, giant cantilevered crescent-shaped roof comprising solar and titanium panels that accentuate the structure's technologically advanced design.

One of the highlights of the Meydan Grandstand is the rooftop Bubble Lounge, which is a late addition to the design and can accommodate 4,500 people.


The racecourse also houses chic food and beverage establishments, the Meydan hotel which has 290 rooms and suites with balconies overlooking the racecourse, the very distinguishable Falcon car that has 8,622 parking bays, a two-kilometre-long horse tunnel and the world's longest LED television screen — a 110-by-10-metre magnum opus that will beam all the action live.

Immense support

"We have received immense support from the Government of Dubai, without whose support all this would not have been possible," said Al Tayer.

"At Meydan, we have facilities that we have never had before and will be bringing racegoers as close to the action as possible. Meydan was benchmarked against the world's top racecourses to ensure the best racing experience.

"Everything we have learnt from hosting the Dubai World Cup over the past 14 years has gone into the design of Meydan."

Meydan has been built at an estimated cost of Dh10 billion and is currently meeting all targets in its bid to be ready for the Carnival on January 8. Over 4,000 workers were reportedly involved in the construction.

Track offers 'unique viewing experience'

Racegoers can for the first time watch the start and finish of the $10million (Dh36.7m) Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (Group One) from close up when the world's richest race is run on the new all-weather track at Meydan racecourse next March.

Dubai Racing Club CEO Frank Gabriel Jr highlighted that the 2,000 metre contest, which has been run on dirt since its inception in 1996 but has now been replaced by the synthetic Tapeta footing surface, will offer a whole new experience in its 15th running on March 27.

"The Dubai World Cup will start and finish in front of the main grandstand," he said on Tuesday. "This will make for a unique viewing experience."

Gabriel also stressed that the change of surface would not alter the race's appeal.

"Obviously you will see some change in the compositions of the field, but we can only relate to the racegoers that have seen the changes that have taken place at the Breeders' Cup championships at Santa Anita Park in the last two years where they switched from dirt to a synthetic surface.

"The Breeders' Cup Classic has now become an overall competition for not only grass horses but dirt horses as well. The race became a fair playing field and that is our goal with the Dubai World Cup."

The $5 million Dubai Sheema Classic (Group One) will also start and finish in front of the grandstand.

Gabriel also revealed that one of the highlights of the new turf track, which is built outside the artificial surface, is the 1,200 metre straight.

"We see a lot of growth in this distance and will be looking to run more races over this trip," he said.

The $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (Group One) has been run over a straight 1,200 metres on dirt since it's inception at Nad Al Sheba, but Gabriel dismissed suggestions that it could be switched to the turf track.

"Not at this point. The sprint will be run on the synthetic track in March."

Phased development to continue at Meydan

The commercial director of Meydan City says the focus is on completing the development's infrastructure while investors find funding.

"We've focused on the infrastructure, which is very important because it gives investors an indication when they can start on their own land," Mohammad A. Nasser Al Khayat, commercial director of Meydan told Gulf News.

While all attention is on the completion of the Meydan Grandstand, 30 per cent of the total gross floor area (GFA) which is due to be completed on January 28, the rest of the development has no set completion timeline.

"We cannot define when construction goes on, it depends on the investor. Some want to start because they have already invested in the land and there are some who are not looking to start just yet. It's a phased development like Dubai Marina which took almost 10 years to be fully ready," Al Khayat said.

Meydan, which means ‘a meeting place' in Arabic, is made up of four districts each with their own distinct style and theme; The Racecourse, Metropolis, Horizons, and Godolphin Parks.

Al Khayat said that when building infrastructure, "We look into how to build it in parallel with the design of the area."

Horizons which consists of high-end commercial and residential buildings and retail outlets has completed 80 per cent of its infrastructure work.

"We have some indications by some investors who are willing to start anywhere by the end of 2010," said Al Khayat.

The development has so far sold 100 out of 140 plots to investors.

Al Khayat says they are currently working with the investors on handovers and transferring other buildings to new investors in the Meydan Metropolis which comprises 50 per cent commercial and 50 per cent residential units.

"The first phase was sold in 2007 for Dh2.6 billion and we're now re-strategising and working closely with new partners."

The sub-station is estimated to be ready by next year.

The Godolphin Parks District, a waterfront living community which was officially launched during the 2008 Dubai World Cup is also focusing on building up its infrastructure.

The Racecourse district which is due for completion in just over a month will include amenities such as the world's first five-star trackside hotel, Meydan Museum and Gallery, IMAX theatre and Grandstand Corporate Suites. The new additions hope to encourage not only race-goers but to promote themselves as a venue for corporate activities.

2010 Racing fixtures at Meydan

28th January 2010 (Thursday)
Dubai International Racing Carnival
(1st Race Meeting)

4th February (Thursday)
Dubai International Racing Carnival
5th February (Friday)

Dubai International Racing Carnival
11th February (Thursday)
Dubai International Racing Carnival

18th February (Thursday)
Dubai International Racing Carnival

19th February (Friday)
Dubai International Racing Carnival

25th February (Thursday)
Dubai International Racing Carnival

4th March (Thursday)
Dubai International Racing Carnival
(Super Thursday)

5th March (Friday)
Dubai International Racing Carnival
(Meydan Masters)

27th March (Saturday)
Dubai World Cup
(Official Launch of Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse)


Do you think Meydan is a unique racing venue? Are you going to be there at the start of the season in January? Post your comments by clicking on the 'comments' link below.
http://gulfnews.com/polopoly_fs/meydan-1.553898!image/1909283956.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_475/1909283956.jpg



new video here

http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/meydan-race-course-construction-on-track-1.553897

Old part of Meydan, this reminds of the UK.... nice :)
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New Meydan rising :cheers:
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Falcon carpark structure
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Road Infrastructure
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Go Dolphin River
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Meydan Nursery
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14/January/2010

Meydan

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I saw this place half lit up last night... looking nice :)

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Some Meydan plans face delay - chairman

by Ed Attwood on Monday, 01 February 2010

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The chairman of the $2.7bn Meydan City project said on Monday that some plans for the development have been deferred.

The full Meydan City masterplan consists of the world’s largest racecourse, together with a grandstand, hotel and training area, the ‘Metropolis’ business district, the ‘Horizons’ residential component and the Godolphin Parks district, also largely residential.

“We are happy where we are,” Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, chairman of Meydan Group and chairman of the Emirates Racing Association, told Arabian Business.

“We have focused on the business park, Horizons and the grandstand, racing district and hotel zone, and we shall monitor the other phases that are still offplan, and those that have not been officially launched.

“We had various plans that we have elected to defer a little bit, but a majority of these zones are well under way and we are working with the investors.”

The Meydan chairman also remarked that the first phase of the business park was “a matter of timing”, and added that the developer owed the completion of that project to investors.

When asked when investors in the Meydan project would see a return on their money, Al Tayer indicated that the master developer had not issued a timeline to its partners in the project.

“Most of our investors, I would say, have acquired land, and we are working with them to establish when they will develop,” he said. “I would say 25 percent of them have gone through the process after receiving approval from the authorities, but the decision as to when to tender and start building is their choice – we’re not going to put a timeline on them.”

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/580504-meydan-project-plans-deferred---chairman

08/February/2010

Meydan

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Project completion hits 97% in Rashidiya Metro Station bridges, 95% in Meydan bridges: Al Tayer

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Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), announced that project completion has reached 97 per cent in the bridges at the approaches of the entry/exit points of Rashidiya Metro Station, and 95 per cent of bridges and roads leading to Meydan Racecourse at Nad al-Sheba area.

Bridges leading to Rashidiya Metro Station are currently undergoing final touches by the contracting company in preparation for opening. The project includes construction of directional ramps at the intersection of Emirates Road and Khawaneej Road. It also includes construction of two bridges at Khawaneej Road in order to facilitate vehicular movement from and to the Park and Ride facility of Rashidiya Metro Station with a total length of 2.5 km. Early last year RTA has opened phase one of the project involving a bridge leading to the entry of the Parking lot of the station; which has a capacity to house about 2700 vehicles.

“Construction of the project, which costs about 699 million dirham, comes as part of RTA drive to improve and upgrade the network of main roads in the emirate of Dubai, and link the Park-and-Ride facilities of the metro stations with the roads network within Dubai Emirate. Rashidiya Station is one of the key metro stations as it is the starting point of Dubai Metro Red Line. The station extends 130 meters in length and 30 meters in width and has a capacity to handle 11,000 passengers per hour per direction. The station has two entry points fitted with escalators and lifts to ease the movement of commuters to and from the station, and a multi-level parking lot with a capacity to accommodate 2714 vehicles in order to encourage the public to use the metro in their travels across the emirate. The ground floor of the complex has been designated for public transport modes that feed the station, and has been designed to accommodate articulated and double-deck buses and to ensure smooth traffic flow and accommodate a large number of buses at a time. The building has also been linked with footbridges extending to the opposite side of the road leading to the metro station such that the period needed to travel from the farthest point of a parking slot will not exceed 3 minutes, while addressing all safety aspects of passenger movement within the parking lot.

Al Tayer revealed that construction of Roads & Bridges Project leading to Meydan Racecourse reached an advanced stage and the contractor is about to finalize the project which encompasses construction of bridges extending 2025 meters, including two entry/exit bridges extending 710 meters and a VIP bridge linking Meydan with Dubai-Al Ain Road extending 1315 meters.

Bigger pics and full text here:

http://imresolt.blogspot.com/2010/02/project-completion-hits-97-in-rashidiya.html

Here is an update to some of the building going on in Meydan City.

Dubai strikes again as Meydan City projects go to tender
There appears to be no hint of recent financial difficulties as far as the developers of Meydan City in Dubai are concerned. Having recently opened one of the largest horse racing facilities in the world, complete with trackside hotel and destination marina, the other major elements comprising the business, sporting and lifestyle district have gone to construction tender.

The 200 million sq ft masterplan designed for Meydan Group LLC is based on a green oasis, separated into four distinct areas: the Racecourse with Meydan Hotel; Meydan Horizons; Godolphin Park and Meydan Metropolis. The newly completed racecourse sector is the showpiece of the development covering 67 million sq ft providing much more than equestrian enjoyment. The attached Meydan hotel has 290 rooms, 95% of which overlook the racecourse, the marina nearby provides retail and corporate opportunities, while Meydan Museum and Gallery and an IMAX Theatre add to the cultural offerings.

Nearby the 15 million sq ft Horizons development is set to provide a new business and residential centre as a phased development. Containing its own marina, the development is also inter-weaved with bicycle paths, canals and pedestrian promenades, attempting to decrease negative environmental effects and provide a pleasant cosmopolitan atmosphere. The key structures of Horizons are the sail shaped Meydan Gateway Towers and the Horseshoe Plaza.

Metropolis is designed to be home to the world's most powerful companies. Inspired in its design by earth and metal and their 'associated values of strength energy and determination', Meydan hope Metropolis will be 'the undisputed choice for companies who really mean business.'

"This prestigious address will offer business towers equipped with spacious lobbies, lush gardens, void roof tops and lobbies that offer views as distinct as its residents. State-ofthe- art high-speed elevators keep up with the pace of modern business today, perfect for executives on the move," say Meydan.

The final and perhaps most controversial of the sectors is Godolphin Parks with its 40 storey Godolphin tower featuring a thoroughbred horse image cut through its façade. The corporate usage of the tower will be balanced by an enormous retail element in the Signature Mall, a linear 1.4 km structure with views out the the river.

Malaysian architect Teo A. Khing (TAK) is responsible for designing and consulting many of the main building projects in the development.

What would an announcement with some eye candy?


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It seems like Meydan City - the proposed CBD of the Meydan project - has now been completely dropped from the Meydan master project:

"The term ‘Meydan City’ originally referred to a specific central business precinct included in this project [see original site plan below] – but this has been dropped from the current Masterplan [sensibly so given that the already under utilised Business Bay is right next door] – but now the entire Meydan project – including the racecourse, business park, and mixed use precincts - is sometimes referred to as Meydan City – meaning the entire Meydan district.

The term ‘Meydan’ is used in this review to refer to the district and project locality of the 4 Meydan precincts still proceeding under the current Masterplan.

In the initial master plan – a massive new business centre – Meydan City and Meydan Showcase City - and a vast new residential community - Godolphin River City – were included in the site plan – but this now been radically reduced to leave only the 2 mixed use canal waterfront precincts of Horizons and Godolphin Parks – which roughly occupy the precincts shown in the site plan below by the large top blue waterway below Meydan City [Horizons] and Signature Mall [Godolphin Parks].

The mall will be retained and Godolphin Parks – a mixed use retail, office, and waterfront residential community - will occupy both sides of the canal extension [designated ‘Godolphin River’] - including part of the space shown opposite Signature Mall in the site plan below.

The precinct Meydan Garden Resort [see below] – a luxury villa community – to be operated as short term visitor and tourist lets in concert with the Meydan Hotel in the adjoining Racecourse Grandstand building – has been retained in the current Masterplan – but postponed.

The golf course component is still retained in the current Meydan Masterplan – but has not yet been constructed":
http://www.2daydubai.com/pages/meydan.php

Yeah right!

The Meydan opens as world's first trackside hotel

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Meydan Hotels and Hospitality Division vice president Abdin Nasralla said the property offered 'a unique experience'.

Mar 11, 2010

The Meydan (http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/7523-the-meydan-hotel-soft-launches-on-march-4/), the world's first five-star trackside hotel, opened its doors to the world this week, with its very first guest checking into the property.

The luxury hotel forms part of the Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, the new home to the world's richest horse racing event, the Dubai World Cup.

Meydan Hotels and Hospitality Division vice president Abdin Nasralla said the property offered “a unique experience”.

“[The Meydan] is a gift not only to the racing world, but for all who can appreciate superior service and hospitality excellence,” Nasralla said.

“We are especially pleased to open The Meydan in time for this year's Dubai World Cup where a room at the The Meydan will naturally make this already special occasion a once in a lifetime experience."

The Meydan has 285 rooms and suites featuring equestrian themed motifs and modern design finishes.

95% of the rooms and suites include balconies with unobstructed views of the racecourse.

In addition to the private balconies, The has an infinity pool on the hotel's rooftop where people can watch the races.

Enquiries for accommodation at The Meydan can be made at:

Tel No. (International): +971 4 381 3333
Tel No. (Local Toll Free): 800 639326
Fax number: +971 4 381 3344
Email: meydanreservations@jumeirah.com

http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/7736-the-meydan-opens-as-worlds-first-trackside-hotel/

I was inside the hotel and it's fantastic.

RTA opens today bridges leading to Meydan as coop with Meydan City Corp hailed

Al Tayer: RTA is all set to continue road construction & widening projects

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Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:
The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has coordinated with Meydan City Corp to open today (Sunday) bridges and roads leading to Meydan Racecourse at Nad El Sheba. The project comprises bridges extending 2025 meters; including two 710 meter-long bridges, each consisting of two lanes per direction for entering & exiting Meydan, and another private bridge for VIP use providing direct access to Meydan Grandstand.
The Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA H.E. Mattar Al Tayer hailed the full and continued cooperation of Meydan City Corp; which has helped in stepping up the work tempo and completing the project in a record time. The completion of Meydan Road project has been timed with the completion of the internal construction works of the project in a fully coordinated format and schedule, such that it will be ready on time for the 15th running of the Dubai World Cup on March 27.
“Meydan Roads & Bridges Project; which has a price tag of one billion dirham, is one of the key projects undertaken by the RTA and its importance is underlined by the massive nature of Meydan project which spans an area of 67 million square feet and harbours the world’s biggest horseracing racecourse, in addition to a 5-start hotel, state-of-the-art stables, Meydan Gallery, canals, restaurants, IMAX cinema hall for 585 persons, and a parking space for 10 thousand vehicles” said Al Tayer.

Original pics and full text here:

http://imresolt.blogspot.com/2010/03/rta-opens-today-bridges-leading-to_20.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kffk3m4jiw

good video of meydan racecouse

Meydan today announced the signing of MoU for sale of three commercial buildings in Meydan Metropolis Phase 1, Meydan's business park zone to Emirates NBD. Situated along Al Ain Road and Nad Al Sheba Road, Emirates NBD have indicated that the buildings will be used for corporate staffing and projected to be ready by the end of 2011.

Earthworks, piling and the laying of foundation have commenced for the buildings, which will include offices, retail units, showrooms and car parks. The total Gross Floor Area for sale shall be around 350,000 square feet excluding the car parking.
Mr. Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Meydan, said:

"Emirates NBD is the leading banking group in the region, and to have them onboard as an investor in Meydan Metropolis is a strong testament to their belief in both the Meydan as well as the long-term investment outlook for Dubai."


Meydan Metropolis is poised to be the business district for the world's leading companies, and it makes strategic sense for Emirates NBD to develop their business hub here when the development is handed over. Meydan Metropolis' office blocks will be uniquely linked to create a linear, active, urban space, and will even feature its very own town club and hotel and is a prime example of integrating work, life and leisure.

Mr. Butti Al Mulla, Chairman of Emirates NBD Properties and Board Member at Emirates NBD said, "Emirates NBD believes that Meydan Metropolis will feature the best in infrastructure for businesses. As a market leader across core business lines, and with the leading retail banking franchise in the UAE, being located in Meydan Metropolis will support our long term goals and objectives as an organization and global brand."

"The Business Hub which will house various units of the Bank, shall be developed to the highest world-class specifications with the focus upon energy-saving initiatives being furthered by the group, along with an endeavour to provide the best working environment to our biggest and indispensible asset base - our employees. The decision underlines the strong foundation upon which the Bank rests, enabling it to expand further in today's tough markets, as well," he added.

http://www.ameinfo.com/227817.html

G&Co seeks foreign cash for Dh1bn Meydan plan

Meydan subdeveloper seeks overseas funds to invest in 200-villa project.

http://www.business24-7.ae/polopoly_fs/1.136872.1271695678!/image/3646572639.jpg

Meydan City will feature the Meydan Free Zone and four distinct sub-districts. (EB FILE)

G&Co, a Meydan subdeveloper, is seeking overseas funds to invest in a Dh1.2 billion villa project.

It yesterday launched the 200-villa project in Meydan's South Extension.

"Part of our study is to talk to fund managers, global and local investors to invest in the project," said Joseph Ghossoub, Chairman of G&Co. "We have seen a definite interest in the project and the fact that not many villas are being built in Dubai further reinstates the demand for villa projects in the emirate," said Ghossoub.

"We have carried out all the feasibility studies and I am confident that all the 200 villas we plan to build will be sold," he said.

According to G&Co, the show-home villas will be ready by end of this year and the villas will be ready for sale by March end next year.

He said the project will be priced creatively and will be an affordable development.

"The way we are considering the prices of these villas, it will be creative and affordable. The overall villa development will be completed by the end of 2015," he said.

G&Co is also in the process of tying up with banks to provide financing for investors on the project. According to Meydan, the land plots within Meydan are sized between 9,000 square feet to 21,000 sq ft.

Meanwhile, in an earlier interview with Emirates Business, Mohammad Nasser Al Khayat, Commercial Director, Meydan, said that the master-developer has looked carefully at the various Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs) and that its agreements and contracts are thorough and have been drafted keeping the latest UAE laws in mind.

Meydan has not set any time frame for its sub-developer to begin construction.

"We are still checking the market and seeing how the market trends are moving. If things are more positive, then we will start working closely with the developers," said Khayat. "We have always treated our investors like partners and we were very selective with respect to who we invited to invest in Meydan City.

"We communicate with our investors frequently to ensure that we work with their development programmes and to accommodate their needs as we move forward," he said.

Ghossoub said the developer was bullish about the prospects of their investment on the villa project in Meydan.

"Meydan not only offers the strength of partnership, but will also prove to be a viable investment for the long term." He added: "Meydan's strategic location, its proximity to the heart of Dubai as well as its overall urban master plan for Meydan City were the key pulling factors for us to invest here.

"Dubai has a myriad of opportunities for both business and lifestyle, and we believe it will continue to be a draw for investors and residents who wish to be at the gateway of Asia and Europe."

Meydan City features the Meydan Free Zone and four distinct sub-districts – the Meydan Racecourse; Meydan Metropolis, a series of state-of-the-art business parks; Meydan Horizons, where business towers intermingle with luxury waterfront developments; and Meydan Godolphin Parks, with its distinctive Godolphin Tower created in the image of a thoroughbred and also where the shopping destination Signature Mall is located.

http://www.business24-7.ae/companies-markets/real-estate/g-co-seeks-foreign-cash-for-dh1bn-meydan-plan-2010-04-20-1.136876

http://gulfnews.com/polopoly_fs/meydan-metropolis-business-park-phase-1-1.628851!image/3849900415.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_475/3849900415.jpg http://gulfnews.com/polopoly_fs/meydan-metropolis-business-park-phase-1-1.628849!image/856576580.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_475/856576580.jpg

Dubai: Meydan on Wednesday announced the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Guangsha Middle East Construction L.L.C.

The MOU will see the Chinese entity handling the construction and development of Meydan Metropolis Business Park Phase 1.

The agreement will cover the construction and development of 16 commercial buildings for office and retail use and will include close to 3000 car park spaces.

Meydan Metropolis Business Park Phase 1 is expected to be completed in phases.

Meydan has already pre-sold several of these office buildings to Emirates NBD and Amlak Finance.

“Meydan Metropolis Business Park Phase 1 is located within Meydan City and covers a gross floor area of 2.8 million square feet. Designed by Malaysian architects TAK Design Consultants, Meydan Metropolis consists of an expansive mix of commercial, retail and residential developments with its own town club, hotel and serviced residences,” a statement said.

“The development is positioned to offer businesses a premium and strategically located corporate district within the Meydan Freezone.”

With this, Guangsha Middle East further strengthens its ties with Meydan having been involved in the development of the Falcon car park located at the Meydan Grandstand.

Part of Guangsha Holding Venture Capital Group Co., Ltd; one of China's leading diversified conglomerates with interests in media, energy sources, tourism, medical and construction.

It employs over 50,000 worldwide with assets over RMB 16.7 billion (approximately $2.45 billion) and is ranked sixth amongst the top private corporations in China.

Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Meydan, said: “Guangsha has been a strategic partner of ours since 2007, having been integral to the successful deployment of the Falcon car park and other facilities within Meydan. They enjoy a strong reputation not only in China, but also internationally for their build quality and construction standards. Our shared work ethos on delivery and innovation in construction and development standards allows us to further explore this continued partnership with them for Meydan Metropolis Business Park Phase 1. We look forward to seeing Meydan City unfold and gaining traction, with our forward thinking strategies in place as we deliver what we envision will be a truly integrated city of the future."

http://gulfnews.com/business/property/guangsha-to-build-meydan-metropolis-business-park-phase-1-1.628842

Although the value of the MoU was undisclosed, Meydan chairman Saeed Humaid Al Tayer told reporters on Wednesday that he expected the work to be completed in a fifteen to 24 month timeframe.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/588593-chinese-giant-inks-meydan-business-park-deal

I am looking for Maydan plots for joint consolidation. If any one is interested pls email me. jomonanu1@gmail.com

19. April 2010

Meydan today announced the sale of plots in Meydan’s South Extension to G & Co. The land plots are targeted for the development of a new luxury gated community consisting of townhouses and villas.

Valued at a total of AED 370 million, the land area of the Meydan South Extension gated community will accommodate approximately 200 villas, with plots ranging in size between 9,000 to 21,000 square feet. Other facilities include a town hall, swimming pool and resident's clubhouse, lake, children's playground and park. The development is expected to be completed in late 2015.

The design of the villas were developed as a result of extensive research to ensure that the demands of the end users will be met. Featuring bright, open spaces with double height ceilings and the extensive use of large glass panels, the villas were conceptualised with modern design elements allowing a seamless flow between living spaces. These exclusive villas will feature only premium materials and finishings, and it will also include extensive home automation and technology features to enhance the living experience of home owners. It is expected to be a benchmark-setting development unlike any other in Dubai, with a strong focus on build quality, aesthetics and deliver on both form and functionality.

Mr. Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Meydan, said: “We are very pleased with the sale of the Meydan Southern Extension plots to G & Co. Mr Joseph Ghossoub, Chairman of G & Co. is not only a well-known business leader, but is also noted for his global strategic investments, and we are glad to welcome him as a key investor. Meydan continues to be positioned as an excellent investment vehicle, not only because of our strong fundamentals, but also due to the calibre of the investors we continue to attract. The sale of these plots are very much aligned with the renewed interest in the investment market here in Dubai.”

Mr. Joseph Ghossoub, Chairman of G & Co. said: “G & Co. believes that Dubai is and will remain the market of choice for investors from around the world as Meydan is the premier address in Dubai. We are bullish about the prospects of this investment as we have carefully studied the property market and believe that investing in Meydan offers not just the strength of partnership, but will also prove to be a viable investment for the long term.”

Mr. Ghossoub added: ”Meydan's strategic location, its proximity to the heart of Dubai as well as its sound overall urban master plan for Meydan City were the key pulling factors for us to invest here. Dubai has a myriad of opportunities for both business and lifestyle, and we believe it will continue to be a draw for new investors and residents who wish to be at the gateway of Asia and Europe."

The by-invitation-only soft launch will be held in November 2010, with an official launch to the general public shortly thereafter.

http://www.meydan.ae/news/meydan-19-04-10.asp

Developer expects project completion to coincide with world cup

# By Nicole Walter, Senior Reporter | Published: 00:00 October 7, 2010

http://gulfnews.com/polopoly_fs/property-showcase-1.692951!image/974209304.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_475/974209304.jpg
A model of the Meydan City project. The exhibition, named Cityscape Global this year, is showcasing property from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and elsewhere.

*Image Credit: FRANCOIS NEL/Gulf News

Dubai: Show homes of the exclusive gated villa community in Meydan City should be ready for a sales launch at next year's World Cup, the developer said Wednesday.

"The rationale behind driving the project forward is that we need to move on despite all the bad influences in the market," Mohammad Abdullah Al Hathboor, project development manager for Meydan, told Gulf News.

"There are niche opportunities. For example, a shortage of contemporary style villas with generous plots," he added.

The gated villa community close to Meydan's Grandstand deep into Nad Al Sheba on the Emirates Road side will include 187 units ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 square feet for three and four bedrooms.

Three different styles have been designed. The villas will be built in a joint venture with G & Co. Meydan will be in charge of infrastructure and G & Co of the villas. Show villas are expected to be completed in time for World Cup 2011 at the end of March.

Sales

"People don't want to buy paper but see the property, the quality, etc. They want transparency. So we ideally want to have the show homes ready to start selling," Al Hathboor added.

Residents will get a secure community with a clubhouse, pools, health facilities and a neighbourhood centre supermarket, nursery, etc. This is phase one, phase two will include the terrace villas, he added.

"We are very ambitious but don't want to get ahead of ourselves. We're looking for end users as customers, not speculators," said Al Hathboor. He couldn't confirm the prices as the final drawings and construction tenders were still being worked out, but said with sales prices in general having come down, the properties would be priced competitively.

The community will be built in phases, with first villa completions expected by the end of next year, maybe a little sooner, said Al Hathboor. "We completed the Grandstand on time and wouldn't want to jeopardise our credibility," he added.

Meydan, in the meantime, is finalising the launch of the free zone office-licensing programme to register the companies, which will operate in the city.

"We will be able to start serving companies by year end. We especially want to attract those related to the equine industry, but everyone is welcome to set up as long as it is not industrial," Al Hathboor said.

The free zone takes in the Metropolis Business Park, where phase one will be handed over to Emirates NBD in the first quarter of next year. The second phase will be ready by the third quarter of 2011, Al Hathboor said.

Gulf News (http://gulfnews.com/business/property/uae/meydan-on-track-to-launch-gated-villa-community-next-year-1.692786)

Does anyone else think it is stupidity piled on stupidity to continue with this, when there isn't enough money or customers to finish Business Bay even?

http://www.dubaichronicles.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/070210_meydan01.jpg

http://www.dubaichronicles.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/070210_meydan02.jpg

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http://www.dubaichronicles.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/070210_meydan03.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1357247

http://i12.tinypic.com/2eyfbl2.jpg

What will become of the camel racetrack across Muscat St. from Meydan City? Will it be completed?

Judging from recent pictures of the Meydan Racecourse, the area across the street from the Meydan is just a vast, empty field with a bunch of electrical towers.

See this image.. (on the left..)

http://i46.tinypic.com/1zleyhl.jpg



Looks like a golf course.. with a branch of Godolphin River across..

^^Is the camel racetrack actually being used nowadays?

It just looks like a barren desert with a bunch of steel structures.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd51/Jericho-79/4t1zk5.jpg

Those 2 lakes are now empty, completely dry!

Those 2 lakes are now empty, completely dry!

So the camel racetrack is now just a vast plot of barren land?

Hey guys. I have a quick question.

To whom does the camel racetrack belong to?

Does it belong to the future Meydan City? Or does it belong to the future Godolphin River City?

Why?

Because of this:
http://www.sgcc.ae/images/site/meydan1_small_June_29_2011_12_19_25.jpg

http://www.sgcc.ae/images/site/meydan2_small_June_29_2011_12_19_25.jpg

Project Name : Meydan Business Park

Consultant : TAK Design Consultant – Dubai

Client : Meydan City Corporation

Location of Project : Dubai, UAE

Project Status : Ongoing

Project Summary:
Scope of Work:The project covers all necessary work required for the Construction of Internal Roads BP1 and BP2 for the proposed development of Meydan Business Park (Phase 1), including installation of Road Signage, Road & Kerb Marking, obtaining NOCs from all relevant Authorities, Earthwork, excavation, removal of surplus excavated materials, supplying & applying Asphalt Works & Road marking.

Source: http://www.sgcc.ae/Meydan_Business_Park

Can anyone confirm this?

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?hl=en&ll=25.161095,55.326306&spn=0.005098,0.008771&sll=25.213451,55.305057&sspn=0.111898,0.006886&vpsrc=6&t=h&z=18

Meydan Golf Course (9 hole) is planned to open by beginning of 2012.

while we may have seen this map before...it is labelled and everything so enjoy. it was from today's GN.

http://i40.tinypic.com/zjj5hd.jpg


R

^^ Excellent find!! Only thing missing is Sobha City, or Madinat Sobha?....... :D

LOL! I guess since its still a "confidential project" they didnt want to reveal too much now. :P

R

The grandstand at Meydan looking good in this picture taken today by the KT :)

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/services/slideshow/uaepic3_29032012.jpg

Anyone going to the World Cup? Anyone going to be in Meydan Terrace?

the only useful bits from the article:

Making the most out of Dubai's Meydan

A growing story of development to make the city a year-round destination

By Saifur Rahman, Business Editor

Gulf News: What is the current status of the Meydan City project in terms of development activities?

Saeed Humaid Al Tayer: Meydan City is a growing story. We built the Meydan Grandstand as the centre piece of the master planned project three years ago.

We are adding a number of new facilities.

Now gradually, we are working to realise the vision — an integrated lifestyle destination that caters to every aspects of the equine industry — from horse racing and hospitality to the training centre, the breeding of horses, etc, the entire industry.

Over the last few years, we have completed the landscaping, construction of roads, infrastructure and associated works. We have recently completed the district cooling and power distribution plants that will ensure a smooth supply of power, cooling and water to our residents and visitors.

I think to an extent we have achieved our objectives so far even though we have more goals in the near future... for example, we are on the verge of opening the Golf Course and the Club House right after the World Cup.

We have opened the Tennis Academy at Meydan. We are soon opening the Meydan Beach Club at the Jumeirah Beach Residence that will cater to the growing number of tourists that we serve at the Meydan Hotel.

We are also making the final plans for the launch of Meydan Horse Academy that will be announced by a board member soon. We are in the final stage of launching it.

However, Meydan will remain a low density, high-end community where you will see more open space. It is meant to be a lifestyle destination. So we are progressing as per our plans and gradually it will take a much bigger shape than what you see around us.

We are extremely happy with what we have added to Meydan City development so far.

Are there any individual projects within Meydan City coming up for construction this year?

We have finalised the construction of 528 villas that will be built for Emirates airline's pilots. Construction is going to start soon.

We are currently negotiating with consultants and partners on developing a signature mall at Meydan City that will cater to the residents as well as visitors.

We are currently benchmarking the mall against some of the best facilities in the world.

It is going to be one of our key projects within Meydan. A project of such magnitude usually requires about Dh2-Dh3 billion worth of investment.

We are currently negotiating with investors to build two hospitals that will serve the future residents of Meydan.

We are also talking to the authorities to develop a permanent jogging and cycling track that will help fitness and health conscious people to use these. These will help attract more people.

You have signed an agreement with an Indian developer — Sobha Group — to develop Sobha City within Meydan City last month. Is there any update on this project?

Sobha is one of our partners. We consider all our investors partners of Meydan. Because, one has to understand our philosophy, what we stand for… and share the Meydan vision.

In a similar way, Sobha Developers are a strong partner who embraced our vision and will play their role in implementing it. Once they are ready with their plans, they will start works on the projects.

http://gulfnews.com/business/opinion/making-the-most-out-of-dubai-s-meydan-1.1001619

R

^^ Hospitals, a mall and 528 villas. The hospitals should go to DHCC!!!!! :bash:

The mall is a good idea, but is one needed there? :dunno: There is no "community" yet!

Looks like they are looking at ways to integrate this with the bbay canal

Developing a waterfront
Dubai Creek extension plan The project is aimed to revive the Business Bay canal as part of an integrated marine system and transform the adjacent area into an attractive waterfront. It will create a unique water body suitable for leisure navigation, Lootah said.

The municipality undertook a complete hydrodynamic study to ensure proper water circulation in the Business Bay canal and the inner part of the Dubai Creek. It also considered the possibility of including the Meydan canal in the overall system.

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/business-bay-canal-gets-the-go-ahead-1.1022591

R

^^ possibility? I thought it was a no brainer! :ohno: