On 26th March 2011, the Dubai world cup takes place at the state of the art Meydan racecourse in Dubai. This fantastic horse racing arena was launched in early 2010. The racecourse comprises of a 1750 meter all weather racing surface, and the main 2400 meter turf course.

The grandstand is like no other construction in the world, with the crescent shaped roof covering the grandstand that spans a massive 1.5km. This is a sight to behold and will have people’s heads turned permanently skywards, looking up in total awe of the architectural feat that has been achieved.

The Dubai world cup, along with all races at the Meydan racecourse takes place in front of the majestic 60,000 capacity futuristic grandstand and the five star Meydan hotel, which is the world’s first trackside 5 star hotel comprising predominantly of 230 suites that overlook the racecourse in your own private viewing area. The hotel also features high end restaurants serving international cuisine. The hotel is also home to the Meydan museum and gallery, an IMAX theatre, its own marina and commercial offices.

What makes this racing centre of excellence so special is that from the air the whole complex resembles the shape of a Falcon, which is synonymous and typical of the United Arab Emirates to come up with such an elaborate and uniquely designed building.

The Dubai World Cup is the richest horse race in the world where a prize of $10m is presented to the winning owner. The race card is worth a total of $26.25m which is provided by its sponsors. The first race starts at 16:30 and culminates with the final race of eight being the world cup at 21:30. The race day is not just about money, but the quality of the horses taking part from all over the world.

There are a number of hospitality packages available which are quite extensive, with various price packages available to suit all pockets, with a wide range of food choices available, obviously the more exclusive package the more expensive the price you pay.

This is a premium racing destination that is full of quality. From the food to the races, from the surroundings to the dignitary who attend. You will not find a more refined sporting centre, that has unmatched luxury and technology from any racecourse around the world.

The world cup in Dubai is steeped in history dating back to the first race held in 1996, where HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai decided to live and fulfil the dream and his love of horses and racing, by commissioning the Dubai world cup and eventually in 2010 having the Meydan centre building complete to become one of the world’s top racecourses.

Horse racing in Dubai started on a dusty camel track in October 1981 when the race meet started with a three race meet. In 1992, the well known horse racing stable Godolphin began. In 1996, the inaugural Dubai World Cup meeting began.

This initial meeting put the United Arab Emirates on the map with millions of racing enthusiasts flocking from around the world to the Dubai world cup event ever since.

History was made by the American ‘wonder horse’ Cigar who claimed the very first Dubai World Cup. Cigar appeared to be flagging when he was being caught by some of the field. He called upon reserves  to defy the second place horse in the final 200 meters in what was described as an epic battle to the end.  The Dubai world cup is an invitation only to the world’s top horses which is what makes this race extra special, with horses flown to Dubai from all corners of the world.

Unlike other racecourses around the world, entry to the Meydan racecourse is free to the thousands of spectators that make their way here from around the world. Free admission allows access to a limited section in the Meydan arena.

As with the normal competition of the horses and typical of todays culture which is seen worldwide, particularly at Ascot in the UK, fiercely contested is the best dressed lady, best hat and best dressed couple of the Dubai world cup. The increasing style and fashion conscious people around will be there to be crowned champion.

The numerous well placed retail outlets provide food and refreshments for the non hospitality guests.

There are many hospitality packages available as listed below:

All the premium seated areas are situated adjacent to the finish line which gives an unprecedented view of the horse racing event and the entertainment laid on after the racing card at night. Food and beverages are available either outside in their seats or inside the air conditioned hospitality area. This package is inclusive of soft drinks, limited house drinks, afternoon tea and gourmet foods. The price for this year (2011) starts at AED 1,400.

Restaurant and Dining packages are available inside the Meydan Grandstand which comprises of two top quality restaurants. The Parade Ring Restaurant and the Tiered Restaurant are located on Level 2 of the hospitality areas. The areas are decked out with stylish décor in an elegant way. Both of these restaurants provide you with a relaxed atmosphere and great views of the action at the races.

There is also a buffet dining experience with its own private seating within the Grandstand for parties of 10 people, on the ground floor of the Grandstand. This offers a close up view of the Parade Ring runners before and after all the races. TV screens are scattered around the restaurants to give an extra view to those who are late to leave their seats, to ensure that no racing action is missed.

The days culinary events include afternoon tea and Dinner Buffet and accompanied with soft drinks and standard house beverages. There is a premium drink menu available which provides Champagne to those celebrating the atmosphere and event.

On level 2 and 3 is the awesome glass fronted area that houses the Meydan Grandstands signature restaurant which is cleverly designed as such to allow each and every table on the 4 tiers stunning views of the racecourse, whilst living up the luxury of the lavish hospitality provided during the 5 course set meal.

If it is privacy that you want, the suites accommodate from 10 to 380 people, ideal for a company day out or clients wishing to entertain their guests, the Corporate Suites offer exclusivity on 5 levels of the Grandstand. Each of the 72 luxurious suites have their own private areas to boast about, with levels 3,4 and 5 having their own private terrace seating area. The suites on levels 6 and 7 are provided with their own private balcony area giving a scintillating aerial view of the racecourse and all of the racing action.

Each of the suites are serviced by dedicated staff who will cater to you and all of your guests to provide you unparalleled service levels making you want for nothing.

They will be managing an array of food and drink for you, with your own private international Buffet station and serving drinks for you ranging from afternoon tea, soft drinks and standard house beverages served from the purpose designed bar area within your own personal suite. All the hospitality suites are interconnected and can be arranged to accommodate larger groups or simply to gain extra space for family gatherings.

Put simply, The Dubai World Cup or any other day or night event at Meydan cannot be missed and we guarantee that you will be awestruck during your time here as were we.  Our editors and corespondents lost count of how many times they found themselves marvelling at this spectacular and simply amazing venue that is Meydan.

Also you can find details of  the spectacular Five Star Meydan Hotel on our hotel pages.