A joint venture of Arabtec Construction and WCT Engineering has won the prestigious $1.3 billion contract to build the UAE’s iconic new horse-racing development, Meydan.

The new racecourse will replace the one at Nad Al Sheba, home to the Dubai World Cup.
Meydan chairman Saeed H Al Tayer said “Meydan is delighted to have secured the services of two of the world’s finest construction companies.”
Pointing out that although Meydan had been announced only six months ago, he said that work on this project is already under way at a fast pace.
“The piling process, which began in April, is nearing completion and Meydan is firmly on course for its opening at the 2010 Dubai World Cup meeting,” he said.
The Meydan racecourse’s one-km-long grandstand building will have a capacity of 55,000 to 65,000 spectators. The complex will include a five-star-plus luxury hotel, more than 10 restaurants, Meydan Museum and Gallery, covered car parking for more than 10,000, and also the premises for the Dubai Racing Club and Emirates Racing Authority.
Construction work on this racecourse is expected to be completed within two years. Other contracts to be announced soon include: the racecourse hotel operator, state-of-the-art Business Park, construction of the dirt and turf racetracks, and the 18-hole championship golf course.
In close proximity to the Meydan racecourse is Meydan City — a self-contained community consisting of commercial and residential plots, retail outlets and arcades with canal, waterfront and promenade views.
Meydan racecourse and Meydan City are being designed by leading Malaysian firm Teo A Khing (TAK) Design Consultants.