A multi-billion-dollar crossings and roads project leading to the iconic Meydan horseracing destination has been given the go-ahead by Dubai’s ruler, following the award of a construction contract.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has endorsed awarding the contract of constructing crossings and roads leading to the Meydan project in the area of Nad El Sheba in Dubai.
The project spans Muscat Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road, Ras Al Khor Road and extension of Al Manama Road at a cost in excess of Dh1 billion ($272 million), according to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The project includes a suggested canal passing across Muscat, Dubai-Al Ain, Ras Al Khor and Al Manama roads. Therefore roads, crossings and elevated interchanges have to be constructed to allow for smooth traffic flow in the area, which will witness huge property and investment development, says RTA  chairman and executive director Mattar Al Tayer.
The project, which has been awarded to Avecon, comprises several phases, the first of which covers construction of crossings extending 2,025 m at a cost exceeding Dh1 billion. This includes two crossings to allow entry and exit from Meydan extending 710 m, and another crossing for VIPs linking Muscat Road with Dubai-Al Ain Road, extending 1,315 m.
Phase Two, which will be put out to tender in the near future, covers construction of crossings extending 2,860 m. This includes a 440 m crossing to elevate a section of Dubai-Al Ain Road to allow for the passage of a canal. It also includes a crossing at Al Khor Road as well as inbound and outbound roads to Meydan City extending 2,110 m. A direct lane branching out of Dubai-Al Ain road towards Ras Al Khor Road extending 310 m will also be constructed. The project also includes distinctive landscaping of all main roads engulfing the project in a way that fits with the nature of the project.
“The project of roads leading to Meydan is one of the key projects undertaken by the RTA,” says Al Tayer. “Its importance stems from the iconic Meydan development, which includes the biggest racecourse in the world. Meydan spans an area of 76 million sq ft and includes a hotel, golf courses, shopping and entertainment centres, modern stables, Godolphin racing gallery, waterways, parking for approximately 10,000 cars, and a 4-km canal running from Dubai Creek to the racecourse.”
He continues: “This massive project is scheduled for opening in 2010 to host Dubai World Cup, the prize money of which will then jump from the existing $6 million to $10 million. Meydan is poised to continue offering services even after the end of the racing season. The facilities will be used in holding conferences, corporate meetings, whereas restaurants will serve visitors wishing to enjoy the glamorous setting of the venue. The project will be a landmark tourist destination attracting tourists from the world all over.”