With the number of world-class sporting venues on the anvil, the UAE could well become the nerve centre of world sport
That the UAE is the sporting nation of the region has never been in doubt but with the launch of two more multi-billion dollar sporting projects the country could stake a claim to being the 'Meydan' of world sport.
Meydan, a horse racing city, was unveiled by the Dubai Equestrian Club following the launch of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Formula One circuit on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. These two projects are certain to elevate the UAE to the highest pinnacle of sporting venues.
Meydan is the Arabic word meaning a place where people congregate and compete, and race and achieve results.
In that context, with the number of world class sporting facilities being added to the already impressive venue list that the country has, the UAE is indeed shaping up to be the Meydan of world sport.
In January, Abu Dhabi secured the rights to host a Formula One Grand Prix from 2009 for a renewable 7-year term. Work is on in full swing at Yas Island, a natural 2,550 hectare island located east of Abu Dhabi island.
Along with a world-class FIA sanctioned racetrack, Yas Island will feature a Ferrari theme park, signature hotels, golf courses, a 300,000 square metre retail area and a many other facilities.
Designed by Formula One track architect Herman Tilke, the 5.6km racetrack includes high-speed areas ending in tight overtaking turns, a street section and a marina section.
Apart from action on the Formula One track, visitors at Yas Island will be able to engage in a multitude of action sports and leisure-based activities.
The Ferrari driving experience, four polo fields and an equestrian centre, golf courses and a full range of water-sport activities are all part of the Yas Island development.
And even before the news of the Yas Island project sank in, the Dubai Racing Club unveiled Meydan just before the Dubai World Cup this year.
Spanning 76 million square feet, Meydan, which is already racing towards completion, will feature state-of-the-art dirt and turf tracks, a world-class grandstand with a 55,000-60,000 seating capacity.
Situated near the existing Nad Al Sheba racecourse, the project also includes a world-class hotel, more than 10 restaurants, the relocation of Godolphin Gallery, the home of Dubai Racing Club, a museum, a covered car park for 10,000 vehicles and a four-kilometre canal which will run from the Dubai Creek to the racecourse.
The Sharjah Cricket Council (SCC) gave a seven-ground cricket complex in Al Dhaid to cricketers in the UAE to ensure non-stop action throughout the year. Since January, cricket matches are being held regularly at the venue, called the Al Dhaid cricket village.
The theme of creating such a village is to ensure that people enjoy cricket with their families in lush green surroundings, away from the city. Six cement grounds are ready for action and one turf wicket is also being built. There are plans to transform all the wickets into green turf.
