Welcome to the Meydan Racecourse, home of the Dubai World Cup. Built in 2010 for a whopping $1 billion, the awe-inspiring complex is the glittering crown in Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's racing empire. But can the big money buy prestige?
The future of racing? —
Welcome to the Meydan Racecourse, home of the Dubai World Cup. Built in 2010 for a whopping $1 billion, the awe-inspiring complex is the glittering crown in Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's racing empire. But can the big money buy prestige?
Courtesy Meydan and Teo A. Khing Design Consultants
The track's 10-storey hotel boasts 285 luxury rooms, roof-top infinity pool, ballroom and five restaurants. It's intended to be a year-round conference center outside the racing season.
Emerald city —
The track's 10-storey hotel boasts 285 luxury rooms, roof-top infinity pool, ballroom and five restaurants. It's intended to be a year-round conference center outside the racing season.
Courtesy Meydan and Teo A. Khing Design Consultants
"It's like Old Trafford, the Emirates and Wembley all rolled into one. When they turn the lights on it looks like a spaceship from 'Star Wars,'" said champion Italian jockey Frankie Dettori. <br />
Space-age —
"It's like Old Trafford, the Emirates and Wembley all rolled into one. When they turn the lights on it looks like a spaceship from 'Star Wars,'" said champion Italian jockey Frankie Dettori.
Courtesy Sam D'Agostino
Sheik Mohammed's vision of a thriving Meydan metropolis doesn't stop at the race track. Plans are underway for a nearby retail center, featuring a 40-storey horse-shaped tower.
Brave new world —
Sheik Mohammed's vision of a thriving Meydan metropolis doesn't stop at the race track. Plans are underway for a nearby retail center, featuring a 40-storey horse-shaped tower.
Courtesy Meydan and Teo A. Khing Design Consultants
Dubai's ruler, Sheik Mohammed (pictured in green), is an influential figure in the thoroughbred breeding and racing world. The wealthy prime minister owns the country's prestigious Godolphin Stables, along with stud farms in Ireland, Britain, and the U.S.
Sheik it all about —
Dubai's ruler, Sheik Mohammed (pictured in green), is an influential figure in the thoroughbred breeding and racing world. The wealthy prime minister owns the country's prestigious Godolphin Stables, along with stud farms in Ireland, Britain, and the U.S.
Courtesy Sam D'Agostino
Godolphin horse Monterosso, riden by jockey Mickael Barzalona, won last year's Cup. With $10 million in prize money on offer, it is the world's richest race, attracting the best thoroughbreds on the planet.
Money talks —
Godolphin horse Monterosso, riden by jockey Mickael Barzalona, won last year's Cup. With $10 million in prize money on offer, it is the world's richest race, attracting the best thoroughbreds on the planet.
Courtesy Neville Hopwood
The unique Middle Eastern setting mean sheiks in traditional dress rub shoulders with scantily-clad fashionistas over the 11-day carnival.
Fashion sheiks —
The unique Middle Eastern setting mean sheiks in traditional dress rub shoulders with scantily-clad fashionistas over the 11-day carnival.
Courtesy Nick England
"There's no gambling allowed here in the Middle East in Dubai, it's against the law and it's against the religion," said Simon Crisford, manager at Godolphin Stables. "It's all about the competition, the spirit of horse racing here is not about the betting."
Under the spotlight —
"There's no gambling allowed here in the Middle East in Dubai, it's against the law and it's against the religion," said Simon Crisford, manager at Godolphin Stables. "It's all about the competition, the spirit of horse racing here is not about the betting."
Courtesy Andrew Watkins
The extreme Gulf heat, up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 degrees Celsius) at the height of summer, make breeding and racing thoroughbreds a difficult task. "In terms of racing, we have a short lifespan -- from the start of November to end of March," said Dubai World Cup chief executive, Frank Gabriel.
Challenging climate —
The extreme Gulf heat, up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 degrees Celsius) at the height of summer, make breeding and racing thoroughbreds a difficult task. "In terms of racing, we have a short lifespan -- from the start of November to end of March," said Dubai World Cup chief executive, Frank Gabriel.
Marwan Naamani/Getty Images/File
Launched almost 140 years ago, the Kentucky Derby remains one of the most prestigious races in the world. <br /><br />"The Dubai World Cup is a new event, it's only 17 years old. Some of the other big prestigious races around the world are 200 years old, so it can never compete with the sense of tradition and history. But nevertheless it continues to attract the very best horses," Crisford said.
Old world charm —
Launched almost 140 years ago, the Kentucky Derby remains one of the most prestigious races in the world.

"The Dubai World Cup is a new event, it's only 17 years old. Some of the other big prestigious races around the world are 200 years old, so it can never compete with the sense of tradition and history. But nevertheless it continues to attract the very best horses," Crisford said.
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