Dubai Sport

Meydan today announced that international artistes Elton John and Santana will be performing ‘live’ at the 2010 Dubai World Cup on March 27. The 15th running of the Dubai World Cup also marks the official launch of the world’s largest integrated racing facility, the Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse.

Mohammad A Nasser Al Khayat, Commercial Director of Meydan speaks of the worldwide significance that March 27 will represent: “It is fitting that we have 2 legendary performers, Elton John and Santana, closing the 15th Dubai World Cup here at Meydan. They are iconic, inimitable and extremely dynamic entertainers. Not only will we see, what I am sure will be amazing world-class horseracing action throughout the evening, but we will also showcase an opening ceremony which will not only astound and touch the hearts of the people who will be there to witness a historical moment as we officially launch Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse. The concert will serve as a wonderful way to cap off an unforgettable night for all our guests, partners and the people around the world.”

Frank Gabriel Jr, CEO of the Dubai Racing Club added: “We have world-class horses, jockeys and trainers on one of the world’s most anticipated race days with US$26m in prize money at stake over 8 races. Add to that an amazing facility like Meydan, and with both Elton John and Santana to close the 15th Dubai World Cup and Meydan’s official launch – this will be the event of the year. I think our horsemen, guests and partners will be in for a spectacular treat and this will undoubtedly be a night to remember for a long time to come.”

The dual headliner concert is expected to commence after the last race at approximately 10.45 pm. Gates at Meydan Racecourse will open from 2pm for the races. Dubai World Cup Apron Views tickets start from AED 350, and exclusive Dubai World Cup Golden Circle tickets for up close access to the concert arena start at AED 600.

Tickets are available from 8 March, Monday, from Virgin Megastore, Box Office and Time Out.

For Virgin, please visit www.ticketingboxoffice.com.
For Box Office, please visit www.boxofficeme.com, or call +971 4 367 6699.
For Time Out, please visit www.timeouttickets.com, or call 800 4669.

For more information, please visit the Dubai Racing Club website at www.dubairacingclub.com.

The Meydan Hotel will also cater for guests, private functions and advance bookings may be made at www.themeydan.com . Hospitality and room reservations for the 2010 Dubai World Cup are expected to sell out quickly, therefore patrons are encouraged to confirm their reservations promptly to avoid disappointment.

For more information on Elton John, please visit his official website at www.eltonjohn.com
For more information on Carlos Santana, please visit his official website at www.santana.com

Chapal Sports and Dubai Sports City (DSC) have signed an exclusive agreement for all on-ground and sponsorship rights of the forthcoming Pakistan-England Twenty20 series to be played at the Dubai Sports City in February. As per the terms of this multi-million dirham deal, Chapal Sports has now acquired all marketing rights of the event including title sponsorship, presenting sponsorship, co-sponsorship, associate sponsorship, ground logos and boards, entertainment branding or any other advertising opportunity on the venue. England will be arriving in Dubai on February 14 and play the Twenty20 world champions before flying to Bangladesh on February 21. The matches will be held on February 19 and 20.

Chapal Sports is a UAE based full-spectrum sports management company, owned by the renowned real estate developers and master planners, the Chapal Group. Their scope of business includes sports events management, sports rights acquisition and re-selling, sports personalities’ management, developing and executing sports related mega events and projects. Having its head office in Dubai and branch offices in Karachi and London, the company primarily focuses on cricket besides other interests in hockey, soccer, golf and polo. Dr Ahsan Malik, the former marketing and commercial director of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is the founding chief operating officer of Chapal Sports while Khurram Ijaz, former PCB general marketing, heads the business operations of the company.

Ahmed Chapal, the chief executive officer of Chapal Sports, said Tuesday that they were delighted to enter into this agreement with the DSC. “Considering that the world’s number one T20 team is up against a very competitive England side just before the T20 World Cup, the level of interest from cricket fans and hence the potential sponsors is enormous. We are confident to put up a wonderful show in collaboration with the DSC management and at the same time generate a good commercial value out of the event. Chapal Sports will always have the cricket passion on top of everything and especially when it comes to supporting Pakistan cricket,” he added.

The Red Bull Urban ride was held at The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence in March 2009.

The event featured demonstrations by skiers and snowboarders, plus live music.

This video shows a group of young snowboarders (Will Davids, Nathan Bain, and Tobias Illeris) at Ski Dubai. Watch out for the back flip towards the end of the film.

This video shows the staff at Ski Dubai building a kicker (jump ramp for those not familiar with snowboarding terminology).

This video shows the new Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium.

The impressive stadium opened on April 22 2009 with a one day international game between Australia and Pakistan.

The purpose-built cricket stadium has a capacity of 25,000 and is circular, ensuring that every seat has an equally excellent view of the action. Also note the floodlights are positioned on the edge of the roof (built more for shade than protection from rain).

The stadium was designed by German architects Gerkan, Marg and Partner.

Other stadia at Dubai Sports City are currently under construction:

• 60,000 seat multi-purpose outdoor stadium
• 10,000 seat multi-purpose indoor stadium
• 5,000 seat field hockey stadium

This video shows some of the entertainment taking place on the opening night of the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai.

The dancers and acrobats are from Jumana Secret of the Desert, an open-air theatrical show now in its 3rd season at the Al Sahra Desert Resort in Dubailand.