Sport

The Meydan, the world’s first five-star trackside hotel, opened its doors to the world on March 4, 2010, with its very first guest checking into the property. The luxury hotel forms an integral part of the Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, the new home to the world’s richest horse racing event, the Dubai World Cup.

Mr Abdin Nasralla, Vice President Meydan Hotels and Hospitality Division said “The Meydan and its offering of unique experiences is a gift not only to the racing world, but for all who can appreciate superior service and hospitality excellence. We are especially pleased to open The Meydan in time for this year’s Dubai World Cup where a room at the The Meydan will naturally make this already special occasion a once in a lifetime experience.”

Dutco Balfour Beatty (DBB) has been awarded a Dhs 150 million contract to build the clubhouse and golf academy at The Tiger Woods Dubai.

The Tiger Woods Dubai is a golf course and resort project at Dubailand. Features include:

• Golf Course – A 7,800 yard, par 72, 18-hold championship golf course, Al Ruwaya, designed by Tiger Woods.
• Clubhouse – 145,000 sq ft clubhouse with restaurant, bar and lounge, and golf shop.
• Golf Academy – Staffed by PGA professionals this facility will offer high tech tuition and analysis, plus a driving range.
• Hotel – A luxury boutique hotel.
• Residences – Luxury houses and villas.

The Tiger Woods Dubai is a joint venture between Tiger Woods Design and Tatweer, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding.

FIFA General Secretary Jérôme Valcke announced on Sunday that the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 will be held in Dubai. It was also announced that the 2008 event will be held in Marseilles. The French tournament will be the first time the competition will be held outside its birthplace of Brazil.

Mattar Al Tayer, Vice-President of the Dubai Sports Council said, ‘We are privileged to be selected as host city of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009. It’s a dream come true for the UAE. It will be a great honour for us to stage an official FIFA competition for the second time, having already hosted what is now the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2003. Dubai is known for hosting international events with distinction and we will ensure that the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 will be an unforgettable occasion for all.’

The International Rugby Board has announced that Dubai will host the Sevens Rugby World Cup in 2009. The Gulf state was chosen from a list of candidates that included Australia, Russia and the United States. The 2009 competition will be the fifth in the competition’s history and will be the first to include a women’s event. The main sponsors are Emirates Airline.

Liverpool Football Club looks set to be taken over by the investment arm of the Dubai Government. Dubai International Capital (DIC) will shortly begin a process of due diligence at Anfield before signing any deal.

DIC is the international investment arm of Dubai Holding. It is controlled by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the world’s fifth richest man. DIC also owns the Tussards Group, Travelodge, the London Eye and has a significant interest in DaimlerChrysler.

If the deal goes ahead the capital injected would be used to clear the clubs £80 million debt, fund a new 60,000-seater stadium at Stanley Park and compete with the likes of Chelsea on the transfer market.