A major multi-billion dollar racecourse development - Meydan - has opened in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the staging its first event at the 2010 Dubai International Racing Carnival.

The complex, which cost a reported US$2.7bn (£1.7bn, €1.9bn), includes a grandstand spanning 1.5km (0.9 miles),capable of accommodating 60,000 spectators and equipped with rooftop solar panels. In addition to Meydan Racecourse's new 1,750m (5,741ft) all-weather track and 2,400m turf track, the scheme also incorporates breeding and training facilities, an Imax Theatre, the Meydan Museum and a five-star hotel.

Designed by Malaysia-based Teo A Khing Design Consultants, the scheme's 230-suite hotel will be operated by Banyan Tree and will include restaurants and a spa, as well as offering views overlooking the racecourse. Speaking in December ahead of the opening, chair and chief executive officer of Meydan Group, Saeed Humaid Al-Tayer, said: "Environmental conservation is not just a global buzzword, but a philosophy that we deeply uphold and put in practice with Meydan's projects.

"We will continue to take proactive steps to incorporate the latest ecologically-friendly technologies into our developments to provide a sustainable and nurturing environment for our business partners and investors." Image: Meydan and Teo A Khing Design Consultants