Meydan Racecourse in Dubai will open in October and will hold its first meeting January 28.

Saeed Humaid al Tayer, chairman of Meydan, said by having the facility open by October 31, horsemen and visitors will have time to familiarize themselves with the facility before racing begins.

The 2010 Dubai World Cup (G1) program will be held on March 27 at Meydan after 14 years at Nad al Sheba.

The prize money of the Dubai World Cup will increase from US$6 million to US$10 million in hopes of attracting the world’s best horses.

The first meeting will coincide with the start of the 2010 Dubai International Racing Carnival and feature the opening round of the Al Maktoum Challenge (G3).

Construction began in 2007 on 7the new course that will include two tracks, a 60,000-capacity grandstand, a hotel, restaurants, IMAX theatre, a museum, parking, and a canal.

“The opening of Meydan will be a defining moment in the sport’s global history. Unparalleled levels of luxury, customer comfort, and racing technology will be combined to create the ultimate horseracing experience,” al Tayer said.  “We wanted to develop a world-class facility and I cannot think of any other racecourse in the world that will rival it.”