Elton John, Santana sign up for Dubai World Cup

Friday, 5 March 2010 12:01 AM

STAR TURN: Elton John will perform at the Dubai World Cup on March 27. (Getty Images)

Superstars Elton John and Santana will perform live at the 2010 Dubai World Cup at Meydan on March 27, it has been announced.

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.

And to mark the occasion, Meydan has signed up two of the music world's biggest names to provide the entertainment at the close of the racing action.

The dual headliner concert is expected to start after the last race at about 10.45pm. They are the latest music stars to appear at Meydan - Sting performed at the latest race meeting held on Thursday night.

Mohammad A Nasser Al Khayat, commercial director of Meydan, said: “It is fitting that we have two legendary performers,Elton John and Santana, closing the 15th Dubai World Cup here at Meydan.

"They are iconic, inimitable and extremely dynamic entertainers. 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 $26m in prize money at stake over eight races.

"Add to that an amazing facility like Meydan, and with bothElton John and Santana to close the 15th Dubai World Cup and Meydan’s official launch – this will be the event of the year.”

Gates at Meydan Racecourse will open from 2pm for the races. Dubai World Cup Apron Views tickets start from AED350, and exclusive Dubai World Cup Golden Circle tickets for up close access to the concert arena start at AED600.

With 90 singles and 32 albums, Elton John is widely credited as one of the world’s most dynamic musical legends while Santana has sold more than 90 million records.

Tickets are available from March 8 from Virgin Megastore, Box Office and TimeOut. For Time Out, visit www.timeouttickets.com or call 800 4669.

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Posted by: Paul Bennett Wednesday, 10 March 2010 8:07 AM[UAE] - UAE

I will be just a little surprised if two superstars will be able to perform anything other than few of their hits when the concert starts at 11pm, on a Saturday night. Does anyone know what time the concert actually finishes.

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Posted by: AM Sunday, 7 March 2010 10:52 PM[UAE] - UAE

I agree with most of the previous posts. The Race Course is not the place for a concert - the crowd was split into 3 groups, it was hard to see due to the stage being so low, there was no atmosphere, and the sounds did not travel well. This sort of concert would be great in some of the smaller venues, but the Race Course is not it. Robbie Williams worked - because he was loud and vocal and created the atmosphere but again it was hard to see the stage. Hard to see us going there again for a concert.

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Posted by: liz Sunday, 7 March 2010 9:57 AM[UAE]

Well I had a great night and felt the venue was absolutely beautiful. Yes there was a wait, but in all my experience at concerts, it's kinda standard for about an hour wait, yea?

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Posted by: Gaddour D. Saturday, 6 March 2010 10:41 AM[UAE] - UAE

Sting was great. Meydan is not ready yet for concerts, but great for races. Organization was amateurish, nothing like Dubai Jazz Festival. Acutally, I've seen around 50 concerts in Dubai in 10 years and I'm positive Dubai Media City is the best concert venue. I also agree that people should focus on the concert instead of talking loud about shopping, movies, family issues etc.

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Posted by: Rush Saturday, 6 March 2010 9:03 AM[UAE] - UAE

Yep.. I agree with S. Copeland... was very poorly organized! the wait, and sandwiching everyone like herds for an hour until they patched up the race track with faux grass....not to forget that one had to buy a book of cupons worth 250 AED to purchase your drinks and food! even if you only had to spend 100 dirhams! and then you can claim your cash back if you don't spend the rest.. who has the time or energy to do that at the end of any concert! not to mention the line up! Sting sounded great.. but the whole atmosphere lacked a energy... and was flat.. a couple standing next to us were arguing loudly ! 3 women on the other side talking about fashion and their day!!!so that made it really hard for us to really enjoy the whole thing...let alone hear sting!.... People if you are going to a concert! please focus on the task at hand! and make sure to bring your concert etiquette along... there are other people in your space.. Meydan, Organizers! please make sure that future concerts are better organized and make way for one to enjoy themself! for a worth while experience and money well spent!

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