News & Media

Meydan announces Imax deal

10. June 2008

Meydan is delighted to reveal today the signing of a deal with Imax Corporation to install a theatre at the landmark horseracing development.

Imax Corporation is one of the world's leading digital entertainment and technology companies, and renowned for showing major event Hollywood films through state-of-the-art cinematic presentations.

The theatre will be incorporated into the 1.2km Meydan Grandstand building at Meydan Racecourse, and will be an important feature in making Meydan Racecourse a major leisure destination.

Mr Saeed H Al-Tayer, Chairman of Meydan, said: "Meydan is delighted to welcome Imax, one of the world's biggest cinema brands.

"We believe that Imax, renowned for its high quality productions, will be a perfect fit for Meydan.

"Through the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we want Meydan to be more than just a racecourse.

"Obviously top-class horseracing will be the main draw, but Meydan Racecourse will also serve as a major entertainment, leisure and business destination, and the Imax theatre will be one of the leading attractions."

Mr Teo A Khing, managing director of leading Malaysian firm Teo A Khing (TAK) Design Consultants, added: "The Imax theatre will be located between the grandstand itself and The Meydan Hotel, in the same part of the building that houses the Meydan Museum and Gallery and the Dubai Racing Club offices.

"We of course see Meydan as a location for the off-season too, and Imax will help ensure the development is an all-year-round entertainment destination."

IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L Gelfond and Bradley J Wechsler said: "Dubai continues to be recognized around the world for its high end, luxury developments, and we're pleased that the IMAX brand will be included in the Meydan project.

"We remain committed to growing the IMAX network internationally, and we believe that with the right partners, Dubai serves as an excellent platform from which we can increase our visibility in the Middle East."

About Meydan LLC

Meydan LLC (Limited Liability Company) oversees the development of the UAE's new iconic horseracing development. It will feature a world-class grandstand, and the enterprise will also serve as a major business and conference district.

Features of Meydan - an Arabic word, which is translated as a place where people congregate and compete - include five-star hotels, operated by Banyan Tree, a world-class golf course, more than 10 restaurants, covered car parking for 10,000, the Meydan Museum and Gallery, and the Dubai Racing Club and Emirates Racing Authority offices.

Meydan Racecourse is in close proximity to Meydan City - a self-contained community consisting of commercial and residential plots, retail outlets and arcades with canal, waterfront and promenade views.

It is also located near Meydan Business Park, which offers over 2.9 million square feet of office space in 17 blocks. The office pods are set in single pedestrian podium with architecture, design and colour creating an environment-friendly workspace that inspires. The MBP also boasts an impressive workspace lobby which is an expansive 12-hectare landscaped podium, while the plaza cleverly conceals a 3,400-carpark facility for resident workforce.

About IMAX Corporation

IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading digital entertainment and technology companies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX theatres delivering the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX® 3D, and IMAX DMR® technology. IMAX DMR is the Company's groundbreaking digital re-mastering technology that allows it to digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience®. IMAX's renowned projectors and new digital systems display crystal-clear images on the world's biggest screens. The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of March 31, 2008, there were 298 IMAX theatres operating in 40 countries.

Contacts:

William Oburu - Marketing and Communications Manager Meydan
William.Oburu@meydan.ae
Tel: +971 4 3363603

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