It was my first time to see a horse racing event at Nad Al Sheba, Dubai. I know nothing about horse racing except for horses being beaten to run to the delight of the betting crowd. I thought I’d check out the excitement when M said he needs to go there for his work (evaluating the horse racing event for tourism purposes).
We arrived at the venue after sunset and in the middle of the almost barren surroundings stands the futuristic designed Millenium Grandstand:
~ the Grandstand lights change from electric hues of blue to yellow to pink and purple ~
The grandstand up close:
We passed the free section where most of the spectators are seated. On the sidelines, there were so many people with picnic mats eating, sleeping and playing cards! Pristine kept asking me, “Mom, is this their house?”
The lights were glaringly bright inside.
~ Nad Al Sheba has one of the world’s best horse tracks ~
M bought tickets to the Gainsborough Lounge where we can watch the horse racing event in a covered atmosphere, great for tourists during the summer. There is also a bar with food and serves alcohol (not that we were craving for that- we were there for evaluation, remember?). When we got out of the elevator, the usherette stopped us and pointed to the sign that says,
“Visitors under 21 YEARS not allowed”
Since Pristine’s age only qualified for over 21 MONTHS not years, we were escorted out of the lounge. We were a bit disappointed that one told us about this rule! Pristine was a little upset to miss the fun and the people waving at her inside the lounge and almost cried. We had to take her out and look for other ways to entertain her!
Glad we found something she really liked:
~ free face painting for kids at the event ~
I could write on and on about the event but I’ll save it for later. It’s 1 am already. Just a quick note though, there is no betting in the Dubai horse racing event but there is some kind of raffle draw where if you can correctly guess the winners of each of the seven games, you win a huge cash prize. We might be back again for the Dubai World Cup later this month.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Very cool building!! Looks like a good evening. Your daughter is just beautiful ~ the the butterfly probably made her night!
ValleyGirl’s last blog post..8 in 2008 upd8
You know that top picture of you and Pristine, shows just how much alike you two are!
Boy this looks fun. And how cool that there’s no betting – just the fun of these beasts competing against each other. WOW.
On a Limb with Claudia’s last blog post..Stuff and things.
that means, you and pristine weren’t able to watch the actual race. so sad. the venue is fancy, it sure, would have been an exciting experience.
i love the painting Pristine’s face. i’d love to have one too.
We were able to watch it, just not from the private lounge but in the public grandstand. We did not stay long. It was cold and Pristine was not properly dressed.
rose’s last blog post..he doesn’t scare me
I heard that there are bettings going on at the private lounges. I don’t know if it’s true. In the public grandstand, none. I was amazed too.
I love those photos! Very beautiful. So is your daughter!
~Maria
What an amazing building! Wow, Now I wish I had done that when I was in Dubai (not sure if this building was up then)
No, Sabine, the race course was just completed last year. It did not exist when you were here.Next time!
SabineM’s last blog post..Earth Hour March 29th
would you like to make some invite posts on my weblog?