Press conference in DubaiLongines proclaims long-term partnership with the elite Meydan Group
A true integration of tradition and elegance was witnessed as esteemed Swiss watchmaking brand Longines entered into a strategic business partnership with the dynamic Meydan Group, wherein Longines will be the official timekeeper for all the equine events being held by Meydan. The long-term partnership between the two renowned giants of the equestrian world was unveiled at a recently held press conference in Dubai in the presence of the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors Swatch Group Ltd Ms. Nayla Hayek and the Chairman and CEO of Meydan Group, Mr. Saeed H Al Tayer.
Speaking out on this sparkling alliance, the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors Swatch Group Ltd, Ms. Nayla Hayek stated, “Horses have always been my passion. I am therefore delighted that Longines has taken this strategic decision to be involved in another long-term partnership in an additional horse sport event. We are happy to announce that Longines will be the Official Timekeeper of Meydan Horseracing and Equestrian Sports Events. With Meydan, we have found a partner that upholds the same core values as Longines, namely elegance, tradition and performance. Longines can boast of 85 years of timekeeping experience in equestrian sports and it has established itself as an essential partner of these disciplines that combine precision and elegance.”
Visibly pleased and proud on this momentous occasion, Mr. Saeed H. Al Tayer, Chairman & CEO of Meydan Group said, “The tradition of equestrian sports is a strong part of the culture of Dubai and the UAE. We are pleased to team with Longines, a brand known for their commitment to quality and elegance. This will be a partnership that will promote the further growth and development of Meydan racing, the Dubai World Cup and our related equestrian pursuits conducted through the Dubai Equestrian Club and the Emirates Equestrian Centre. The traditions of Meydan and Longines are recognized world-wide and this partnership will further promote our commitment in providing the highest level of quality in our pursuits”.
Mr. Walter Von Känel, the President of Longines, commented on this partnership: “I have been told that ‘Meydan’ is the Arabic word for ‘meeting place’. We are very honored to join Meydan as Official Timekeeper of their sports events. Our long-term partnership comprises prestigious events such as HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, Dubai World Cup Carnival, Dubai World Cup and Dubai Show Jumping. We are looking forward to the great local and international exposure that this wide range of events will bring to Longines.”
Dating back to 1878, the quality association between Longines and the equestrian discipline has only grown stronger as the years progressed and is based on shared values namely grace, tradition, precision and performance. Longines is proud to be a connoisseur of a sport that echoes its values and is followed and revered by millions of people worldwide. As this illustrious partnership commences, Longines will be officially timekeeping for the vast portfolio of Meydan events lined up for the year including the Dubai World Cup Carnival beginning in January 2012 and the world’s richest race, the celebrated Dubai World Cup on March 31, 2012.
In accordance with its passion for elegance and eternal commitment to the equestrian world, Longines has been responsible for official timekeeping at numerous international events spanning continents such as the CSIO Nations Cup, the Kentucky Derby, the Prix de Diane Longines, Royal Ascot, the Melbourne Cup carnival, the Longines Singapore Gold Cup and the Longines Lydia Tesio Race in Rome, among others. Longines has also hugely impacted the Middle East with their official involvement in the competitions organized by the Arab Equestrian League. Boasting of a vast tradition of sports timing, and through their many technological innovations, Longines has exerted a major influence on the development of competitive sport. The Longines dedication to the equestrian arena is visible even in one of their very first innovations, a pocket chronograph currently on display at the Longines museum, which features an elegant jockey with his horse hand-engraved on the back cover.
Considered the ultimate venue for horseracing, Meydan is the brainchild of the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is an interconnected city with four distinct districts that are sustainable and environmentally responsible. The four districts; Meydan Racecourse, Meydan Horizons, Meydan Metropolis and Meydan Godolphin Parks bring together the worlds of business, sport and cosmopolitan living and connect to enhance and complement each other and provide the most comfortable and luxurious experience. Recognized as the home of the world’s richest horse race and the world’s first luxury 5-star trackside hotel, the prestigious Meydan is a fine blend of architectural masterpieces, brilliant hospitality and banqueting and unparalleled standards in racing facilities and technology.
A delightful union of style, sophistication, glamour and charm, every Meydan equine event will now boast of elegance as an attitude. Longines’ already striking history has been enriched with yet another milestone, one that will leave a magnificent mark on the Equestrian world.
About Meydan – One dynamic location, many possibilities
Meydan City is the brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. It is the culmination of his vision to create not just the ultimate venue for horseracing, but also an integrated city that is sustainable, environmentally responsible and also one that positions Dubai at the centre of the competitive global business stage. Meydan City will feature four distinct sub-districts – Meydan Racecourse; where the Meydan Grandstand takes centre stage and is home to the Dubai World Cup, Meydan Metropolis; a series of state-of-the-art business parks, Meydan Horizons; where residential and business towers intermingle with luxury waterfront developments, and Meydan Godolphin Parks; a shopping destination, featuring a Signature Mall.