Overlooking the action as the horses come into the time gates are the two press boxes. One on either side, the media centre is fully equipped to cater to the modern day reporter.

Even as the horses and riders sweat it out in the open the reporters from these air-conditioned media centres can take in all the happenings once the riders arrive.

Adjoining the Media Centre are the dining halls, one smaller and the other larger to accommodate a large number.

The 'arms' on either side comprise the Hospitality Suites or rooms that have been earmarked for sponsors and corporate bodies and their guests.

Once inside the main area which leads to the vet gate, the VIP Chalets are situated on either side and extend into other enclosed areas for riders and their crew.

Just in front are the shaded areas on both sides for the horses as they rest and recoup before either going out on the terrain or for their vet checks.

Behind the vet gate is the hospital to treat the horses while further away are the various stables for horses according to their quarantine grouping.

With quite a few other facilities also to be added before the January 27 championship date, this venue looks set the capture the hearts of the nearly 200 riders expected from over 35 countries.

To sum up in the words of the Endurance Committee Chairman Hallvard Sommerseth, "The creation of a completely new venue, with its world class facilities, is nearing completion.

"Everyone who gathers in Dubai next January will experience a new standard of international competition venue never seen before."