DUBAI INTERNATIONAL HORSE FAIR MARKS 10th ANNIVERSARY WITH THE FINEST ARABIAN BREEDS IN THE WORLD

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL HORSE FAIR MARKS 10^th ANNIVERSARY WITH THE FINEST ARABIAN BREEDS IN THE WORLD

MENA region’s leading equine exhibition brings together thriving horse industry with new attractions including Dressage Performance, Art Gallery and Pony Show Jumping

11th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship announces AED15 million (USD 4 million) in prize money

As Dubai International Horse Fair celebrates its 10^th anniversary, alongside the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, the event is set to showcase some of the finest Arabian horse breeds in the world with the estimated value of each horse in the range of USD1 million to USD2 million. The event also brings together the region’s leading equestrian equipment companies, owners, breeders, stables, clubs, veterinarians, services and care products, professional and leisure riders and horse enthusiasts.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, the Dubai International Horse Fair has matured over a decade into a popular event that offers a lucrative platform for the thriving equine industry in the UAE and wider Middle East.

Taking place from 20 - 22 March 2014 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the event showcases the widest range of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East. 

The show will be held alongside the 11^th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, a competition for purebred Arabian horses to judge their beauty, agility and heritage. With prize money of USD4 million (AED15 million), the international Championship is set to attract strong attendance from equestrian enthusiasts.

The firmly-established Horse Auction for Arabian purebred horses from local studs returns this year and will be held on the second day of the show. 100 Arabian horse breeds of the best pedigree will be on sale and the event is anticipated to attract hundreds of buyers from across the region.

New attractions at 2014 edition

Among the new features at Dubai International Horse Fair 2014 is The Art Gallery, which specialises in equestrian art and brings together renowned artists who will showcase their work that demonstrates the beauty, agility and heritage of Arabian horses to art connoisseurs across the region.

 

This year Dressage Performance will feature as part of the show offerings where enthusiasts and the general public can experience thrilling dressage routines and see first-hand the magnificence of the participating horses and their riders who have put in years of diligent training to master the sport.

Organised by Dubai Pony Club, an expanded Pony Show Jumping competition, held in the Dubai Pony Show Jumping Festival Arena, will see the most talented young riders across the UAE competing for top honours.

Equine industry platform

This year the event will host more than 200 participating companies and brands from countries across the globe including Australia, Canada, Egypt, Germany, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Portugal, UAE, UK and USA. New country participants include France, Iran, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Tanzania.

Leading international and local companies and organisations will showcase a range of products and services to cater to the burgeoning equine industry in the Middle East. Participating companies include Ajman Stud, Al Hawajer Stud, Dubai Arabian Stud, Dubai Equine Hospital, Dubai Racing Channel Studio, Jebel Ali Racecourse and Shadwell Stud, based in the United Kingdom, among others.

 

Ziad Abdullah Galadari, Chairman, Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said: “Horses have always been a passion and a way of life in the Middle East and as Dubai emerges as the centre of the equine industry in the region, the Dubai International Horse Fair has become firmly established as the leading platform for the industry and equine enthusiasts while offering the general public and families a thoroughly entertaining weekend. The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, held alongside the Dubai International Horse Fair, is the most highly anticipated and prestigious equine event in the region that showcases the sheer beauty of purebred Arabian horses in the equine world.”

The Dubai International Horse Fair 2014 will be held in Halls 7 and 8 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Opening hours are 11am - 8pm on 20 and 22 March and from 2pm - 8pm on 21 March. Admission is free of charge and open to trade visitors and the general public. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pre-registration is now open at the show’s official website www.dihf.ae.