HORSE ENTHUSIASTS MOUNT UP!

• MENA region’s ultimate events for Arabian purebloods and the equine industry countries kick off today
• Families, aspirant riders and horse fans flock to experience pony showing jumping activities, Spanish horse performances, polo demonstrations and a dedicated equestrian art gallery 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance today (Thursday, 17 March) inaugurated the 13th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship together with the 12th edition of the Dubai International Horse Fair, which have developed into core international events, supporting a thriving equine industry in the UAE and wider Middle East. The events run until 19 March 2016 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Ziad Abdullah Galadari, Chairman, Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said: “We thank His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, for his ongoing patronage and support of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and Dubai International Horse Fair, which are now the ultimate arena for the equestrian industry. Over the years, Dubai has captured the world’s attention as one of the premier destinations for equine excellence with a rich history of Arabian horses, which goes back centuries. These events are highly anticipated fixtures on the annual calendar among horse experts, owners, breeders and the broader community.”

Held over three days, the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship is a showcase and competition of the heritage, beauty and agility of the world’s finest Arabian horses, with prize money of US$ 4 million (AED 15 million) while the Dubai International Horse Fair is firmly established as the region’s leading equine exhibition with more than 200 exhibitors and brands from 20 countries.

Dubai International Horse Fair brings together prominent brands and companies specialising equestrian equipment, services and care products as well as owners, breeders, stables, clubs, veterinarians, and professional and leisure riders.

This year the event welcomes exhibiting companies and brands from across the globe including Bahrain, Oman, Spain, France, Germany, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Egypt, Slovenia, Taiwan, Canada, United Kingdom and United States. New participating countries include Iceland and Kyrgyzstan.

Leading international and local companies and brands exhibiting a range of products and services to the burgeoning equine industry in the Middle East include: Ajman Stud, Al Hawajer Stud, Dubai Arabian Stud, Dubai Equine Hospital, Jebel Ali Racecourse, Mandara, Royal Cavalry and Shadwell Stud among others.

The popular Horse Auction, organised by Emirates Bloodstock, returns this year where Arabian purebred horses from local studs will be available for viewing, bidding and buying. Held from 2pm on Friday, 18 March, the auction will have over 100 pureblood Arabian horse breeds on sale. Prospective buyers and members of the public can feel the thrill of a live auction with prices and stock to suit every budget. 

The Dubai International Horse fair offers activities that appeal to a spectrum of age groups and backgrounds with polo demonstrations, an equestrian-themed Art Gallery, Spanish horse “ballet” performances, pony show jumping and a Heritage Village featuring traditional Bedouin houses, falconry, local dishes and henna tattoo artists.

The Dubai International Horse Fair 2016 will be held in Halls 5 and 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Opening hours are 11am - 8pm on 17 March, 2pm – 8pm on 18 March and 11am – 8pm on 19 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.