Hamdan inaugurates Arabian horse show and exhbition

Dubai There was plenty in store for equestrian enthusiasts as the 13th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and 12th Dubai International Horse Fair got off to a colourful start at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Thursday.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who is the chief patron of the annual three-day blockbuster, inaugurated the event with the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon.

The twin events which have developed into core international activities supporting a thriving equine industry in the UAE and wider Middle East, run until Saturday, March 19.

Ziad Abdullah Galadari, Chairman, Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said: “We thank Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum 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.”

The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship brings to the fore the heritage, beauty and agility of the world’s finest Arabian horses and carries a staggering prize purse of $4million (Dh14.7 million).

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, March 18, 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 also 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 Horse Fair 2016 is held in Halls 5 and 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre.