Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship inaugurated

Shaikh Ahmed inaugurated the 11th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and 10th Dubai International Horse Fair. — KT photo by Shihab

Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Emirates Airline and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, on Thursday formally inaugurated the 11^th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and the 10^th Dubai International Horse Fair — simultaneous events running at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until March 23.

As two of the region’s most important Arabian equine platforms, the co-located events will gather a host of global and regional equine industry players across every segment of the professional and recreational segments — from stable and horse owners, breeders, professionals and veterinarians, to service and care providers, specialist product providers, leisure riders and everyday horse enthusiasts.

“We thank His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance; and Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum for their on-going support and patronage of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship & Fair,” said Ziad Abdullah Galadari, chairman, Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship. “The Middle East is globally-recognised as an international equine capital and these world-class events continue to showcase the legendary grace, beauty, speed and power of genuine Arabian thoroughbreds in an accessible, family-orientated environment.”

In addition to showcasing the region’s lucrative equine industry, the Dubai International Horse Fair will provide several exciting activities for families and the general public including polo demonstrations organised by the Dubai Polo Club and Equestrian Club (Saturday), an equestrian-themed Art Gallery and a celebration of local culture at the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) organised Heritage Village, which will showcase the UAE’s authentic cuisine, clothing, handicraft, calligraphy and more.

Elsewhere, 100 Arabian horse breeds of best-in-class pedigree from local studs will go under the hammer at the Horse Auction for Arabian Purebred Horses. Held on the final day of the show (Saturday), the auction is anticipated to attract hundreds of prospective regional buyers.

With more than 200 participating companies and brands from five continents represented at the Fair, 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 regional equine industry. 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.