More than 200 global and regional high-profile equestrian companies and brands are set to take part in the Dubai International Horse Fair this month.
The 11th edition of the fair, which will take place alongside the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, will feature companies and brands including leading equestrian equipment companies, owners, breeders, stables, clubs, veterinarians, services and care products, professional and leisure riders and horse enthusiasts.
The event will take place from March 19 to 21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and will offer a range of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East.
A new exhibitor – Al Habtoor Group – will showcase the recently-announced Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club development worth Dh993 million ($270.2 million) to potential investors and region’s equestrian industry.
The luxury development – due for completion in 2017- will incorporate a 136-key hotel, 162 luxury bungalows and villas, a polo club, a state-of-the-art polo academy with four polo fields, and a riding school with 500 stables.
The group will also conduct polo demonstrations to be held in the DIHF Entertainment Arena.
Mohammed Al Habtoor, vice-chairman and chief executive officer of Al Habtoor, said: “The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is a truly unique development for the polo and equestrian community. It will blend five-star luxury with the equestrian world. There will be all horse disciplines available from polo, show jumping and dressage. The design of the development will be rustic Andalusian.”
Meanwhile, the 12th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship will present some of the most magnificent Arabian breeds in the world with an estimated $1 million to $2 million to discerning horse enthusiasts.
The competition, aimed at purebred Arabian horses to judge their beauty, agility and heritage, offers prize money of $4 million (Dh15 million).
The popular Horse Auction will return this year where Arabian purebred horses from local studs will be available for viewing, bidding and buying. It will have 100 pureblood Arabian horse breeds on sale.
The ‘Art Gallery,’ which specialises in equestrian works will make a comeback this year. It will gather established global artists under one roof where they will unveil their horse-inspired sculptures and paintings to art connoisseurs across the region.
Dressage, pony show jumping, gymkhana and Spanish horse performances will also feature at the show where horse aficionados and the general public can experience riders’ masterful routines.
Ziad Abdullah Galadari, chairman, Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said: “Now in its 11th year, the Dubai International Horse Fair has evolved into an all-encompassing annual event that appeals to the regional and global equine industry, horse enthusiasts and the general public.
“Demonstrating the sheer beauty, agility and magnificence of purebred Arabian horses, the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship is a prominent and highly-anticipated fixture on the calendar of the regional equine community that is growing from strength to strength.”