Dubai one of the best Purebred Arabian show horses in the world will compete for record prize money of $4 million (Dh15 million) at the 15th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC) which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre this weekend.
A competition for Arabian horses, showcasing their beauty, agility, and heritage, the show will feature around 220 horses from over 20 countries registered with the World Arabian Horse Organisation (WAHO). The event will include 16 qualifying classes with the best of the best going forward to the six prestigious championship finals on Saturday.
Most of the horses assembled in Dubai have already been crowned champions in the UAE, Middle East or ECAHO (European Conference of Arab Horse Organisations) competitions around the world, making this one of the most elite events in the region.
The DIAHC, which is held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, will run alongside the Dubai International Horse Fair, which is in its 14th year. Both events are being staged at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Ziad Abdullah Galadari, Chairman, DIAHC Higher Organising Committee said: “The Middle East is globally-recognized as one of the most renowned equestrian hubs featuring world-class events that showcase the legendary grace, beauty, speed, and power of horse breeds in an accessible, family-orientated environment.
“The global equestrian community eagerly awaits Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, held alongside the Dubai International Horse Fair, where the finest Arabian breeds and their owners will compete for glory.
“This year, we have raised the standard for qualifying in a bid to ensure that only the best Arabian show horses will compete in our event. We are looking at quality, not quantity,” added Galadari.
“Shaikh Hamdan has been closely involved in the DIAHC since its inception and without his patronage and advice over the years, we could not have reached a point where we are one of the most prestigious shows in the world.
“The prize money is good, the quality of horse competing is good and the facilities are of the highest standard. This is what makes the DIAHC the most sought-after event in the Middle East and beyond,” said Galadari.
The Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) attracts a host of global and regional equine industry players across the globe this week. In addition, aspirant horse riders of all ages, and families are set to enjoy a range of entertainment and educational activities over the three days.