The 11th Dubai International Horse Fair Doors opens its doors today (Thursday, 19 March 2015) where the region’s leading equine companies and brands converge to showcase the latest products, services, equipment and technologies to horse owners, breeders, leisure riders, stables and equine professionals in the Middle East.
The event is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and runs until 21 March 2015 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Dubai International Horse Fair is held alongside the 12th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, which will see Purebred Arabian horses competing for top position and AED15 million (USD 4 million) in prize money. Aimed at purebred Arabian horses to judge their beauty, agility and heritage over three days, the event culminates in the Championship classes for the most exquisite horses.
Global reach
This year the exhibition welcomes more than 200 exhibiting companies and brands from more than 20 countries including Bahrain, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, United Kingdom and United States. New participating countries include Ireland, Italy, Russia and Slovakia.
Michael Connolly, business development director of Connolly’s Red Mills in Ireland, commented: “We are delighted to be exhibiting for the first time at Dubai International Horse Fair and bringing a new standard of localised nutritional solutions for sport horses to the Middle East”.
Connolly’s Red Mills already supplies 17 royal stables in the GCC and last year began establishing local distributors in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “In fact over 80% of the winners in a recent horse racing event in Qatar were powered by Red Mills. In addition, Red Mills-fed horses took almost all the Arab glory at a Kuwait equestrian event earlier this year,” said Connolly.
Saleh Al Sabah, General Manager of the Italian Business Centre (IBC) in Dubai, said: “With years of expertise in Europe, the IBC has begun its expansion with a new and unique venture in the UAE. As the Middle East’s first official Italian Business Centre located in the heart of Dubai, we are looking forward to our first-time participation in the Dubai International Horse Fair and will be showcasing a range of horse feed products.”
IBC represents over 41 Italian companies and 1,000 products and plans to expand their exclusive “Made in Italy” products to the MENA region. By leveraging the company’s nearly 20 years of experience in Europe and the GCC, the organisation has earned a reputation for running one of the most efficient distribution operations, said Al Sabah.
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, Equivance, Jebel Ali Racecourse, Royal Cavalry and Shadwell Stud among others.
Family fun and entertainment
Ever widening its appeal, Dubai International Horse Fair also caters to families and youngsters with a range of activities including dressage, pony show jumping, gymkhana, polo demonstrations, Spanish horse performances, a dedicated Art Gallery, Heritage Village and much more.
The popular Horse Auction returns this year where Arabian purebred horses from local studs will be available for viewing, bidding and buying. Held on Saturday, 21 March, at 12pm, the auction will have 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 2015 will be held in Halls 5 and 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Opening hours are 11am – 8pm on 19 March, 2pm – 8pm on 20 March and 11am – 8pm on 21 March. Admission is free of charge and open to trade visitors and the general public.