06 March 2008
Local equestrian companies are ready to do business at Dubai International Horse Fair 2008

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Excitement is rising among the horse-racing and riding community, with less than three weeks to go until the annual Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF). 

DIHF is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance, from 20 - 22 March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

World-famous manufacturers from Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, UK and USA are planning major displays and product launches for the Middle East at the exhibition.

Ready for display in DIHF are also many well established and new regional agents, distributors and wholesalers, which will come with brands from international suppliers.

"The Dubai International Horse Fair has become an important date in the calendar for local companies, and is a prime opportunity for groups like Highline Horse Accessories to network with new and existing customers from fields including showrooms, clubs and stables," said Mohamed Saleh, Production Manager, Highline Horse Accessories. Accordingly, the company, one of the UAE's largest distributors of saddle and tack products, will display the latest in racing equipment, riding apparel, saddlery and grooming kits.

Another key exhibitor for the last four years is Al Awani, a leading regional company that offers a complete range of products from well reputed brands, catering to the needs of the equine industry. With over 23 years of experience, Al Awani is known as a one-stop-store for the latest equestrian products, services or techniques.

Commenting on their participation in DIHF 2008, Mr. Abdul Kareem Feroze, Finance Manager of Al Awani Group of Companies said: 'Participating in DIHF is any exhibitor's dream and definitely a shopper's paradise.'

Abdulla Quassem, Board Member - Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Horse Fair and Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said: "We are very pleased that such high quality exhibitors have again elected to join this year's edition of Dubai International Horse Fair. Reflecting the importance of the event is the ability to retain exhibitors as well as attracting new participants."

One of the new exhibitors is Track Veterinarian Medicines Trading (TVMT), a Dubai based agent for the Kohnke's Own range of supplements and health care products. This unique range of innovative products is used by leading trainers in Australia, New Zealand and is now available in Dubai and South Africa. Moreover, TVMT also distributes veterinary medicines, horse care products, tack, fencing, treadmills, walkers and general horse care equipment from around the world.

Nigel Brannick, Managing Director of Lock Stock General Trading (UAE), said:  "DIHF is certainly very good for the business." Lock Stock General Trading is specialized in bringing new and innovative products to the equestrian market of the region, representing a number of world renowned companies for diagnostic, rehabilitation and surgical equipment and treatments.

Beside displays of equestrian products and services, DIHF attracts stud farms and breeders from the region.

An exhibitor since the first year of the exhibition is Shadwell, a leading thoroughbred Stud Farm with stables all over the world.

Beside this world famous Stud Farm, other breeders from Ajman Stud, Al Naif Stud (Qatar), Cavalry of Oman, the Emirates Horse Breeders Society and Sharjah Racing and Equestrian Centre are participating in DIHF, showcasing regional breeding success.

This year's event again runs alongside the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC), a competition for purebred Arabian horses, showcasing their beauty, agility and heritage. Prize money for this year's Championship has been increased to a staggering US$4 Million and the event is sure to draw an enthusiastic crowd.

Completing the display of equestrian products are professional seminars and exhibitor presentations.The sessions will be hosted by international speakers for professional and interested horse owners, breeders and grooms alike. Guest speakers are represented from renowned UAE hospitals and laboratories, covering many different aspects from hoof care, injury recovery, therapy massage, nutrition, respiratory, reproduction and dermatology issues.

The Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) 2008 will be held from 20 - 22 March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Halls 5 & 6. Opening hours are 11am - 8pm. Admission to DIHF is free of charge and open to trade and consumers. Persons under the age of 16 do not need to complete the registration form, but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

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About Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF):
www.dihf.ae 
DIHF 2008 will be held from 20 - 22 March 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For the fourth consecutive year, the exhibition will serve as a forum for international manufacturers, distributors, retailers and equestrian enthusiasts. Last year's edition hosted 213 exhibitors from 27 countries.

DIHF will be held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Industry. The exhibition will once again be alongside the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC), a world-class competition for purebred Arabian horses.

With the region's largest display of equestrian equipment, services, products and interactive horse experiences, the three-day exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors.

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
www.dwtc.com 
As the organiser of DIHF, Dubai World Trade Centre offers over 28 years' experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 15 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.

Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the region's leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all conferences deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.

© Press Release 2008