Dubai International Horse Fair Throws Spotlight on Region's Dynamic Equestrian Industries; Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship offers Staggering Total Prize Money of US$4 million
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Global interest in the Middle East's fast-growing equestrian sector - and in the grace and speed of Arabian horses in particular - has driven the Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) to become the largest event of its kind in the entire region.
Expectations are high that the exhibition will draw the highest number of international visitors in its history, when it runs from 20 - 22 March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, alongside the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC). Over a quarter of visitors came from Europe, Asia and Africa for the previous edition and organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is confident it can build on this record of global success.
On display will be many leading international manufacturers and distributors of saddles, horse feed, supplements and hay, stable equipment and trailers, medical supplies, and equine massage.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, DIHF has quickly developed a strong reputation as an important networking and business development platform for companies and professionals in the industry.
Abdulla Quassem, Board Member - Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Horse Fair and Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said: "The Dubai International Horse Fair serves the diverse equestrian community of the whole region and is an increasingly important date for the global industry. For visitors, there will be the opportunity to meet not only with suppliers and manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, but also with a large number of international stud and stable owners as well as breeders of Arabian and Thoroughbred horses. There is no other event that brings the whole industry together."
Presenting their successful breeds in DIHF are, among others, Ajman Stud, AL Naif Stud (Qatar) Cavalry of Oman, Frison (France), Shadwell (Dubai) and Sharjah Stud.
Over the three days, guests will be able to see Arabian horses in competition at the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship. For 2008, total prize money set by H H Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum will be a staggering US$4 million, making it one of the richest competitions of its kind. Horses will enter from the Americas, Europe, GCC and UAE.
One of the major highlights for visitors is the opportunity to buy horses in the two day auction for Arabians and Thoroughbreds by Al Faisal Stud. Over 200 horses will be auctioned and participants can enter a raffle draw to win a horse.
Another successful feature at DIHF is the veterinarian seminars and exhibitor presentations. These are held to support the industry for animal welfare and wellbeing, by bringing together regional and international experts in horse-care to discuss new developments in treatment and therapy. The event is one of the only cross-regional opportunities for specialists to meet and discuss new breakthroughs, and is set to attract leading experts.
The Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) 2008 will be held from 20 - 22 March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Halls 4, 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
