Life-size horse sculptures made public

These artworks were personally supported by General Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, in his capacity as the founder of Godolphin, which is the premier sponsor of the unique art exhibition currently adorning the public spaces of the city.

Officially unveiling the charity steeds at the park was Makiya Al Hajri, Head of Children's City, an organisation which has provided vital logistics support for Dubai's Celebration of the Arabian Horse as the sculptures take up residence in Dubai's streets and parks.

"Dubai's Celebration of the Arabian Horse is such a special project for Children's City and Dubai Municipality to support because it not only beautifies Dubai in the eyes of both residents and visitors, it also raises public awareness and much-needed funding for charitable causes. We anticipate that the charity horses revealed today will become firm favourites when they begin 'grazing' in public this week," said Al Hajri.

The six sculptures made public today have been painted on behalf of the following charities: Dubai Centre for Special Needs, Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, Emirates Children's' Symphony Orchestra, Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, Riding for the Disabled Association Dubai, Dubai Autism Centre, and Medicins Sans Frontieres. When the artworks are auctioned at a gala evening in May, the proceeds from these horse sculptures will go directly to the named charities, as will the funds from the other painted horses sold during that event.