Horse show draws global attraction

Sheikh Mohammed visited the 13th edition of the Dubai International Horse Fair.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited on Thursday the 13th edition of the Dubai International Horse Fair, which took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Sheikh Mohammed toured the exhibition area where some 200 exhibitors representing 21 countries are showcasing their products and solutions related to equestrian industry, including paddock fencing, riding accessories, equestrian apparel and much more.
Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Director-General of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai, Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, and Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
He expressed his great interest in equestrian supplies while praising the significant international participation in the event, which he described as a "horses, originality, beauty and heritage festival".
He highlighted the Arabian horse competition whose awards amount up to Dh 15 million.
Sheikh Mohammed also watched a part of the competition during which the Arabian horses from the UAE, GCC states and other foreign countries participated in.
Earlier, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, formally inaugurated the 14th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and the 13th Dubai International Horse Fair - simultaneous events running until March 18.
Ziad Abdullah Galadari, Chairman, Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said: "We thank Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan for their ongoing patronage and support of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and Dubai International Horse Fair.
"The Arabian Peninsula is the ancestral home of the Arabian horse and has been a part of the region's culture, history and tradition over centuries. The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and Fair are highly anticipated fixtures on the equestrian calendar where breeders' most prized thoroughbreds are introduced to a global and regional audience," said Galadari.
The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship will see 289 horses competing for Dhs 15 million in prize money. The competition, exclusive to purebred Arabian horses to judge their beauty, agility and heritage, will be attended by the region's most elite stables and breeders. More than 20 countries registered with the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO) will show off their most prized horses.
The Arabian Horse Auction returns this year where purebreds from local studs will be available for viewing, bidding and buying. Held on the second day of the Fair, 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 2017 will be held in Za'abeel Halls 5 and 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Opening hours are 2pm to 8pm on March 17 and 11am to 8pm on March 18.
Admission is free and open to trade visitors and the general public. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pre-registration is now open at the show's official website www.dihf.ae.