8th Dubai International Horse Fair opens
The 8th edition of the Dubai International Horse Fair, the Middle East's largest equine exhibition, was inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister of Finance and Dubai Deputy Ruler, as enthusiasts, professionals and suppliers in the industry attended the opening at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The three-day show which runs till Saturday, March 17, takes place alongside the $4 million Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship - a showcase of the heritage, beauty and agility of the world's finest Arabian horses.
More than 200 exhibitors from 35 countries are participating at Dubai International Horse Fair this year, with eight new countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Holland, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal and Sweden, which join countries as far afield as Argentina, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg and the United States.
"We thank H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his ongoing support and patronage of the Dubai International Horse Fair, which is now the leading platform for all segments of the equestrian industry. There is no doubt that the passion for horses arises from this region, and the show provides the ideal business networking and trading arena for each and every sector of the industry," said Abdulla Qassem, Board Member - Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Horse Fair and Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship.
With a number of new companies, including Bockmann Fahrzeugwerke GmbH, Duralock Performance Fencing, Medical Plus Middle East FZE, Mohammad Rafat, Nasser Bin Ibrahim Al-Dibeahy, Trailrider Saddles and many more, the show includes the latest developments in equine equipment, products and services, complementary and alternative therapies for horses, live equestrian demonstrations and riding classes.
German Horse Industry (GHI) is a non-profit organisation founded by equestrian experts and linking all branches of the horse world in Germany. Five GHI members are participating in Dubai International Horse Fair 2012. Klaus Bockmann, CEO of Bockmann, a well-known German trailer and truck manufacturer, said: "We need this platform abroad to survive international competition, as the representatives of the various branches of the horse world in other export countries are very much conscious."
"With fine art exhibitions, a heritage village and an equestrian fashion show for horse and rider, Dubai International Horse Fair is a great weekend out for the leisure and professional riders and those who want to see the finest Arabian Horses competing in the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship," Qassem concluded.
The Dubai International Horse Fair 2012 is held in the Trade Centre Arena of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The show opens from 11am - 8pm on 15 and 17 March and from 2pm - 8pm on 16 March (Friday). Admission is free of charge and open to trade and consumers. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.