The global equine industry, horse riders and fans of equestrian sports are set to attend the 16th Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) and 17th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship. The fair will be the first major in-person equine industry event since 2019 with all the safety protocols taken in account for. The event will be held from 18th-20th March at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Dubai International Horse Fair is the region’s largest trade platform for the equine sector which is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance. The fair brings together the leading equestrian equipment companies, horse owners, breeders, stables owners, equestrian clubs, veterinarians, services and care products, all serving the needs of both professional and leisure riders as well as wider horse enthusiasts.
Taking place alongside DIHF, and with $4 million in prize money, the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship will present majestic Arabian horses worth an estimated $1-2 million to horse enthusiasts the world over, displaying the beauty, agility and heritage of purebred Arabian horses.
Ziad Abdullah Galadari, Chairman, Higher Organizing Committee of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said, “The UAE has earned its place as one of the world’s leading hubs for the equestrian community. The country’s passion for the equine industry is deeply rooted within our heritage, and this is reflected in the rise of international shows and events that now take place in the UAE. The 17th edition of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, held alongside the Dubai International Horse Fair 2021, is finally giving the equine industry the opportunity to meet once again, showcasing some of the world’s finest horses and providing an opportunity for the finest breeds to perform on an international stage.”
The DIHF gathers trade buyers and serves a much-needed platform to help the industry re-engage in-person. It connects DIHF exhibitors with senior equestrian industry decision makers, fostering their business and makes cooperation opportunities between equestrian suppliers and trade buyers, attracting the highest caliber of trade buyers from across the Middle East.
Asma AlSharif, Show Director, Dubai International Horse Fair said, “The last year has forced the equine industry to interact virtually, which has caused inevitable challenges in delivering business continuity. The Dubai International Horse Fair 2021 will finally give key stakeholders the opportunity to meet in-person, which is so vital in creating new value by fostering business connections.”
DIHF also hosts fun features to keep everyone entertained. Arabian purebreds from local studs will be available for viewing, bidding and buying during the DIHF Auction; the Dubai Police K9 squad will demonstrate various skills, tricks and stunts live; the DIHF Heritage Village will promote the rich history and culture of the UAE; children can enjoy free pony rides and play with remote-controlled miniature model cars and trucks at the RC Touring Car Race and many more fun events.
One of the Dubai International Horse Fair’s eye catching parts will be its Art Gallery. Dubai International Horse Fair has become a key meeting point for established and emerging artists, designers and creative innovators to showcase their imagination through galleries and art spaces. International and local artists will present their finest equestrian masterpieces at the dedicated DIHF Art Gallery. Artist from the UAE, India, Finland, Thailand, France and Italy will unveil their horse-themed paintings and sculptures.
DIHF is taking place as an in–person event after taking all the stringent safety and hygiene protocols into account. DWTC has proven its capability to curate the safest face-to-face business environment and deliver world-class events with the highest safety protocols, as evidenced by the recent GITEX Technology Week – the only live in-person tech event in 2020. Held in December, the event welcomed tens of thousands of visitors with 96% of local and international attendees recording a ‘safe’ or ‘very safe’ experience.
– Magzoid Staff, reporting as the Official Media Partner of The Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF)
