Equestrian fanatics can rejoice this weekend at the Dubai International Horse Fair and the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship.
The 12th edition of the extravaganza will take place alongside the 13th edition of the competition from Thursday, March 17 to Saturday, March 19 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Breeders, traders, professionals and equestrian lovers will be out in full force for the event, which will have more than 200 exhibiting companies and brands from more than 15 countries, including Bahrain, Oman, Spain, France, Germany, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Egypt, Slovenia, Taiwan, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The Championship, meanwhile, will bring together the finest Arabian horse bloodlines to be showcased. Judges will evaluate their beauty, with prize money of $4million (Dh15m) on offer.
Ziad Abdullah Galadari, chairman of the higher organising committee of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said: “The 12th Dubai International Horse Fair is a highly anticipated gathering for the global equine community who are dedicated to advancing the fields of equestrian breeding, training, technologies, health and performance.
Beautiful breeds: Some of the finest Arabian horse bloodlines will be showcased.
“A fixture on the regional equestrian calendar, The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship is the ultimate platform for pureblood Arabian horses, which are known for their incredible beauty, intelligence, stamina and courage, to be showcased to an audience that is devoted to these majestic creatures.”
The Horse Auction, to be held from 14:00 on Friday, will allow visitors to view, bid and buy from a selection of over 100 Arabian purebred horses from local studs.
There’s even more with the Pony Show Jumping giving young riders the chance to flaunt their skills, while polo demonstrations and Spanish equestrian performances will dazzle spectators.
You can also take in the popular art gallery specialising in horse-inspired sculptures and paintings, as well as enjoy the Bedouin houses, falconry, local dishes, henna tattoo artists and more in the Heritage Village.
The Dubai International Horse Fair will run from 11:00 to 20:00 on Thursday, 14:00 to 20:00 on Friday and 11:00 to 20:00 on Saturday.
Admission is free, with pre-registration through www.dihf.ae.
What: Dubai International Horse Fair
Where: Dubai Trade Centre, Halls 5 and 6
When: Thursday, March 17 to Saturday, March 19
Contact: Visit www.dihf.ae to pre-register and for more information on the event