Princess Haya grants patronage to Al Fares equine trade fair

HRH Princess Haya's patronage to Al Fares 2008, which will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa and Dubai, next year from 4-6 April and 28-30 October 2008 respectively comes in the light of her extensive interest in equestrian sports with a long-standing career in show jumping. HRH Princess Haya who is the first Arab woman to compete in show jumping at the 2000 Sydney Olympics is the current President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the governing body of horse sport around the world.

The seventh edition of Al Fares in Johannesburg, organized by Al Fajer Information and Services, is a pioneering equestrian trade expo which complements the ever-growing enthusiasm for horse racing and related sports in South Africa. It will showcase the latest trends in equestrian products and services.

Speaking at the press conference, H.E. Ms. Agnes Nyamande-Pitso, Consul General, South African Consulate General said the holding of the expo in Johannesburg was a reflection of the growing equestrian industry in her country and the increasing cultural and economic ties between the UAE and South Africa. 'South Africa and Dubai have a rich equestrian culture and in this context Al Fares Johannesburg is an interactive experience in commonly promoting the equestrian trade as well as sports.'

Al Fares Dubai 2008, now scheduled before the racing season, will highlight new products and services for horses and riders. The three-day expo is also accompanied by a series of seminars on exercise physiology, nutrition, total horse management, new products and services, horse psychology, injuries, diseases, breeding, breaking, grooming, shoeing, horse examination and rehabilitation of sport horses, among others.

Mr. Satish Seemar, five times Champion UAE Trainer, who played a pioneering role in establishing Al Fares, said that over the years the dedication of the ruling family to enhance and reinforce Dubai's stature in the global equestrian sports arena has paid dividends. 'In global equestrian sports, Dubai is a name to reckon with and has a rapidly growing reputation spanning sports, breeding of thoroughbreds, trade and infrastructure development. Dubai has set upon an ambitious and winning course to lead the world in equestrian activities. The development of cutting-edge equestrian infrastructure is part of the integrated vision which HH Sheikh Mohammed has for the emirate.'

Both the editions of Al Fares 2008 will see horse owners, trainers, chiefs of the equine industry, renowned jockeys, polo professionals, and horse lovers from across the world converge in Johannesburg and Dubai to participate in the fair.

Commenting on the fair, Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information and Services said:

'Over the last twelve years, Al Fares has earned a reputation as a very unique exhibition that goes in line with Dubai's reputation in the equestrian world. More than just a trade fair, both the editions of Al Fares 2008 will have a significant entertainment component with polo matches, visit to races and equine fashion shows etc. We expect a host of experts in equine sports and industry coming to these shows to share in the excitement.'