Dubai International Horse Fair races to success

The event has grown every year since its launch in 2005 in numbers of exhibitors, features and official country participations. This year it will host for the first time an official French pavilion plus exhibitors from Japan and Singapore. This growth reflects the strong demand from suppliers to access the dynamic Middle East's equestrian market.

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, DIHF will run from 20 - 22 March 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, DIHF has quickly become a core international event, serving a fast growing industry with strong traditional roots in the region.

Abdulla Quassem, Board Member - Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Horse Fair and Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said:

'To date, DIHF has succeeded so spectacularly because it is the platform that brings together local distributors, international horse owners, manufacturers, breeders and suppliers as well as the wider riding community. It has been able to attract a strong number of visitors with an interest in horses, thanks to the event's exciting mix of companies, features and services on offer.'

An already established highlight is the horse auction for Arabian and Thoroughbreds organised by Al Faisal Stud, a landmark event which attracts hundreds of buyers from across the region. The 2008 auction will be the biggest in the UAE with more than 200 horses on sale. Attendees will also be entered into a raffle draw to win a horse.

In addition to high profile events, such as the Dubai World Cup which runs straight after DIHF, leisure riding is becoming a favoured activity. As the population continues to rise and facilities for horse racing, polo and show jumping are being built, the demand for equestrian supplies and services is set to grow with it.

In step with these developments, DIHF will showcase a wide range of products. As every year, the exhibition will be the platform for companies to display innovation in supplies and equipment.

After last years' highly successful introduction of seminars and exhibitor presentations in DIHF, veterinarians and horse owners are invited again to participate in meetings to discuss key issues in the industry.

The event will once again be complimented by the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, a competition for purebred Arabian horses to judge their beauty, agility & heritage. With prize money of $4m for 2008, the Championship is set to attract large and enthusiastic crowds.

The Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) 2008 will be held from 20 - 22 March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Halls 4, 5 & 6. Opening hours are 11am - 8pm. Admission to DIHF is free of charge and open to trade and consumers. Persons under the age of 16 do not need to complete the registration form, but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.