His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurates Dubai International Horse Fair 2008

Following the opening ceremony, His Highness toured the show, which this year attracted over 200 participating companies from a record-breaking 30 countries. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, DIHF will run from 20 - 22 March 2008. The show is open from 11am-8pm Thursday and Saturday and from 2pm-8:30pm on Friday.

His Highness was particularly impressed by the new products on display, many of them making their debut in the Middle East. Kurt Systems' futuristic horse training vehicle was a major attraction and Racewood Ltd demonstrated the technological possibilities to train jockeys on a highly responsive racehorse simulator.
Billed as the most international equestrian event ever held in the Middle East, the show saw record numbers of visitors on its first day. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DIHF has quickly become a key event, serving a fast growing industry with strong traditional roots in the region.

The show runs alongside the 5th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, a three-day competition for purebred Arabian horses, showcasing their beauty, agility & heritage, culminating in the Championship classes for the most exquisite horses.

'The response from both visitors and exhibitors has been extremely strong this year, with many international attendees saying that the show is now firmly among the world's best equestrian events,' said Abdulla Qassem, Board Member - Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Horse Fair and Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship.

DIHF has been highly successful in providing a platform that brings together local distributors, international horse owners, manufacturers, breeders and suppliers as well as the wider riding community. Over the years it has consistently attracted a stronger number of visitors with an interest in horses, thanks to the event's exciting mix of companies, features and services on offer.

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.

Building on last years successful introduction of seminars and exhibitor presentations at DIHF, veterinarians and horse owners are invited again to participate in meetings running alongside the show to discuss key issues in the industry.

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 20 and 22 March 11am - 8pm, 21 March 2.00pm - 8.30pm. 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.