Premier Equine Trade Fair Al Fares 2008 attracts 250 companies from over 20 countries

• Eighth edition of the expo to run at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from October 28-30 2008
• 40 companies from the UAE to showcase products

With 250 companies from over 20 countries across the globe showcasing a host of products targeted at the equestrian market of the region.

The show under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE Ruler of Dubai, is one of the oldest expos in the equestrian realm and is in its eighth edition now.

The show will be open for three days till October 30 2008 from 11 AM to 7 PM. The entry is free.

Commenting on the expo, Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information and Services, organisers of the fair, said: "This year, a significant number of global players in the equine trade have joined us endorsing the fact that Al Fares remains the one and only exhibition recognised worldwide as a salient trade platform to do business and capitalise on the booming regional market for equestrian products."

Salient among the participation would be global players in the equestrian trade market from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the US and the UK. Among international participation, Germany has one of the largest contingent with 21 companies including leading names like Activomed, Boekmann, Canina, Waldhausen, Tropmed etc.

UAE - the largest single contingent
Mr. Khanna said that the UAE will have the single largest contingent at the expo with 40 companies taking part. Collectively, these companies represent over 150 brands from across the world.
Among the local companies are Al Awani General enterprises, established in 1973 and which caters to the equine market through the supply of a host of equestrian products ranging from horse feeds, supplements, medical products, fodder and bedding etc. Gulf Rider which is also part of Al Awani Group of Companies, fully owned by a UAE national, Mr. Mohammad Al Awani will represent 20-25 global brands in veterinary and equestrian products.

Significantly, Escape, a 200 acre private, gated equestrian community in Ajman is also a participant at the show. The 8.2 million square feet development will feature over 500 luxury villas, 150 saddle home duplexes, low rise apartment buildings, an equestrian themed hotel, a Hoofbeat Activities Centre, an equine spa and therapy centre and some of the best equestrian and sports facilities in the UAE including stabling for 200 horses.

Other local companies like Al Hawajer Stud, HBA Horse Equipment, Al Sakeb Vet, Al Atheer, Hamlool, Stableforce, Horseworld, Bonjour, Al Fursan, Gulf Drug Est, Lock Stock GT, NMC etc will be displaying a wide range of Veterinary and other equestrian products.

"The significant participation of the UAE-based firms also affirms the fact that the country plays a significant role in the enhancement of the regional market for equestrian products. The participation also comes in the context of Dubai being a globally acknowledged hub of the equestrian sports along with a strong reputation for breeding of thoroughbreds, trade and infrastructure development," Mr. Khanna said.

He said Al Fares 2008 is also coming just before the start of the racing season which will add value to the show's stature and reach.

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