Equestrian trade fair Al Fares 2008 to open today with 10% more participation

Addressing a press conference to unveil the details of the expo, Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information and Services, organisers of the fair, said: "Over the last eight years, Al Fares has remained as a an exclusive brand of expo solely focused on the equestrian product market of the UAE and the region."

Khanna added, "In the last few years, the expo has changed its format reflecting the sophistication of the equestrian market of Dubai, the UAE and the region. The significance of Al Fares has grown in the last couple of years with a number of equestrian developments being developed in Dubai and other emirates, which will in turn lead to market expansion for equestrian products."

Al Fares 2008 will run at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) with 250 companies from over 20 countries till October 30 2008. 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. The show will be open for three days till October 30 2008 from 11 AM to 7 PM. The entry is free.

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.

"We have a significant number of global companies taking part in this year's show keen to explore the expanding market for equestrian products in the region including in African countries. It should also be noted that while Dubai is an acknowledged global hub for equestrian sport and activities, other emirates are also enhancing their interest in the sector," he added.

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.

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 20 companies including leading names like Activomed, Boekmann, Canina, Waldhausen, Tropmed etc.

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, Veterinary doctors & consultants and horse lovers from across the world converge in Dubai to participate in the fair.