Fernando Botero's exquisite Horse sculpture to adorn Downtown Burj Dubai

Emaar Properties Chairman Mr Mohamed Alabbar unveiled the monumental work of art that celebrates the rich equestrian heritage of the Arab world in Downtown Burj Dubai.

A Colombian artist, Mr Botero is globally acknowledged for his 'Horse' sculptures, which feature in several international locations, and are landmark works of art that draw in thousands of visitors.

Commissioned as part of the Art Programme for Downtown Burj Dubai, Horse 2007 is 310 cm high, 192 cm long and 156 cm wide, and is located near The Dubai Mall and The Address Downtown Burj Dubai. Several other Middle East and international artists have been commissioned to create exclusive works of art that will be permanently displayed in the 500-acre community.

Mr Alabbar said:

"Fernando Botero is a grandmaster sculptor and his Horse series is a perfect fit for the Art Programme of Downtown Burj Dubai. With Botero's exquisite work of art, Emaar is paying tribute to our glorious equestrian tradition while creating another tourist attraction for Dubai."

Horse 2007 was commissioned for Emaar Properties by art collector and gallery owner Samia Saleh Baker, who contacted the 77-year-old grandmaster and was involved in every aspect of the work from designing the plinth, plaques, shipment, storage and final placement.

The sculpture of the horse with a Patina finish rests on the large plinth strategically positioned with uninterrupted views of Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, in the backdrop.

Downtown Burj Dubai, described as the new heart of the city, is the flagship development of Emaar Properties. Apart from several residential communities, Downtown Burj Dubai features The Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar, four hotels and Emaar Boulevard, billed to be one of the world's finest boulevards.