7 new countries in Al Fares Dubai 2004

The oldest and the biggest equine trade fair in Asia and Africa is on course to smash all previous records.

Supported by the UK Trade & Investment and the British Equestrian Trade Association, UK has once again emerged as the biggest group with over 50 companies. 'The success of Al Fares Dubai 2002 has resulted in a 75% renewal by exhibitors. That alone speaks volumes for the importance of Al Fares in the international equestrian business calendar. Exhibitors now have confidence that the management of Al Fares will deliver the audience they want,' said Antony Wakeham, MBE, official agent for Al Fares Dubai 2004 in the UK and Eire. 'I am confident that we will have a record number of exhibitors there this year,' he concluded.

Germany with 20 companies (up from 8) and France with 18 companies (up from 7) are the other big groups. UBIFRANCE - a French government organisation responsible for promoting the foreign trade of France - has included Al Fares Dubai 2004 in its official programme of overseas exhibitions to be attended for the first time in the show's history.

Italy's participation is led by Unione Nazionale Incremento Razze Equine (UNIRE), the apex organisation which exercises economic and technical control over the equine world in Italy while Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española (ANCCE), an organization that protects the interests of the breeders of Purebred Spanish Horses, is leading the Spanish participation. For the first time in the history of Al Fares Dubai, Purebred Spanish Horses will be on display. ICEX - a Spanish government organisation responsible for promoting the foreign trade of Spain, is supporting ANCCE.

Other countries with significant participation are USA, Canada, Denmark, Sweden and Australia.

'Led by Horse & Carriage, Stableforce, Al Awani and Al Basti, local companies are out in force and have signed up for booths much larger than they took during the last show', said Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager of Al Fajer Information & Services, the show organisers.

Al Fares Dubai 2004 has been officially supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation and Emirates Racing Association. The organisers are being assisted by a higher organising committee comprising Dr. Ahmed Billah, Veterinary Consultant, Dr. Ali Arab, ex-Director of Animal Wealth Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr. Satish Seemar, three times champion trainer during the last five seasons, Eng. Khalfan Abdulazeez Al Suweidi and Dr. Salah Al Sukary, both from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Al Fares Dubai 2004 has been developed around a distinct philosophy that is based on providing a top class exhibition, an absorbing educational programme and entertainment. While the exhibition will showcase the entire range of equine products and services, the education segment will include a number of seminars, demonstrations and visits to Dubai's equine infra-structure. Entertainment will include the Al Fares Dubai 2004 Dinner, embassy receptions, a polo match at Ghantoot Polo Club, pony and carriage rides and an equine fashion show.

A horse auction will also be organized by Al Faisal Stud.

'Al Fares Dubai 2004 will provide an unmatched opportunity to generate sales, locate new agents/distributors, increase brand awareness, explore business & investment opportunities, identify export markets, locate partners for JVs and tie ups, enhance corporate image and meet industry leaders. While Al Fares Dubai 2004 will be open to the general public in the evenings, about 20000 trade buyers from Africa, the Middle East, CIS countries and South Asia will be invited to the show', said Mr. Khanna.

The organizers are working with the US Commercial Service in Dubai to develop buyers' delegations from Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, the Arabian Gulf countries, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore. A massive promotion campaign is underway to market the show worldwide. 'Al Fares Dubai 2004, the oldest show on horse and equipment in Asia and Africa, is headed for a record breaking success', concluded Mr. Satish Khanna.