Al Fares Dubai 2004 breaks all previous records with an impressive 34 per cent growth

The fifth edition of the biennial international fair of equine products and services 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.

Stressing on the inevitable success of the December show, Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager of Al Fajer Information and Services, organisers of Al Fares said, "The 2004 edition of Al Fares Dubai has smashed all earlier records. The outstanding growth figures show that the Emirate has earned for itself an eminent place among the world's leading equine destinations. We are confident that the December 2004 edition of Al Fares will culminate in excellent business deals and alliances, besides giving a deeper insight into the much-loved equine tradition."

Al Fares 2004 will thrill equine enthusiasts with a horse auction, a polo match at Ghantoot Polo Club, horse races at Nad Al Sheba, desert safaris, equine fashion shows and cruise dinners. Besides showcasing the latest equestrian products and services, Al Fares will also educate visitors through a number of seminars and demonstrations by world-renowned experts. On the agenda are exciting visits to Dubai's equine infrastructure including Arabian Ranches, Zabeel Stables, Emirates Riding Centre, Dubai Racing Club, Nad Al Sheba Club & Stables and the Goldolphin Gallery.

The 2004 edition also marks the biggest participation by UAE companies in the history of Al Fares. About 37 local companies are set to take up almost 45 per cent of the exhibition space, led by Horse & Carriage, Stable Force, Al Awani and Al Basti.

Denmark, Kuwait, Qatar, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka and Sweden are the new entrants among the 25 countries that have confirmed participation. Al Fares 2004 is, for the first time, officially backed by France and Spain. This has quadrupled the participation from France compared to the 2002 edition.

The French and Spanish participation has been backed by UBIFRANCE and ICEX, both government organisations respectively responsible for promoting foreign trade. In fact, the ICEX has released funds for the maiden participation of Pure Bred Spanish horses of Olympic fame in Al Fares. The Spanish participation is led by Asociacion Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Espanola (ANCCE), an organisation that protects the interests of the breeders of Purebred Spanish horses.

UK has emerged as the biggest overseas group with 61 companies, which makes it the largest British equestrian delegation ever to travel outside Europe. The other overseas groups include Germany and France with 20 companies each, and Australia and USA with seven companies each.

The exhibition will showcase the latest trends in equine art, infrastructure, clothing and accessories and will offer an insight into new products and services for breeding, stabling, horse and horse health. It will also put the spotlight on equestrian sports and lifestyle for horse people.

Spread over a three-day period, the seminars will cover important subjects including 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.

The fair assumes significance as Dubai is internationally acknowledged for its famous stable - Godolphin - the biggest and most successful racing operation owned by the Emirate's ruling family, the annually-held Dubai World Cup and FEI UAE World Cup Endurance Ride. Dubai is also renowned for its excellent performance on the international polo circuit, exclusive resorts for horse lovers and its consistent growth in horse owners and riding schools. Dubai's passion for horses and sport is also evident from the increasing number of equestrian sports such as polo and show jumping, besides also launching the Emirates Series to identify the best race horse in the world.

A massive campaign has been launched to attract visitors and buyers. The organisers have sent out 25000 invitations to over 75 countries and are advertising the show both in the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent. A global e-release campaign has also been launched. School and university students have been specifically targeted to visit Al Fares
Dubai 2004.