Al Fares equine trade fair concludes with call from international exhibitors to make it annual event

More than 85% of the exhibitors have already booked space for the next edition which will be held in October 2014. A section of international exhibitors expressed the wish that the show be held every year in view of the high demand for equine products from local and GCC markets.

Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information and Services, added, "European companies captured the lion's share of the local market, because of quality standards and reliable after sale service. Al Fares has maintained its lead position as one and only exhibition recognised worldwide as a key trade platform to do business and capitalise on the booming regional market for equestrian products."

Talking about the UAE participation in the show, Khanna said that the UAE had the single largest contingent, with 50 companies taking part. Collectively, these companies represented over 125-150 brands from across the world.

Among the local companies was Al Awani General Enterprises, which supplies a host of equestrian products, including horse feed, supplements, medical products, fodder and bedding etc. Gulf Rider, which is part of Al Awani Group represented 20-25 global brands in veterinary and equestrian products.

Other local exhibitors included Al Sakeb, Al Khail Equestrian, Bonjour, Lock Stock, Gulf Drug, Horse & Carriage, Karaman Veterinary and Gulf Equine.

"The significant participation of the UAE-based firms affirmed 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," Mr. Khanna said.

Royal Cavalry, the company in charge of issuing passports for horses in Oman, had active participation in Al Fares. This company organizes the Royal Horse Racing Festival annually, under the auspices of His Majesty the Sultan in Oman, and organizing the Royal Equestrian and Camel Festival once every 5 years in the Sultanate. Royal Cavalry was established by a decree from His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to preserve and revive Oman's horse culture.

Mr Saif Al Rawahi of Royal Cavalry, Oman, said he was more than happy to be associated with Al Fares and praised that the professional format of the show.

Mr Prassana Mendis, Chairman of Zhida Industrial Group, China, said he was pleased with the response he got during the show, including some confirmed orders as well as inquiries that could translate into orders. He said he would increase his exhibition area three-fold for the next edition.

Ali Shawi, Regional Manager of Cemtec, Sweden, said has was thrilled to receive several enquiries as well as confirmed orders. This was his second participation. Interestingly, he got enquiries from countries like Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

Tom Versprille, Export Manager of Royal Kerckhaert, Netherlands, confirmed receiving good enquiries from Gulf countries. He says although the traffic movement was slow during the event, they had quality visitors.

Al Fares remains the only exhibition recognized worldwide as a leading trade platform to do business and capitalize on the booming regional market for equestrian products. Among the major participants were global players in the equestrian trade market from Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland the US and the UK.