His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Opens Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship & Fair 2018

The region’s ultimate events for Arabian thoroughbreds, and the equine industry, kick off today

Families, aspirant riders and equestrian enthusiasts sports flock to experience pony showing jumping activities, trick riding, petting zoo and a dedicated equestrian art gallery

Dubai, UAE, March 15, 2018:  His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, today formally inaugurated the 15th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and the 14th Dubai International Horse Fair – simultaneous events running at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until 17th March.

As two of the region’s most important Arabian equine platforms, the co-located events will gather a host of global and regional equine industry players across every segment of the professional and recreational segments – from stable and horse owners, breeders, professionals and veterinarians, to service and care providers, specialist product providers, leisure riders and everyday horse enthusiasts.

Held over three days, the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship is a showcase and competition of the heritage, beauty and agility of the world’s finest Arabian horses, with prize money of US$ 4 million (AED 15 million).

“We thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, for their on-going support and patronage of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship & Fair,” said Ziad Abdullah Galadari, Chairman, Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship. “The Middle East is globally-recognised as an equestrian hub and world-class events hosted in the UAE continue to showcase the legendary grace, beauty, speed and power of Arabian thoroughbreds in an accessible, family-orientated environment.”

In addition to showcasing the region’s lucrative equine industry, the Dubai International Horse Fair will provide several exciting activities for families and the general public including an equestrian-themed Art Gallery and a celebration of local culture in the form of the Heritage Village, which will showcase the UAE’s authentic cuisine, clothing, handicraft and calligraphy. Adding to the excitement line-up are pony show jumping demonstrations, Spanish horse performances, a petting zoo, Dubai Police canine unit demonstrations, opportunities to adopt pets via the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre, traditional dance routines among others. 

Elsewhere, 100 Arabian horse breeds of best-in-class pedigree from local studs will go under the hammer at the Horse Auction for Arabian purebred horses. Held on the final day of the show (Saturday, 17 March), the auction is anticipated to attract hundreds of prospective regional buyers.