Dubai International Horse Fair and $4 million Arabian Horse Championship kicks off on 18th March 2021

• Hotly anticipated 16^th edition of DIHF will kick off tomorrow at Dubai World Trade Centre alongside the 17^th edition of $4 million Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship

Dubai: The international equine industry, horse riders and fans of equestrian sports are set to attend the 16^th Dubai International Horse Fair and 17th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, which get underway tomorrow (Thursday 18^th March), representing the first international equine industry event since 2019.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, the events run until 20th March at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Supporting a global equine industry delivering approximately $300 billion in economic value, the 2021 edition of the Dubai International Horse Fair will feature the finest breeds of horses in the world, as well as renowned brands specialising in state-of-the-art stables, feed, riding apparel and the latest equine products and horse therapies, as well as leading equestrian artists, including Al Khail Equestrian Equipment, Nutriscience, Aayan Equestrian Club and many more.

Since its launch in 2004 under royal patronage, the Dubai International Horse Fair has been at the heart of the Middle East equestrian industry, and is the only trade show in the region where suppliers of equestrian products and services can meet the most successful and influential owners, breeders, stables and clubs. Taking place alongside DIHF, and with $4 million in prize money, the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship will present majestic Arabian horses worth an estimated $1-2 million to horse enthusiasts the world over, displaying the beauty, agility and heritage of purebred Arabian horses.

The ever-popular Dubai International Horse Fair auction will return once again and is set to offer over 70 Arabian purebred horses from local studs for viewing, bidding and buying.

Dubai International Horse Fair has become a key meeting point for established and emerging artists, designers and creative innovators to showcase their imagination through galleries and art spaces including Wood Sculpture by Tunikov, SARAI Gallery and Galerie A. Leadouze. International and local artists will present their finest equestrian masterpieces at the dedicated DIHF Art Gallery, where painters, sculptors and sketch artists from the UAE, India, Finland, Thailand, France and Italy will unveil their horse-themed pieces. DIHF will also host workshops from Funun Arts, the non-profit platform where artists exhibit their talents in an environment that fosters their creativity.

DIHF will host a series of exciting spectacles, including tricks and stunts from the Dubai Police K9 dog unit, while the Heritage Village will delve into the UAE’s rich association with horses as well as providing a glimpse into Dubai’s maritime history. Young horse lovers can receive the perfect introduction to riding with horse and pony rides, as well as enjoying the petting zoo for children and the all-new horse trick riding show.

“The return of the Dubai International Horse Fair is extremely welcome – it is one of the most complete equine industry events in the world, and is the premier event for the industry in the region. We have no doubt that the 2021 edition of the Dubai International Horse Fair will be a huge success – just as it is every year, and we can’t wait to interact with our partners as well as meeting prospective clients. The Dubai International Horse Fair is a cornerstone of the industry,” said Hassan Bin Ali, CEO, Al Khail Equestrian Equipment & HBA.

Asma Al Sharif, Group Portfolio Director, Dubai World Trade Centre, said, “We are delighted to host the 16^th edition of the Dubai International Horse Fair, which will be an essential platform in reinvigorating the region’s growing equine sector following the challenges of 2020. The Middle East’s passion for the equestrian sector is evident from the way that the Dubai International Horse Fair has grown to host the world’s leading owners, breeders, stables and horse enthusiasts. We are proud to welcome exhibitors, buyers, breeders and enthusiasts who come to network, grow their businesses and build unique opportunities.”

Safety at DIHF 2021

DIHF 2021 is being held under stringent safety and hygiene protocols. DWTC has proven its capability to curate the safest face-to-face business environment and deliver world-class events with the highest safety protocols, as evidenced by the recent GITEX Technology Week – the only live in-person tech event in 2020. Held in December, the event welcomed tens of thousands of visitors with 96% of local and international attendees recording a ‘safe’ or ‘very safe’ experience.

DWTC’s proven protocols were further intensified for Gulfood 2021 – the only major F&B industry event to live a year – under strict guidance and coordination with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Municipality, to ensure the safest possible business conditions. The wearing of masks is mandatory, with social distancing in place to ensure the wellbeing of all delegates. On-site registration will not be available; registration must be completed in advance via www.dihf.ae