Equine industry set to meet again in-person with full health and safety protocols at Dubai International Horse Fair 2021

16th edition of Dubai International Horse Fair to be hosted alongside 17th edition of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship at Dubai World Trade Centre

The global equine industry, horse riders and fans of equestrian sports are set to attend the 16th Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) and 17th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, the first major in-person equine industry events to take place since 2019 from 18th-20th March at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

After a year of missed opportunities that has forced the global equine industry to interact virtually, DIHF is finally giving horse lovers and industry buyers the chance to do business once again in a safe and responsible setting. 

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, the Dubai International Horse Fair is the region’s largest trade platform for the equine sector, bringing together leading equestrian equipment companies, horse owners, breeders, stables owners, equestrian clubs, veterinarians, services and care products, all serving the needs of both professional and leisure riders as well as wider horse enthusiasts. 

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. 

Ziad Abdullah Galadari, Chairman, Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, said, “The UAE has earned its place as one of the world’s leading hubs for the equestrian community. The country’s passion for the equine industry is deeply rooted within our heritage, and this is reflected in the rise of international shows and events that now take place in the UAE. The 17th edition of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, held alongside the Dubai International Horse Fair 2021, is finally giving the equine industry the opportunity to meet once again, showcasing some of the world’s finest horses and providing an opportunity for the finest breeds to perform on an international stage.” 

DIHF gathers trade buyers

The DIHF Trade Buyers programme will serve as a much-needed platform to help the industry re-engage in-person, connecting DIHF exhibitors with senior equestrian industry decision makers, fostering business and cooperation opportunities between equestrian suppliers and trade buyers, attracting the highest calibre of trade buyers from across the Middle East.

Asma AlSharif, Show Director, Dubai International Horse Fair said, “The last year has forced the equine industry to interact virtually, which has caused inevitable challenges in delivering business continuity. The Dubai International Horse Fair 2021 will finally give key stakeholders the opportunity to meet in-person, which is so vital in creating new value by fostering business connections.” 

“Since 2006, we’ve been proudly exhibiting at the Dubai International Horse Fair. It is the ideal platform to catch up with distributors from the region and to meet end-consumers and potential new distributors from countries in which we’re not yet active. As the only live, in-person equine event in the Gulf region, I am looking forward to DIHF 2021 more than ever. I’m excited to finally introduce some new revolutionary products that have been developed especially for horses that need to perform at the highest level,” said Tom Versprille, Sales Manager, Cavalor. 

DIHF hosts fun family features

As well as being a platform for equine industry buyers, DIHF is also set to be a fun day out for the family, with a host of fun features to keep everyone entertained. Arabian purebreds from local studs will be available for viewing, bidding and buying during the DIHF Auction; the Dubai Police K9 squad will demonstrate various skills, tricks and stunts live; the DIHF Heritage Village will promote the rich history and culture of the UAE; children can enjoy free pony rides and play with remote-controlled miniature model cars and trucks at the RC Touring Car Race; Rahal Ranch will deliver breath-taking trick riding performances on horseback; while the Pet Fun Farm will allow children to interact with a range of animals.

Equestrian art

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. 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.

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 this 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

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC):  www.dwtc.com 

DWTC brings more than 40 years’ experience delivering world-class events in the Middle East and provides local, regional, and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises more than 20 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region. Our commitment to on-going innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.