27 March 2007

Global companies saddle up to do business at the Dubai International Horse Fair 2007

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This year, the Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) has more to offer, with over 161 international and 42 locally represented companies, showcasing the latest in equine products, services and technologies.

Commenting on the large number of global and local exhibitors, Mr. Abdulla Qassem, Board Member – Higher Organising Committee of Dubai International Horse Fair and Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC), said "The Dubai International Horse Fair is fast becoming known across the world, as the best place to form excellent business collaborations, for fruitful promotion of products and services in the Middle East. To this end, we are doing everything in our power to ensure the best facilities and convenience for local and international companies that wish to exhibit at DIHF 2007."

Taking place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, DIHF will open from the 1 - 4 April 2007.

A key exhibitor at DIHF is Al Awani, a leading regional company that offers a complete range of products catering to the needs of the equine industry, from veterinarians, trainers and breeders to jockeys, farriers, grooms and riders. With over 23 years of experience in the field, Al Awani is known as a one-stop-store for the latest new equestrian products, services or techniques. They are the sole distributor for various well reputed brands in the equestrian field such as Aigle, GPA, Wintec, LAS, and have now added to this list, the famous European brands such as, 'Lami-Cell', which offers several high quality equestrian products and the ISO 9002 certified 'Metalab' which offers innovative models of steel Bits, Spurs, Stirrups, Buckles, etc. The company is also introducing to the Middle East an American brand of specialised saddles with truly unique features at DIHF. Al Awani has large air-conditioned warehouses all over UAE and a fleet of vehicles to ensure deliveries all over emirates.

Commenting on their participation in DIHF 2007, Mr. Abdul Kareem Feroze, The Finance Manager of Al Awani Group of Companies said: "Participating in DIHF is any exhibitor's dream and definitely a shopper's paradise. Al Awani is the largest establishment and most sophisticated in the equine sector. It is a well known leading company in the equine field, having a lot of well reputed brands in their range of products."

Another prominent local exhibitor, Gulf Rider, is a must to visit, for breeders, trainers and veterinarians. Gulf Rider is a leader in the import and distribution of veterinary medicines, equestrian products and horse specialties in the Middle East, representing a number of International brands on an exclusive basis. Gulf Rider has a large professional team of 8 veterinarians and 16,700 sq.ft. of air-conditioned warehouses with freezer facilities, for vaccines and medicines centrally located in the heart of Dubai.

Speaking on their presence at DIHF 2007, Mr. Saif Sultan Saif Al Awani, Managing Director of Gulf Rider commented "DIHF is the perfect platform for exhibiting the wide range of products we have as the exhibition delivers maximum coverage and visitor's attendance. Gulf Rider has been participating prominently in DIHF for three consecutive years."

DIFH also offers international companies the perfect platform to tap into the Middle East Market and will welcome international companies from 28 countries. There will be an official pavilion from the UK, organised by BETA, the British Equestrian Trade Association which will bring together 14 companies including Horse Weigh, John Whitiker and Horse and Rider Medics.

Claire Williams, Executive Director, BETA, says "We are looking forward to another successful show with a number of new companies attending for the first time in order to develop new markets throughout the Middle East. We feel that the Dubai International Horse Fair, timed in March, is the best platform if you are serious about the market."

In the French pavilion, 20 French companies are being brought to the event by the Association French Equi'trade and are supported by the largest French oil company 'TOTAL' and the French Horse Cluster in Normandy. Visitors to the French pavilion can meet French breeders and trainers and explore a range of products on show, spanning, performance horse feed, equestrian equipment, real time video monitoring systems, wisps, handmade unique performance saddles as well as sports and fashion apparels for horses and riders.

Speaking on their solid presence at DIHF 2007, Jean Francois Goumy , Commercial Attaché from French Embassy in United Arab Emirates said "Our commitment to the UAE consists in making this broad business experience available to medium sized French companies, looking for international development, and to Emirati private companies looking for French partners to develop their activities. We strongly believe that this type of cooperation will foster more effective partnerships and 'win-win' joint ventures."

Overall, it can be said that over the four days of the DIHF 2007, there is plenty for everyone in the equine industry, to see, learn and take advantage of. In addition, the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC) will be held alongside the Dubai International Horse Fair, providing a thrilling attraction that will draw crowds from across the region and beyond..

Dubai International Horse Fair 2007 will be held in Hall 1 and Zabeel Hall at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).
The event will take place from 1 – 4 April 2007 and Opening Hours are 11:00 – 19:00 on 1 April, and 14:00 – 21:00 on 2 – 4 April. Admission to DIHF is free of charge, and open to both trade and general public. All persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.