For the third consecutive year, the Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) will serve as a forum for international manufacturers and traders, and regional distributors, retailers, and equestrian enthusiasts. Over 200 companies will bring products, services, and expertise to one of the fastest growing markets in equestrian sport. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, the Dubai International Horse Fair has proven to be a hit with the equine industry across the Middle East and the world since its launch three years ago.

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the exhibition takes place April 1-7 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. It is timed to immediately follow the renowned Dubai World Cup Thoroughbred race.

This year, as the largest exhibition for equestrian equipment, services, and care products in the Middle East, DIHF promises an exciting opportunity for agents, clubs, breeders, race jockeys, trainers, and veterinarians. The event offers a one-stop venue for updates on the latest in the equine industry; attendees will benefit extensively from highly informative seminars and demonstrations at DIHF.

For the first time the Dubai International Horse Fair will provide a unique platform for veterinarians in the Middle East to meet and discuss key issues of the industry. To be held on Day One of the exhibition, the Veterinarian Networking Session will gather key figures and reputed speakers from around the region, including Dr. Dan Hawkins of Dubai Equine Hospital, Priv. Doz. Dr. Dr. Habil. U. Wernery from Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dubai, and Dr. Mieke Derijck of Sharjah Equine Hospital.

Veterinarians can look forward to a day of educational talks by renowned senior experts in the field, addressing topics such as "Recent glanders outbreak in the UAE and maintenance of the UAE equine health status through serology surveillance", "MC3 and MT3 condylar fractures in racehorses", and "Production and use of equine plasma in neonatology." Other prestigious experts include Dr. Gustavo Abuja from the Sharjah Equine Hospital, who will give the audience an "Update on tendon and ligament treatment", and Dr. Andrew Dalglish from Abu Dhabi speaking on the "Recognition and treatment of the metabolically compromised endurance horse."



Commenting on the host of activities at the event, Abdulla Quassem, Board Member, Higher Organising Committee of the Dubai International Horse Fair and Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC), said, "As the key platform for the equine industry in the region, DIHF is continually developing and introducing new features for the benefit of both industry professionals and general public attendees, and we will do our best to make it an experience to remember for all who attend."

Other outstanding sessions are the lectures organized by Hamlool Trading LLC, conducted by Dr. Joe Pagan, President, Kentucky Equine Research, from the United States, and Dr. Clarissa Brown Douglas, a nutritionist from the United States. These experts will be speaking on the subjects of "Feeding to win: nutrition of the performance" and "Recent advances in equine nutrition."

Also lined up are presentations by Naked Horse Ltd. on bare foot trimming, and a demonstration of traditional saddle making by the Royal Cavalry, Oman.

The walk-in workshop on "Supplementation to Win" that is sponsored by Equine Products UK Ltd. offers anyone related to the equine industry at any level the opportunity to learn how to provide and feed horses a balanced diet, suited to the climate and local conditions in the Middle East. All workshop attendees will also receive a certificate from Equine Products.

Other exciting features at DIHF including a show jumping arena, Arabian horse auction, equine art display, as well as the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, which will showcase the beauty and majesty of purebred Arabian horses.

Dubai International Horse Fair 2007 will be held in Hall 1 and Zabeel Hall at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event hours are 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on April 1, and 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. on April 2-4. Admission to DIHF is free and open to both trade and general public. All persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.