Business & Money | Sunday 15 March, 2015 2:10 pm |

All proceeds of bestselling book, Tajaarub, donated to Al Maktoum Foundation and Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre

Dubai International Horse Fair to host more than 200 exhibiting companies and brands from more than 20 countries this year


Passionate horsewoman Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum will exhibit her debut equestrian-themed book, Tajaarub, at the upcoming 11th Dubai International Horse Fair next week. All proceeds from the bestselling book will be donated to charity with the Al Maktoum Foundation and Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre receiving 50% each. Tajaarub, which retails for AED40, is an Arabic bestseller and is available in Magrudy’s bookstores. The Arabic version is scheduled to be launched later in the year.

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, which takes place alongside the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, will be held from 19 -21 March 2015 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The event hosts leading companies and brands including leading equestrian equipment companies, owners, breeders, stables, clubs, veterinarians, services and care products, professional and leisure riders and horse enthusiasts. This year more than 200 exhibiting companies and brands are participating from more than 20 countries including Bahrain, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, United Kingdom and United States. The event offers the widest range of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East.

Adventures in horsemanship
“Horses are blessings in this world, and I’d like to support any organisation that reminds people how majestic and beautiful these four-legged creatures can be. The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and Dubai International Horse Fair have both been brilliant at showcasing Arabian horses and glorifying their existence for being the oldest breed of horse in history. Indeed, I dream Tajaarub would be able to add another element in this event, as it exposes the beauty of the Arabian horse’s mentality,” said Sheikha Hissa.

Sheikha Hissa, who started horse riding to please her father H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, leads her team of horses that participate in various sports and activities in Dubai and the United Kingdom. She is currently majoring in International Studies at Zayed University.

Commenting on her inspiration to write her first book, Tajaarub, Sheikha Hissa explained she started writing the book to answer questions people have always asked her about why she rode horses and what she gained from it since she is not seen competing in the public eye. “Through writing this book, I was able to look back and evaluate so many adventures I’ve experienced. Some lessons were harder than others, taking years for me to understand, and some were difficult to handle; but at the end, they all yielded a result.”

“I hope that both horse lovers and non-horse lovers would be able to read and enjoy these stories. They’ll be able to see how my attitude towards horsemanship has evolved and grew from the first time I saw a horse at the age of four to this day.”

Breathtaking equestrian activities and entertainment
The popular Horse Auction returns this year where Arabian purebred horses from local studs will be available for viewing, bidding and buying. Held on Saturday, 21 March, at 12pm, the auction will have 100 pureblood Arabian horse breeds on sale. Prospective buyers and members of the public can feel the thrill of a live auction with prices and stock to suit every budget.

Dressage, pony show jumping, gymkhana and Spanish horse performances will also feature at the show where horse aficionados and the general public can experience riders’ masterful routines.

Polo demonstrations by the Al Habtoor Polo Club will be held on 19 and 20 March. In addition, a polo class will be held to demonstrate the elegance and specialised skills required to play the sport.

The hugely successful Art Gallery specialising in equestrian works makes a comeback this year. The gallery gathers established global artists under one roof where they will unveil their horse-inspired sculptures and paintings to art connoisseurs across the region.

Leading international and local companies and brands exhibiting a range of products and services to the burgeoning equine industry in the Middle East include: Ajman Stud, Al Hawajer Stud, Dubai Arabian Stud, Dubai Equine Hospital, Equivance, Jebel Ali Racecourse, Royal Cavalry and Shadwell Stud among others.

The Dubai International Horse Fair 2015 will be held in Halls 5 and 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Opening hours are 11am - 8pm on 19 March, 2pm – 8pm on 20 March and 11am – 8pm on 21 March. Admission is free of charge and open to trade visitors and the general public. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pre-registration is now open at the show’s official website www.dihf.ae.
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About The Author:
Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a young horsewoman from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, who has spent most of her life working with—and learning from—horses. With the support of her family, she leads her teams of horses that practice various sports and other activities in Dubai and England. In June 2012, she attained the Bronze Standard of the International Award for Young People, and the following year she was awarded a high school diploma with distinction when graduating from Latifa School for Girls. She is continuing her education by majoring in international studies at Zayed University. Tajaarub is Sheikha Hissa’s first book.
About Dubai International Horse Fair:
www.dihf.ae
DIHF 2015 will be held from 19-21 March 2015 at DWTC. For the eleventh consecutive year, the exhibition will serve as a forum for international manufacturers, distributors, retailers and equestrian enthusiasts.
DIHF will be held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance. The exhibition will once again be held alongside the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, a world-class competition for purebred Arabian horses.
With the region's largest display of equestrian equipment, services, products and interactive horse experiences, the three-day exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors.

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of the Dubai International Horse Fair 2014, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) offers over 34 years experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 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 ongoing 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.