The international equine trade fair is set to open it doors this month, with 215 companies from 21 countries participating in it in Dubai, UAE.

Al Fares will run from October 29 to 31 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

It coincides with the Dubai World Cup 2014-15 that will kick off on November 6, where a huge number of visitors are expected to visit the exhibition that will allow direct retail shopping prior to the race that will be held in Meydan, said Rasheed Mbayed, exhibition manager of the fair, that is being organised by Al Fajer Information and Service every two years.

“The UAE tops the list among Mena countries in the equine industry due to the many world-class races held, including endurance, flat races and show jumping. Also, there are a variety of private and public clubs in the UAE that highly contribute in the development of this industry in the country,” he said.

“There are 87 racing stables listed by the Emirates Equestrian Federation. Moreover, the average flat race in the UAE is among the highest internationally, according to the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. This gives a clear sign on the potential of this industry in the UAE,” he said.

“The UAE imports equine products from countries like Germany, UK, France, Australia and the US which justifies the strong presence of companies from these countries at the three day show.”

More than 7,280 horses are registered under the name of UAE owners, according to the data compiled by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).

Equine events in the UAE attract thousands of visitors from the UAE and the GCC, said Mbayed.

The exhibition will include a dedicated booth for Sheikha Hessa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who will display her newly released book entitled Tajaarub ‘experiences’. It will include Sheikha Hessa’s personal experiences and expertise on horse riding since the age of four.

The exhibition will offer a platform for traders to showcase equine food, medicines and infrastructure for the establishment of racing centres plus any other maintenance services associated with the horses and the equestrian sector. It will also display the latest new products and services for horses and riders.

The show will host a series of discussion panels and sessions about the equine industry and horses moderated, which will throw light on the latest technologies and scientific researches about using laser technologies to treat horses.

It represents an opportunity for horse owners, veterinarians and equine industry professionals and fans to benefit from the international expertise and the latest findings in this domain.

Meanwhile, USA K- Laser will launch its latest innovative and revolutionary laser solutions: K-Cube 4, a revolutionary laser solution with four-independently controlled wavelengths and 15-Watts of power combined into one portable device.

“With remarkable results on low-grade stifles, wounds, sore backs as well as most inflammatory conditions, we are glad to display the K-Cube 4 at Al Fares as this solution is a highly valuable resource in the equine world,” said Mbayed.

The exhibition will also showcase the latest equipment and equestrian products bringing together horse owners, trainers and industry leaders.

“UAE exhibitors acquire 40 per cent of the total participants in the exhibition which shows the popularity of the equine industry in the country,” said Mbayed.

“International companies look at the UAE as a vital market to reach to the entire regional sector, which is among the most active in the industry worldwide,” he said.

“This year, a significant number of global players from the equine trade are participating, endorsing the fact that Al Fares remains the one and only exhibition recognised worldwide as a leading trade platform to do business and capitalise on the booming regional market for equestrian products,” he added. - TradeArabia News Service