The 13th Dubai International Horse Fair, held alongside the 14th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, will return next month to the region’s booming market for racing, endurance, recreational riding and show jumping products.

The horse fair will be held from 16th to 18th March at Dubai World Trade Centre, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and the UAE Minister of Finance.

More than 10,000 buyers, professionals, breeders and enthusiasts from over 20 countries will attend the fair to widen their global networks with 200-plus brands and companies. The countries participating this year include Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Qatar, South Africa, Russia, Slovenia, Taiwan, Turkey and the UK while Argentina, Russia, Slovenia and Turkey are new participants.

The Middle East’s growing significance as a global destination for the equestrian industry is evidenced by a burgeoning AED1.2 billion import market in the UAE. In addition, Dubai’s synonymy with horseracing excellence and its passion for equestrian activities have led to multi-billion-dollar infrastructure investments that are stimulating growth in this sector.

As in the previous editions, internationally and regionally renowned brands, including stables, feeds, riding apparel and garments, art, decor and lifestyle, hunting and riding clubs, will gather at this year’s three-day equestrian celebration, strengthening Dubai International Horse Fair’s position as a must-attend event for all horse lovers and the key trading platform for the Middle East equestrian market.