World renowned artists specialising in equestrian art will exhibit their work in the new dedicated Art Gallery at the MENA region’s leading equine exhibition

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Equestrian art takes centre stage among the finest Arabian breeds at the Dubai International Horse Fair this month as 16 world-renowned artists will showcase their latest works at the dedicated Art Gallery launched this year.

Artists and organisations displaying pieces at the Art Gallery include UAE artists Ibtissam Abouinane and Ashway Hamood Hassan of Omniyat Prosthetics Arts Centre, as well as Swiss Art Gate UAE. International artists include Candian artist Ali Al Mimar, Carolyn Morton of the United Kingdom, Cots Fine Arts from Spain, Nurlan Bazhirov from Kazakhstan, Remy Bertoche of France and Prash Sankhe from India among others.

Renowned Portugal-based British artist Carloyn Morton, who is known for her equestrian sculptures with uncanny likenesses and attention to detail, returns to the Dubai International Horse Fair with her latest pieces. Her previous notable commissions include a life size bronze bust of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Morton has also designed the winning trophies for this year’s Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship. This year Morton will bring 15 sculptures to the show.

Morton commented: 'I am greatly looking forward to revealing my latest works to discerning art connoisseurs at the Dubai International Horse Fair Art Gallery. The Art Gallery is an ideal platform for artists who specialise in equestrian art - especially beautiful Arabian horse breeds - and Middle Eastern themes.'

Art Gallery participant Swiss Art Gate will present the works of acclaimed artist Nurlan Bazhirov from Kazakhstan. Specialising in animal themes, Bazhirov’s compositions depict dramatic and aesthetically fine detailed scenes of horses. Kurt Blum, General Manager of Swiss Art Gate UAE, said: “I am very proud to present Nurlan’s work at the 2014 Dubai International Horse Fair. Each drawing has a history, and the success of Nurlan’s work has been developed through years of studies of drawing and the deep knowledge of the nature of the animal’s world, especially the horses, to which he has experienced a very special relationship.”

This year Dubai International Horse Fair celebrates its 10 year anniversary and will bring together the region’s leading equestrian equipment companies, owners, breeders, stables, clubs, veterinarians, services and care products, professional and leisure riders and horse enthusiasts. The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship takes place alongside the event and celebrates its 11th year this year. With prize money of USD4 million (AED15 million), the international Championship is set to attract strong attendance from equestrian enthusiasts.

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 has matured over a decade into a popular event that offers a lucrative platform for the thriving equine industry in the UAE and wider Middle East.

Taking place from 20 - 22 March 2014 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the event showcases the widest range of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East.

Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “Dubai International Horse Fair has offered the only platform of its kind for Arabian horse breeds and the equine industry and this year we have expanded our focus to include equestrian art and artists who will display their unique and highly coveted pieces to art aficionados and the general public. Dubai International Horse Fair and the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship continue to be the ideal meeting place for Arabian horse enthusiasts, the equine industry and the general public who can enjoy an entertaining weekend with the entire family.”

The Horse Auction for Arabian purebred horses from local studs returns this year and will be held on the second day of the show. 100 Arabian horse breeds of the best pedigree will be on sale and the event is anticipated to attract hundreds of buyers from across the region.

In addition, the Dubai Polo Club and Equestrian Club will hold an Arena Polo Exhibition on 20 March (Thursday) and 22 March (Saturday). A three-on-three chukka match and polo class will be held to demonstrate the elegance of the sport and the horses’ magnificent skills.

This year the event will host more than 200 participating companies and brands from countries across the globe including Australia, Canada, Egypt, Germany, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Portugal, UAE, UK and USA. New country participants include France, Iran, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Tanzania.

Leading international and local companies and organisations will showcase a range of products and services to cater to the burgeoning equine industry in the Middle East. Participating companies include Ajman Stud, Al Hawajer Stud, Dubai Arabian Stud, Dubai Equine Hospital, Dubai Racing Channel Studio, Jebel Ali Racecourse and Shadwell Stud, based in the United Kingdom, among others.

The Dubai International Horse Fair 2014 will be held in Halls 7 and 8 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Opening hours are 11am - 8pm on 20 and 22 March and from 2pm - 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.

About Dubai International Horse Fair:

www.dihf.ae

DIHF 2014 will be held from 20 - 22 March 2014 at DWTC. For the tenth 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 2013, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) offers over 33 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 16 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.