21st DIAHC promises unforgettable show of Arabian elegance
- 20 Mar 2024
Gulf Today, Sports Reporter
The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC) is back for its 21st edition, and it promises to be even more spectacular than ever!
The championship will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.
DIAHC is considered one of the world's most renowned horse competitions, attracting respected owners and elite stables, which makes it an unmissable event.Set to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, from March 22 to 24, DIAHC will see Purebred Arabians from nine countries showcasing their beauty and elegance.
Countries taking part in the championship include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Italy, and Switzerland.
A total of 205 horses are expected to participate in this exciting competition taking place at purpose-built Zabeel Halls 4, 5, and 6 for over three days.
With a whopping $4 million prize purse, the competition is fierce, and the horses are truly world-class.
The Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship owes its existence to the vision of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the former Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.
Sheikh Hamdan was renowned as one of the most influential figures in the world of horse breeding. Through his Shadwell Estate in Newmarket, he fostered both thoroughbred and Purebred Arabian horses, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.
This year's event coincides with the Holy Month of Ramadan, infusing the atmosphere with heritage and tradition. Special Ramadan evenings will offer a blend of entertainment and activities suitable for horse enthusiasts, and families.
Celebrating the timeless beauty of Arabian horses, renowned for their distinguished lineage and meticulous breeding, the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship stands as a testament to centuries of equestrian excellence and stewardship.
Recently, judges for the championship were selected through a draw held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It was attended by Qusai Obaidalla, Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship Director and Board Member; Khalid Alhammadi, SVP DXB Live DWTC; Abdullah Lootah, Assistant VP Production & Delivery DXB Live DWTC; Rashed Alabbar, Director Operations DXB Live DWTC; and Adel Alfalasi, Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship Executive Manager.
The show’s 10 judges and two reserve judges were selected by a raffle draw from a pool of 18 highly experienced judges. All of the invitees have participated in judging panels at a previous edition of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship.
The draw selected Gianmarco Argano and Cristian Moschini from Italy, Nikolaus Jung and Claudia Darrius from Germany, Eric Gear from France, Christine Jamar from Belgium, Renata Schibler from Switzerland, Ali Mohamed Al-Sharawi from Egypt, Eliys Ebrahim Faraj from Bahrain, and Joe Polo from the United States of America. The draw also selected the reserve judges: Marianne Tengstedt from Denmark and Urs Aeschebacher from Switzerland.
