The 22nd edition of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC), one of the most prestigious competitions in the world showcasing the unparalleled elegance and grace of purebred Arabian horses, concluded at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The three-day championship was 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 took place at the Zabeel Halls 7 and 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and witnessed fierce competition across various categories, showcasing the finest Arabian horses from renowned studs and breeders. With a staggering prize pool of $4 million, the championship attracted horses from eight nations.
Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, gave prizes to the winners in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department; Sheikh Abdullah Bin Majid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club; Ziad Khaldari, Head of the Supreme Organizing Committee; Dr. Ghanem Al Hajri, Secretary-General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation; Engineer Mohammed Al Tawhidi, Director General of Dubai Arabian Horse Stud; Adel Afalasi, DIAHC Executive Manager; and other dignitaries.
Dubai Arabian Horse Stud’s D Neeran took top spot in the Yearling Fillies Championship, earning a remarkable 40 points.
Her flawless performance left the judges in awe, securing her the gold medal. Ajeebah Al Bidayer, with her exceptional poise, earned the silver medal, while SQ Ghandoura took home the bronze.
The Junior Fillies Championship was equally captivating, and Vivia SB, a filly owned by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saud Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, finished on top. Second place went to Nayla Hayek’s Iman SVB, while Dubai Arabian Horse Stud’s D Rowa came third.
In the Senior Mares Championship, the competition reached new heights. Irvinna Al Shiraa, under the colours of Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s Al Shira'aa Stables, took gold with a score of 36 points.
Irvinna Al Shiraa impressed the judges with her regal presence and exceptional beauty.
Al Fahad Mas from Al Jumail Stud, owned by Faisal Al Kubaisi, stole the show in the Yearling Colts Championship. Sultan Mohammed Khalifa Al Yahyaee’s S.S. Misk settled for silver, while Fam Vortex took the bronze.
The Junior Colts Championship saw fierce competition, and D Borkan from Dubai Arabian Horse Stud finished on top, with a score of 38 points. Azzaam Al Amal followed closely, winning the silver, while AJ Sayer earned the bronze.
E.S. Harir, owned by Al Saqran Arabian Horse Stud, claimed the gold in the Senior Stallions Championship, earning a flawless 40 points and leaving the competition in awe.
The silver medal went to EKS Sirajj, whose refined elegance made him a formidable challenger. His performance was a stunning display of grace, but even his extraordinary poise couldn’t match the brilliance of E.S. Harir.
Ziad Galadari, chairman of the championship's organizing committee, expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed for his unwavering support of the event.
He highlighted the efforts of all the technical and organizational committees, whose collective dedication ensured the success of the 22nd edition of the event, held during Ramadan for the second consecutive year.
Qusai Obaidalla, Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship Director and Board Member, emphasized the resounding success of this edition, which witnessed a remarkable turnout, with the participation of 124 of the finest horses from across the globe.
He also underscored the exceptional local involvement, which served to elevate the level of competition, reflecting an unparalleled standard of excellence across all categories.
Alongside the UAE, horses from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, Brazil, Poland, Switzerland, and Uruguay, participated in the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship.
More than just a competition, this exceptional event celebrates centuries of passion, skill, and unwavering dedication from breeders who have tirelessly preserved and elevated the lineage of the Arabian breed.