IANS
Abu Dhabi, Aug 4: The capital of the United Arab Emirates is gearing up to host the popular hunting and equestrian exhibition in September. Last year it attracted 95,000 visitors from 37 countries, WAM news agency reported Monday.
The four-day exhibition last year exceeded all expectations as contracts worth millions of UAE dirhams were signed and more than 85 million dirhams (about $23 million) were generated at the event.
The organising committee of the event will hold promotional activities to attract more participants - last year saw 526 participants - and visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council to the event.
The event is being organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage.
"Another highlight at the event this year is a beauty contest for pure bred Arab horses. Some of the best horses will be out to capture the hearts of one and all," said Lara Sawaya, organising committee member and head of the equestrian division. Various other activities are also being planned.
Horses from the stables in Normandy in France, among others, will participate in the event.
Among participating organisations are such prominent and major ones as Britain's Newmarket and Ascot, Arab French Horse Association (AFAC), German Arabian Association (DRAV), Dutch Arabian Association, French Hunting Association, Russian Equiros Exhibition, Baden Baden Racecourse, Frankfurt Racecourse, International Equestrian Federation (FEI), Asian Equestrian Federation, Emirates Equestrian Federation and Dubai Equestrian Club.