I had an exciting morning today – apart from having coffee with the beautiful Catherine from English/French magazine MADAME at the Fortnum & Mason Cafe, I had a whistle-stop visit to DWTC where His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation Authority, formally inaugurated the 11^th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship and the 10^th Dubai International Horse Fair.

Last year I had an amazing time with little diva at the Fair and since this weekend she is rehearsing for Les Miserable in school (another weekend this yummy mummy will be a chauffeur), I decided to venture out to the Fair on my own. As two of the region’s most important Arabian equine platforms, the co-located events will gather a host of global and regional equine industry players across every segment of the professional and recreational segments – from stable and horse owners, breeders, professionals and veterinarians, to service and care providers, specialist product providers, leisure riders and everyday horse enthusiasts.

In addition to showcasing the region’s lucrative equine industry, the Dubai International Horse Fair will provide several exciting activities for families and the general public including polo demonstrations organised by the Dubai Polo Club and Equestrian Club (Saturday 22 March), an equestrian-themed Art Gallery and a celebration of local culture at the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) organised Heritage Village, which will showcase the UAE’s authentic cuisine, clothing, handicraft, calligraphy and more.

I guess I have to take Tash this year for our favourite ‘gemat’ experience again. Elsewhere, 100 Arabian horse breeds of best-in-class pedigree from local studs will go under the hammer at the Horse Auction for Arabian Purebred Horses. Held on the final day of the show (Saturday 22 March), the auction is anticipated to attract hundreds of prospective regional buyers.

With more than 200 participating companies and brands from five continents represented at the Fair, 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 regional equine industry. 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.

I am excited about the weekend – In Dubai, every weekend is an amazing experience and this weekend, I look forward to meeting my local Emirati friends for ‘Qahwa’ and talking about equestrian sports, events and art. Join us at the fair if you love horses.