Sheikh Rashid Bin Dalmook, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, inaugurates 2nd Dubai Equestrian Procurement Forum on Saturday.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

More than 700 equine industry players including 250 stables, 350 buyers, and 75 suppliers, sellers, breeders, service providers, technology partners, and professionals gathered for second edition of Dubai Equestrian Procurement Forum.

The two-day Dubai Equestrian Procurement Forum got underway at the Meydan Grandstand in Dubai, in conjunction with Dubai World Cup Carnival’s Super Saturday.

Sheikh Rashid Bin Dalmook, Chairman of Dubai Racing Club, inaugurated the second Dubai Equestrian Procurement Forum that takes place within six months of the highly successful first edition of the event.

Sheikh Rashid toured the entire length of the exhibition and spoke to the exhibitors who travelled all the way from different parts of the world to participate at the exhibition and conference.

The Dubai Equestrian Procurement Forum includes an exhibition, conference, seminars, workshops and product demonstration for the buyers while manufacturers are showcasing new technology and innovative products.

The event concludes on Sunday. This marks a new beginning for the $400 million (Dhs1.46 billion) equine industry that is set to grow from strength to strength from a number of initiatives by Dubai Racing Club and Dubai Equestrian Club — the two large stakeholders of the industry.

The event takes place following the success of the first edition and within six months of hosting the first edition in October 2021. Hosting the two back-to-back Dubai Equestrian Procurement Forum is set to strengthen Dubai’s position as a regional hub for the industry.

Sheikh Rashid said: "I am pleased to see the high turnout of participants as we make final preparations to receive industry stakeholders. The strong interest the event has evoked from major players across the sector takes the 2nd Dubai Equestrian Procurement Forum to the next level.

"We are extremely proud to organise the second edition of the event, which brings the equestrian industry together under one roof to discuss new business opportunities and developments in the sector.

“Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this event is rapidly growing in stature and participation.

“We look forward to creating new initiatives like this to support the industry both regionally and internationally.”

Although Arabian horses are part of the Middle East heritage and therefore carries a strong legacy, they form a very small part of the $300 billion global equine

industry. The region’s equine industry is fairly new and is becoming more organised.

Major General Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, Board Member and General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club and Dubai Racing Club, said, "This event has brought various equestrian suppliers and procure products that will help all the players in this growing industry. The regional and international suppliers are showcasing their best offerings at this exclusive gathering of equestrian professionals from across the GCC.”

Noel Greenway, Managing Partner, Great Minds Event Management, said: "The high level of success of the Dubai Equestrian Procurement Forum, is a result of a great teamwork that brought the industry stakeholders closer that will change the industry and help it grow faster.

"Organising the second edition in quick succession demonstrates the strong commitment by all stakeholders and participation to the region’s equine industry and also reflects the market opportunity for all suppliers.”