23rd edition of Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship to be held at Expo City

The organizing committee of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC) has announced that the 23rd edition of the championship will take place from April 3 to 5 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai (South Hall), marking the first time the event is held at this venue.

The announcement was made during a press conference and the judges’ draw held on Monday at the Dubai World Trade Centre by the organizing committee, attended by Qusai Obaidullah, Championship Director and Board Member; Adel Al Falasi, Executive Director; Abdullah Ahmed Lootah, Vice President – Event Services at DXB Live; and Ahmed Saleh Al Abdouli, Assistant Director at DXB Live.

The judging draw followed invitations sent to 28 judges from 14 countries, from whom 10 judges and two reserves were selected.

The panel includes six judges from European countries, in addition to judges from Brazil, the United States, South Africa, and Russia. Two reserve judges were chosen from Bahrain and Germany.

The committee explained that participation rules require horses to qualify by placing first to fifth in ECAHO Title and Category A championships, or in the Las Vegas and Brazil championships, or by placing first to third in any national or local championship. Qualification is also possible through ECAHO Category B and C championships in the United States, South Africa, and Australia, or by winning first place at the Abu Dhabi Championship organized by the Emirates Arabian Horse Society. Gold and silver champions from Category A and Title championships are also eligible.

The approved judging system for the championship was also reviewed, whereby scores from 1 to 20 are awarded for type, head, body, and legs, with the highest and lowest scores in each category excluded to enhance fairness and transparency.

Qusai Obaidullah confirmed that hosting the new edition in the South Hall at Expo City Dubai aims to benefit from the venue’s modern facilities and services, enhancing the experience for participants and visitors alike.

He noted that the selection of participating horses follows a precise qualification mechanism through international championships, with expected participation ranging between 150 and 160 horses, including 40 to 50 horses ranked among the world’s elite.

Celebrating its 23rd edition, the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious horse competitions, making it a must-attend event for the biggest and most well-respected owners of Arabian horses and elite stables.

The draw selected Tamas Rombauer; Eric Gear; Jonas Salzmann; Robbie Den Hartog; Michaela Weidner; Gianmarco Aragno; Irina Stigler; Willie Brown; Terry Holmes; Jo Polo. Elyas Faraj and Claudia Darius were picked as reserve judges.

Adel Al Falasi said: The details of the participating horses and riders are yet to be revealed—entries have not officially opened—the championship is already generating anticipation, reflecting its stature as one of the premier stages for Arabian horses in the world.

“The move to the new venue, coupled with the presence of an international panel of judges, signals a new chapter in the event’s history, blending tradition, elegance, and global prestige.

The 23rd edition of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship reflects our commitment to continuous development, both in terms of organization and venue, ensuring a world-class experience that meets the expectations of owners, breeders, and spectators alike,” Adel Al Falasi added.