Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club will host the first edition of the Sharjah National Arabian Horse Festival UAE-Bred over two days on Wednesday and Thursday at the club’s facilities, it was announced yesterday.

According to Sultan Khalifa, general manager of the club, the event is organised under the patronage of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah for the first time in the UAE.

Speaking to newsmen at the clubhouse, Khalifa said they are following in this respect the footsteps and principles laid down by the late president Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to preserve the dynasty of the Arabian horse and spread the sports within the country and the Arab world.

“It is a great pleasure for us to welcome all breeders and lovers of the Arabian horses to attend this important function,” he said. Regarding the entries, Khalifa said they were astonished to receive such a big response from the different stables and stalls within the UAE. “Over 150 entrants have been confirmed for the competition from the different categories and ages,” he said.

“Horses representing Al Aryam Stables, Al Qasemi Stables, Ajman Stalls, Aryam Stalls, Al Zubair Stalls, Al Warsan Stalls, Al Amardy Stalls, Al Aweer Stud, Sharjah Police Stables and Sharjah Stables,” he said.