Dubai gets the privilege to  host the inaugural Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship (DIAHC) on March 29-30.

Strong international participation is guaranteed for the event which is scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, this prestigious championship, which will be governed by the ECAHO (European Conference of Arab Horse Organisations) Rules for Conduct of Shows under the rules of ECAHO, will have an international Class 'B' status.

"DIAHC will be the first show of its kind in Dubai and the richest Arabian Horse Show in the world. Even though we have a lot a horse racing, this will be the only show that puts the spotlight on the Arabian horse for its splendour, smartness, elegance, temperament and disposition - this will be the beauty pageant equivalent for Arabian horses," said Ziad Abdullah Galadari, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of DIAHC.

"We are pleased with the support of the Government and semi-government organisations who have stepped forward to co-sponsor the event, including Emirates Airline, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Municipality and Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event has been designed as a mega sports show and will put the spotlight on the world's oldest and most sturdy breeds of stock who once ran untamed in the desert lands of the Middle East long ago.

"The Arabian horse is famed for its beauty, speed, endurance, fine coat and hardiness and these equine virtues will be on display during the DIAHC," Galadari continued.

DIAHC will offer an exotic spectacle for horse show enthusiasts and two exhibition halls at the DWTC will be converted into a show arena, with ample spaces for public seating and a VIP grandstand.

The event has been timed to take place immediately after the Dubai World Cup to ensure that horseracing enthusiasts get an opportunity to witness the show.

The show offers a total of $186,000 in prizemoney following the generous sponsorship from Emirates Airlines, Shadwell Farm, Shadwell Stud, Derrinstown Stud and the Commercial Bank of Dubai.

Dubai Municipality, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Police are also involved in the sponsorship, promotion and support of the event.

The prizes include $35,000 for the mare and stallion champions, as well as $20,000 for the champion colts and fillies and gold trophies for the winners, silver for runners-up and bronze for those in third place.