Now in its ninth year, the Dubai International Horse Fair, is set for its most prestigious edition ever. With more than 10 per cent increase in exhibitor numbers over last year, the event will host more than 200 participating companies and brands.Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, the Fair has developed into a core international event, supporting a thriving equine industry in the UAE and wider Middle East, including the Dubai World Cup which is held just after the exhibition.Taking place from March 21-23, at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the event showcases the widest range of international equine products, services, equipment and technology for horse owners, breeders and equine professionals in the Middle East.The show will be held alongside the 10th Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, a competition for purebred Arabian horses to judge their beauty, agility and heritage. With prize money of $4 million (Dhs15 million), the international Championship is set to attract large and enthusiastic crowds.The Dubai International Horse Fair has seen wider global interest with exhibitors coming from countries with first time presence, including Australia, Colombia, France and Pakistan. Other countries participating at the show include Bahrain, Canada, Germany, India, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States among others.The show will also see the return of the already established Horse Auction for Arabian and thoroughbreds from local studs. This landmark event, which will be held on the second day of the show in the Jumping and Performance Arena, will be the biggest ever in the UAE with more than 75 horses on sale, and is anticipated to attract hundreds of buyers from across the region.The distinctive equestrian art exhibition will be featured again at the show this year with paintings and sculptures presented by names including Nasser Bin Ibrahim Al Dibeahy from Saudi Arabia, the French art studio Remi Bertoche and Ali Al Mimar, who is considered one of the famous artists in painting Arabian Horses in the world.