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The 23rd edition of the Dubai International Arabian Horse 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 prestigious event will be held at this venue. The organizing committee announced the details during a press conference and judges’ draw ceremony, attended by senior officials including Qusay Obaidullah, the championship’s general director, and representatives from DXB Live.
During the event, organizers conducted a judging draw after inviting 18 judges from 14 countries. Ten judges and two reserves were selected for the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, with the final panel including six European judges alongside representatives from Brazil, the United States, South Africa, and Russia. Two reserve judges were chosen from Bahrain and Germany.
Strict Qualification Criteria for Arabian Horse Championship
According to the organizing committee, participation rules require horses to qualify through specific achievements in international competitions. Horses must either place first through fifth in ECAHO Title Class or Class A championships, or in Las Vegas and Brazil championships. Additionally, horses can qualify by securing first through third place in national or local competitions, or ECAHO Class B and C championships in the United States, South Africa, and Australia.
The committee also accepts horses that win first place at the Abu Dhabi Championship organized by the Emirates Arabian Horse Society. Furthermore, gold and silver medal winners from Class A championships and Title Shows are eligible to participate in the competition.
Advanced Judging System Ensures Fair Competition
Organizers outlined the championship’s approved judging system, which emphasizes transparency and fairness. Judges will award scores ranging from 1 to 20 for each of four categories: type, head, body, and legs. However, the highest and lowest scores in each category will be eliminated to enhance fairness and reduce potential bias.
Meanwhile, Qusay Obaidullah emphasized that hosting this year’s edition at Expo Dubai’s South Hall allows the event to leverage modern facilities and services. He stated that the venue will enhance the experience for both participants and visitors, reflecting the championship’s commitment to excellence.
Elite Arabian Horses Expected at Dubai Championship
The general director indicated that horse selection follows a precise qualification mechanism through international championships. According to Obaidullah, organizers expect between 150 and 160 horses to participate, including 40 to 50 of the highest-ranked Arabian horses worldwide. This represents a significant gathering of elite bloodlines and championship contenders.
In contrast to previous venues, the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City offers enhanced infrastructure designed specifically for major events. Abdullah Ahmed Lootah, vice president of events services at DXB Live, and Ahmed Saleh Al Abdouli, assistant director at DXB Live, participated in the announcement, underscoring the venue’s readiness to host the championship.
Growing International Presence
The participation of judges from 14 countries highlights the championship’s expanding international reputation. The diverse judging panel brings expertise from major Arabian horse breeding regions across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. This global representation ensures that evaluation standards align with international best practices in Arabian horse shows.
Additionally, the qualification requirements demonstrate the championship’s position among elite ECAHO-sanctioned events. By accepting only horses with proven track records in major international competitions, organizers maintain the event’s high standards and competitive quality.
The championship is scheduled to begin on April 3, with competition continuing through April 5. Further details regarding specific class schedules and the final list of participating horses are expected to be announced closer to the event date.
