BETA Secures Funding To Dubai Trade Fair

BETA has secured funding for companies wanting to exhibit at the prestigious Al Fares, Dubai Equine International Trade Fair.

Funding has been provided by Trade Partners UK under the SEFA (Support for Exhibitions and Seminars Abroad) scheme.

The event takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from December 10 to 13 and is regarded as one of the fastest growing equestrian trade fairs in the world.

The equine markets in the Middle East and in particular the Gulf Emirates have grown enormously in recent years and Dubai is fast becoming a world centre for racing.

BETA Chief Executive and Secretary Claire Williams said: "We are delighted to have gained funding for the Dubai fair.

"It follows on from funding that BETA secured for SPOGA, the World Equestrian Games and Equitana.

The maximum a company will receive for the Dubai fair is £2,800 and although BETA is co-ordinating the project, funding is open to both BETA members and non-members.

In addition to the trade fair the organisers are introducing a Camel Pavilion to Al Fares 2002. Camels are big business and a top racing camel can fetch millions of dollars.

Added Ms Williams: "Al Fares is the only practical way to reach this market. Selling into the Middle East is not easy but it can be highly lucrative. Exhibitors who have taken the decision to sell to this market keep going back to Al Fares."

The last Al Fares in 1999 attracted 3,300 trade buyers and large numbers of the general public.

Al Fares Consultant Antony Wakeham said: "We already have 15 verbal or confirmed exhibitors in the group including two training colleges and I expect this to grow to 30 plus exhibitors.

"We are attempting to build a comprehensive group covering the whole spectrum of the horse industry from art to pharmaceuticals. I am particularly keen to have breeding representatives there and our aim is to have the best international group in the whole exhibition.

"Last time there were 140 exhibitors from 23 countries and there is a major marketing and events programme planned to ensure that Al Fares 2002 attracts even more buyers."

For further information and to apply for funding please contact Claire Williams at BETA on 01937 587062.

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