United Arab Emirates - PM Communications

DUBAI / 8UAE 3rd NOVEMBER 2007A paradise for horseloversTop equine-themedpark to become a majornew attraction inthe Middle EastMachhour Moukaddem says Al Kaheel will be an attraction to be enjoyed by all the familyArab traditions of horsemanship can betraced back to the eighth century andArabian horses, notable for their distinctivebeauty and stamina, have played an importantrole in warfare and sport through the ages.Al Kaheel,an equine theme park that will bepart of Dubailand, the multi-themed megaleisure and tourism development, aims to attracthorse lovers from across the world,bothas tourists and property owners.According toMachhour Moukaddem,Chief Executive Officerof Al Kaheel Equine Management,it will be themost comprehensive equine centre ever built,“the ultimate destination for horse lovers.”Covering 10 million square feet, the Dh1.6billion (£214 million) project will be an educationaltheme park and working horse farmoffering activities for all the family. Visitors willbe able to enjoy short or extended stays atthe full service luxury resort, which will featurea 150 room executive suite hotel and 100luxury chalets, restaurants and shops.An equine “edutainment park” will feature400 horses representing more than 60 differentbreeds at work and play.Weekend horsefairs will be staged with competitions,demonstrations,anda variety of family activities.A nightlyshow will feature world-class equine acts withmore than 45 performers and 70 horses.Desertsafaris will offer scenic outings through thesand dunes on horses, ponies and wagons.The park will also be home to the region’sfirst accredited world-class academy of horsemanship,teachinga variety of certified courses,andan equestrian centre with a clubhouse,stables, horse training and event areas. Anequine spa and therapy centre will have stateof-the-artfacilities for the treatment and rehabilitationof sport horses.Mr Moukaddem says that visitors to AlKaheel will have the opportunity to enjoy an“up close and personal” relationship with thehorses.“When someone comes to Al Kaheel,they will have the chance to learn horse riding,watch the equine theatre and take partin the interesting shows,demonstrations andexhibitions that will be unique to the park.“In Al Kaheel, the whole family will be entertained;kidscan go to the park,others maygo on the Desert Safari, and at night we willhave shows displaying top horsemanship.Thewhole family will be entertained in one projectthat needs a minimum of one week to beseen in its entirety.”Located in Dubailand’s eco-zone,Al Kaheelalso provides a rare opportunity in Dubai toown a home in open and natural surroundings.Not surprisingly, all 400 individually designedproperties on offer rapidly sold out.Investors saw the value of their propertiesrise by more than 25 per cent in the first sixmonths.Mr Moukaddem has no doubts thatDubailand itself will be a huge success, andsays that Al Kaheel plans on getting 3-4 percent of its tourists.“Tourists usually stay forfive to seven days, and therefore do not havethe time to see all the attractions, whichmeans they will keep coming back to visit adifferent theme park.“The following year,people who came to AlKaheel will visit another part of Dubailand andvice-versa.That is the beauty behind Dubailand;it caters to all tastes and interests.” ●