UAE will put its innovative touch on IFAHR presidency: Al-Rahmani

The UAE has won the trust of the General Assembly of the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing, IFAHR, because of its reputation and strong ties with other countries of the world, affirmed Faisal Al-Rahmani, Chairman of IFAHR, after unanimously winning the presidency of the Paris-based world horse racing organisation during the assembly elections held in Paris on Saturday.

Al-Rahmani, who is a passionate owner-breeder of Purebred Arabian horses, replaces Qatari  Sami Jassim Al Boenain as the new IFAHR Chairman.

He has always been a vocal supporter of Purebred Arabian racing and has represented the UAE owners and breeders at international forums like the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference organised by the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival.

Al-Rahmani, who is also the Advisor at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the UAE's approach to openness, love for peace, and leadership in many fields including equestrian sports, has enabled the country to continue making remarkable achievements for the Arabian horse racing industry.

He dedicated his resounding victory to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for their generous support and leading role in promoting Arabian horse racing and elevating it to international standards.

He also presented the landmark achievement to H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

''During the UAE’s presidency, IFAHR will undergo dramatic changes and will be energised to advance equestrian sports. The UAE will imprint its innovative hallmark on IFHAR's new term. Winning the IFAHR's presidency after a long period of serving the equestrian sports is a source of pride not only for me but also for the people of the UAE. It is a resounding achievement in the UAE's development record,'' he added.

Al-Rahmani registered a sweeping victory garnering 21 votes to serve a four-year presidency term, while Belgium and Qatar won 17 and 16 votes respectively.

Commenting on Al-Rahmani election as IFAHR Chairman, Ms. Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, Chairperson of the International Federation of Horse Racing Academies (IFHRA) and Chairperson of Ladies & Apprentice Racing Committees in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) and General Manager of Wathba Stallions, said, “We are very proud of Al-Rahmani’s election to the top post in one of the prominent Arabian racing bodies. This is another achievement for UAE in the international Purebred Arabian racing circuit and we wish him all the best in his new position.”

She congratulated Al-Rahmani and the people of the UAE, and said there would be strong co-operation between the festival, also an honorary member of IFAHR, and the Paris-based body.

She further said that it will receive unlimited support as per the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed.