Machhour Moukaddem says Al Kaheel will be an attraction to be enjoyed by all the family

Arab traditions of horsemanship can be traced back to the eighth century and Arabian horses, notable for their distinctive beauty and stamina, have played an important role in warfare and sport through the ages.

Al Kaheel, an equine theme park that will be part of Dubailand, the multi-themed mega leisure and tourism development, aims to attract horse lovers from across the world, both as tourists and property owners. According to Machhour Moukaddem, Chief Executive Officer of Al Kaheel Equine Management, it will be the most comprehensive equine centre ever built, “the ultimate destination for horse lovers.”

Covering 10 million square feet, the Dh1.6 billion (£214 million) project will be an educational theme park and working horse farm offering activities for all the family. Visitors will be able to enjoy short or extended stays at the full service luxury resort, which will feature a 150 room executive suite hotel and 100 luxury chalets, restaurants and shops.

An equine “edutainment park” will feature 400 horses representing more than 60 different breeds at work and play. Weekend horse fairs will be staged with competitions, demonstrations, and a variety of family activities. A nightly show will feature world-class equine acts with more than 45 performers and 70 horses. Desert safaris will offer scenic outings through the sand dunes on horses, ponies and wagons.

The park will also be home to the region’s first accredited world-class academy of horsemanship, teaching a variety of certified courses, and an equestrian centre with a clubhouse, stables, horse training and event areas. An equine spa and therapy centre will have state-of-the-art facilities for the treatment and rehabilitation of sport horses.

Mr Moukaddem says that visitors to Al Kaheel will have the opportunity to enjoy an “up close and personal” relationship with the horses. “When someone comes to Al Kaheel, they will have the chance to learn horse riding, watch the equine theatre and take part in the interesting shows, demonstrations and exhibitions that will be unique to the park.

“In Al Kaheel, the whole family will be entertained; kids can go to the park, others may go on the Desert Safari, and at night we will have shows displaying top horsemanship. The whole family will be entertained in one project that needs a minimum of one week to be seen in its entirety.”

Located in Dubailand’s eco-zone, Al Kaheel also provides a rare opportunity in Dubai to own a home in open and natural surroundings. Not surprisingly, all 400 individually designed properties on offer rapidly sold out. Investors saw the value of their properties rise by more than 25 per cent in the first six months.

Mr Moukaddem has no doubts that Dubailand itself will be a huge success, and says that Al Kaheel plans on getting 3-4 per cent of its tourists. “Tourists usually stay for five to seven days, and therefore do not have the time to see all the attractions, which means they will keep coming back to visit a different theme park.

“The following year, people who came to Al Kaheel will visit another part of Dubailand and vice-versa. That is the beauty behind Dubailand; it caters to all tastes and interests.”