Grace and beauty at the Dubai International Arabian Horse Show - in pictures

This year's event, the 17th edition, takes place under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid

The 17th Dubai International Arabian Horse Show takes place at the World Trade Centre this week. Billed as a showcase for the beauty, agility and heritage of one of the world's most admired and sought-after breeds, the event runs over three days and ends on Saturday March 20. This year's event, the 17th show, takes place under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance. Here, an entrant in the two-year-old fillies category and her handler go through their paces in the arena. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A competitor from the three-year-old fillies category in the Dubai International Arabian Horse Show is led in the arena. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A competitor in the two-year-old fillies category at the Dubai International Arabian Horse Show shows off some of her breed's distinctive features. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A striking entrant in the three-year-old fillies category plays to the arena at the Dubai International Arabian Horse Show. With coronavirus measures in place, her audience was made up of owners, trainers and judges. The general public, usually at the show in great numbers, was excluded as a health precaution this year. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Two horses from the three-year-old fillies category take the arena at the Dubai International Arabian Horse Show. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Plastic bags are shaken to test the temperament of an entrant in the three-year-old fillies category at the Dubai International Arabian Horse Show. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Young admirers watch a three-year-old filly at the Dubai International Arabian Horse Show. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A trainer assesses horses competing in the two-year-old fillies category at the Dubai International Arabian Horse Show. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Horse and handler together for the four-to-six-year-old mares category at this year's Dubai International Arabian Horse Show. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Horses from the three-year-old fillies category walk the arena at the Dubai International Arabian Horse Show. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A horse waits in the shadows for its turn in the arena for the four-to-six-year-old mares category at The Dubai International Arabian Horse Show. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A competitor in the two-year-old fillies category makes her way to the arena at the Dubai International Arabian Horse Show. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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