A Personal Narrative on My Journey
through the Middle East

The WAHO conference convenes. Jay Stream presenting the agenda while TV cameras look on. The conference facility was one of grandeur and gold.

Much like the United Nations, each country’s delegation has an identifying table at the conference complete with earphones to hear the translation in their language what was being presented in the official language of the conference, English. In the back were observers like myself and translator ear phones were also available there. One can imagine what the cost and logistics of putting on a WAHO conference must be.

I was told that Monday morning saw the opening of the general session of the WAHO Conference. In the large Majlis room of the Inter-Continental were arranged tables organized by nations represented each with flags and country plaque. There are two delegates for each regular member nation and one for each applying nation. Behind the large delegation section is a section for all others attending as observers. Delegates from each nation gave a report on the status of Arabian population and registrations in their country. In late afternoon Conference attendees were taken to the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club where they enjoyed a race meet of Arabians of breeders from the Emirates. The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club then hosted a superb dinner at the Sheraton.

Tuesday morning the Conference reconvened with guest lecturer David Suzuki, Ph.D., Professor at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He spoke about the advancements in learning about genetics in regard to breeding livestock and horses. The main operating basis for breeding programs is that “like begets like.” In the past few decades the understanding of DNA has opened up new horizons. Dr. Suzuki then gave a short video presentation about DNA. He then lectured on the aspects of gene manipulation, ova harvesting, transporting semen and the responsibilities of technology as well as the complexities drawing conclusions in this science.

After Dr. Suzuki’s fine lecture some reporting on the Executive committee’s work as well as presenting the WAHO - AHRA suspension issue (which has since been dealt with extensively elsewhere in print) was reported to the audience. At this point many of us were baffled and wondered what this was all about. This issue and all of its complexities and outcomes were lingering in social discussions throughout the rest of that week and ,in fact, are still being debated even today as you read this. However it did not overshadow the generous hospitality and grand celebration of the Arabian horse that was to permeate the rest of the week’s social events.

One of His Highness Shaikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s stallions beautifully caprisoned in a magnificent colorful saddle and bridle.	The Al Wathba Camel Race Track. Traditional dancing and chanting was performed as the entries were paraded by us at the camel races.

At the close of this session, guests were each given traditional Khafiyas and Abayyahs (Headdress and robes) to wear to His Highness Shaikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s stables where a delicious luncheon was served of fine Arabic cuisine. Following the enjoyable feast, guests were treated to a serving of tea in a large Bedouin tent while traditional dances were performed. Watching the fascinating performance while sipping tea and wearing the traditional garments helped guests to really steep in the feel of Middle Eastern tradition. Guests then had the opportunity to see the fine stable of Shaikh Mansoor’s Arabians representing an international weaving of the currently prominent bloodlines from Australia, Europe, Russia, U.S. and the Middle East. One of his striking chestnut stallions entertained visitors at liberty with his groom demonstrating the intelligence and affection of the Arabian. The horses presented herein were immaculately groomed and trimmed in the familiar western style for the most part. All were treated with the utmost of respect and care. To my knowledge, none of the horses I saw in this particular presentation were representatives of Al Khamsa’s roster, as most were representatives of European, Australian and American breeding programs from bloodlines other than Al Khamsa.

From Shaikh Mansoor’s stable guests were transported to the Al Wathba Camel Race Track for an intriguing afternoon at the camel races. Prior to the running another traditional dance and chant presentation was given in front of the grandstand with drums and swords. I might add here that the dances are very intriguing to listen to as well as watch for their entrancing sound, the chants, drums and compelling rhythm which is true to their Bedouin tribal origins. These compelling performances were very reminiscent of a similar performance I enjoyed among the Shammar tribe in the Jezirah region of Syria.
 

Some familiar faces to me at the Thursday evening banquet. Having just come from Syria these are some of the people who were most helpful in having a window on Syrian and Tribal Arabian Breeding. Left to right: Mohammad Al-Wadi, Director of Syrian Arabian Horse Registry; Saleh Al-Srouji, breeder; Mohamad Hisham Ghrayeb, breeder; Mustafa Al Jabri, breeder, Dr. Ibrahim Dawood, Director of Animal Production; and Basil Jadaan, breeder. At this conference Basil Jadaan was newly appointed as a consultant to WAHO.

Tuesday evening unfolded a spirited evening gala entitled “1001 Arabian Nights” where many guests continued to wear their traditional Middle Eastern garments. Held outdoors in the beach front courtyard of Hiltonia Beach Hilton Hotel, the feast was exotic with many fine Middle Eastern foods punctuated by exotic ice sculptures and permeated by colorful and alluring “belly dancers” circulating from table to table. Guests basked in festivities late into the night.

Wednesday was a social day without any conference meetings. It commenced with a special exhibition of Arabian Horses of the U.A.E. at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Representing 16 owners/breeders of the Emirates, 58 specially chosen Arabians were presented many with race records or producers of such. A considerable number were also were endurance winners and major show winners. Bloodlines were again an international amalgam of American, European, Russian, Egyptian, Saudi and Emirates breeding. A quality color booklet with pedigrees and information on each horse was distributed to the guests. The booklet opens with the following statement: the Prophet Mohammed (may the peace and praise be upon him): “The horses, prosperity is linked to their foreheads till the day of resurrection. Its owners are aided to keep them, so gently touch their foreheads, and pray for them to be blessed.” This recitation was reminiscent of the sentiments of the Bedouin and private breeders in Syria where the Arabian horse has a direct link to the religion of Islam and in this regard is given the highest order of honor and respect. This was often evident in the presentations by the breeders and owners of the Emirates region punctuated by the affection with which they presented their horses. Without question the horses are still understood as gifts from Allah. After the enjoyable presentation of horses guests were taken to the Water Break for a luncheon and again enjoying the ancient Dhow boats.

Wednesday evening’s dinner was especially festive being held outdoors in the warm desert air amid the splendid architecture of the Al Asayl Stables of His Excellency Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court and President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation. Again exotic cuisine was enjoyed of Middle Eastern flavor served colorfully outdoors surrounding the main residence of the stable. After dinner and socializing guests were treated to a musical dance period and celebration which included a limbo competition. The festivities ran well into the night.

Next Page | Previous Page | Top