Prof Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Cultural Village Foundation, along with officials and dignitaries during the opening of 2nd Katara International Arabian Horse Festival.
Doha: The 2nd edition of Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF 2022) was officially kicked off yesterday at Katara Esplanade amidst a distinctive heritage atmosphere that boasts of originality and equestrianism.
The 11-day festival which will run until February 12 was inaugurated by Prof Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) and the KIAHF Chairman of the Organising Committee, along with dignitaries.
He said: “The Katara International Arabian Horse Festival has become an important international event that attracts equestrian enthusiasts and lovers of Arabian horses of all nationalities and categories as it has gained its global reputation since the launch of its successful first edition. The festival today is a shining example of the march of Qatari equestrian sport and its distinguished championships.”
Dr. Al Sulaiti pointed that the festival is increasing its great role by preserving the equestrian culture, reviving its noble heritage, and transforming it in an innovative way for new generations, stressing that the current version will be distinguished and exceptional with its cultural and heritage events and new championships.
The opening of the festival was marked with a military band march and the Arabian Peninsula Horse show wherein the Yearling Fillies category began.
The said show will be held until February 5 showcasing 239 horses. First placer of the Yearling Fillies (Class 1A) is Gazaa Al Shaqab; second place goes to NK Lara; and third placer is Nadirah Al Alia. Meanwhile, the winners for the Class 1B category are: first placer D Mashee’ah; second placer, Lehweilah Al Shaqab; and third placer, Leena Al Nasser. For the Fillies 2 years Old (Class 2A), winner is Zenobia Al Waab, followed by Nadeema Al Rayyan, and Attar Al Arab.
Horses from 11 countries are participating during the festival.
On February 7, an auction will be conducted where 31 top purebred Arabian entries will be seen, the prestigious Title Show set from February 9 to 12 has also been set where 309 horses will participate.
Among the other activities alongside the main programs include distinguished art exhibitions highlighting the status of Arabian horses with state-of-the-art photo exhibitions and horse art exhibitions with the participation of a number of artists. Live saddle painting in addition to shepherds’ tents and cafes are providing for great delight for visitors.
There are also 21 shops next to the main stage offering food and beverages, gift shops, a Veterinary Medical Center, perfume shop, and several equestrian stores. A led screen has also been placed where the public can watch the shows.
KIAHF 2022 has a whopping total-prize-money of QR17,083,500, of which, QR13,990,000 is for the Title Show Championships. This is besides the other in-kind prizes including cars and watches from Nasser Bin Khaled and Ali Bin Ali Luxury, respectively. The Arabian Peninsula Horse Show has a total prize of QR3,093,500, as well as in-kind prizes for various categories. There will also be special prizes for “The Legend” (Senior category) for QR3mn, and a “Special Award” for the horse which has won all categories since being a Yearling of for QR2mn.
At this year’s KIAHF, horse owners and breeders will also be able to buy the egg of top breed international mares.
