3rd edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival to be hosted by Katara

The Katara Cultural Village Foundation launched the third edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF 2023), under the generous patronage of H H The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in cooperation with Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) at the Katara Beach from February 1 to 11. The launch was announced at a press conference held at the Katara Amphitheater yesterday evening in the presence of Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Chairman of the KIAHF Organizing Committee, and Katara General Manager, and Bader Al Darwish, KIAHF Title Show Manager, and Qatar Equestrian Federation President.

KIAHF is considered one of the most prestigious, luxurious and largest of international festivals showcasing purebred Arabian horses. 

The representatives of KIAHF 2023 sponsors were also present on the occasion including H E Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf Al Thani, NBK Managing Director; Mohamed Mousa Al Namla, Ahli Bank Deputy CEO Business Support, Services & Human Resources; Ali Attiq Al Abdulla, Vodafone Head of Media Relations & CSR; Awn Zureikat, Ali Bin Ali Luxury Chief Operating Officer; Ahmed Al Jarboey, QIC Chief Operating Office; Dr. Noora Yousef Bu Helaiqa, Qommunication PR and Marketing CEO & Founder of , Qommunication; Hamad Al Suwaidi, White Event CEO; and Nada Khamis Al Sulaiti, Hairaat CEO.

Prof. Dr. Al Sulaiti said: “Katara was keen to launch the third edition of the festival with all its elements of leadership, excellence and success, all in order to embody the bright history, revive the ancient culture and enrich the authentic heritage of the Qatari equestrian sport. We have harnessed all capabilities to organise the festival at the highest level.” He also stressed that “the third edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival will witness a remarkable development at all levels and pointed out that the festival enjoys a large and growing international interest reflected in the volume of international participation with the best and finest ancient horse breeds that will be transported from different continents of the world.”

He also announced that Qatar will host the World Championship for Purebred Arabian Horses in December 2023, a result of an agreement signed by Katara with the National Center for Agricultural Exhibitions and Competitions in France. Katara will host the 2023 and 2025 editions of the championship to be held for the first time outside France in 40 years.

Bader Al Darwish, Qatar Equestrian Federation President said: “This version of KIAHF will witness a remarkable development at all levels as the number of horses registered so far has reached 481 horses, and registration is still open for the newborn category.”

He pointed out that the prizes awarded for the festival championships amounted to QR17,083,500, in addition to in-kind prizes awarded to the first places.  A total prize of QR13,900,000 has been allocated for the Title Show, in addition to valuable in-kind prizes provided by the sponsors.

The Arabian Peninsula Horse Championship will have a total prize of QR3,093,500, in addition to in-kind prizes provided by the sponsors besides the legend prizes and the special prize.

He also explained that work has been done in this edition to bring about changes in the method of arbitration, which will have a positive impact on the course of the competitions and their strength. 

KIAHF 2023 will comprise the Katara Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, the prestigious Katara International Horse Festival Title Show, and The Auction, during the eleven-day extravaganza.