Qatar National Library (QNL) is participating in the third edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF), an international event brings together equestrian enthusiasts, which is held at Katara Beach from Feb 1-11. It aims to showcase the beauty, distinction, and uniqueness of Arabian horses.The 11-day festival will be marked with a variety of cultural shows and exhibitions that highlight purebred Arabian horses. The Library is participating in the festival with the opening of its exhibition titled, “Arabian Horses in QNL’s Heritage Collection,” which will present items on Arabian horses from the Heritage Library, including historical photographs, books, and pamphlets on Arabian horses.
The opening was attended by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of Al Faisal Holding, and Prof Dr. Khaled bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara and chairman of the organising committee of KIAHF.
In addition, the Library is collaborating with several Arabian hose specialist institutions, including Katara Cultural Village, Al Shaqab, and the Arabian Horse Center in Kuwait, to increase access to analytical and genetic studies on horses. The aim is to advance research and increase the number of studies on the subject.
Commenting on the occasion Maryam Al Mutawa, Head of Collection Access at Qatar National Library said: “We are excited to participate in the third edition of KIAHF. Our presence at the festival aims to showcase historical resources from our Heritage Library on the integral role that Arabian horses have in Arabic and Islamic history.”
“The Library aims to continue its mission to preserve and promote the cultural and civilisational heritage of Qatar and the region,” she added.
KIAHF will be the largest equestrian sporting event hosted by Katara this season, among a series of events. As one of the world’s highest-ranked shows, only the finest horses will be eligible to participate.
Qatar has earned a place of global distinction in conducting such shows of repute. The nation has previously hosted 29 international shows and championships for purebred Arabians.
This is the first time the premier show is being hosted at Cultural Village Foundation, Katara. KIAHF 2023 will comprise the Katara Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, the prestigious Katara International Horse Festival Title Show, and The Auction, attracting entries from all over the world.
As part of its mission to preserve the nation’s and the region’s heritage, the Library will continue to invest time and effort into sharing knowledge and empowering future generations across Qatar and beyond.
