- Katara to also host 2023 and 2025 editions of World Championship for Purebred Arabian Horses
The total prize money for the festival's competitions amounts to over QR17mn this year, in addition to in-kind prizes for first-place holders, it was revealed during a press conference held at the Katara Amphitheatre Monday evening to announce the details of the event. Present on the occasion were HE Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, chairman of the KIAHF Organising Committee and general manager, Katara; and Bader al-Darwish, KIAHF Title Show manager, and president, Qatar Equestrian Federation.
HE Prof al-Sulaiti 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 Centre for Agricultural Exhibitions and Competitions in France. Katara will host the 2023 and 2025 editions of the championship, which will be held for the first time outside France in 40 years.
Addressing the press conference, he 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 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, which is 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”.
Al-Darwish said the number of horses registered so far has reached 481, and registration is still open in the newborn category.
He informed that the prizes awarded for the festival championships amounted to QR17,083,500 this year, in addition to in-kind prizes awarded to first-place holders. 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 riyals in addition to in-kind prizes provided by the sponsors as well as 'legend prizes' and the special prize.
He 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.
Representatives of KIAHF 2023 sponsors were also present at the press conference Monday. They included Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf al-Thani, managing director, Nasser Bin Khaled Group; Mohamed Mousa al-Namla, deputy CEO Business Support, Services & Human Resources, Ahlibank; Ali Attiq al-Abdulla, head of Media Relations & CSR, Vodafone; Awn Zureikat, chief operating officer, Ali Bin Ali Luxury; Ahmed al-Jarboey, chief operating officer, QIC; Dr Noora Yousef Bu-Helaiqa, CEO and founder of Qommunication; Hamad al-Suwaidi, CEO, White Event; and Nada Khamis al-Sulaiti, CEO, Hairaat.
Sheikh Faleh said, “We continue on the path of brilliance and success with this distinguished festival, which has become an important part of the agenda of events in Qatar. This new edition of the KIAHF continues to highlight the beauty, distinction and originality of Arabian horses and their uniqueness in the world.”
Al-Abdulla thanked Katara and its general manager, as well as the Qatar Equestrian Federation and and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club. "I appreciate their dedication and hard work in organising the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival. On my own behalf and on behalf of Vodafone Qatar, I would like to express our pleasure to renew our sponsorship of the third edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, as the official telecom partner."
Al-Jarboey said, “Given the position of Qatar Insurance Group as a leading Qatari company, we realise that we have to play a fundamental role in supporting Qatar National Vision 2030. That is why we are pleased to once again be the platinum sponsor of the festival.”
KIAHF is considered one of the most prestigious, luxurious and largest of international festivals showcasing purebred Arabian horses. It will comprise the Katara Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, the prestigious Katara International Horse Festival Title Show and the Auction, during the 11-day extravaganza.
Attracting entries from all over the world, the KIAHF 2023 Title Show will see horses from Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, the UAE, USA and Uruguay.
As many as 481 horses would be participating. These include 273 horses from 18 countries for the prestigious Title Show, including Qatar, and 208 entries from 10 countries for the KIAHF Arabian Peninsula Horse Show. A large number of entries are also expected for the Auction – witnessed and attended by connoisseurs of equestrian.
Horse owners and breeders participate with confidence in KIAHF where the highest standards of integrity and fairness are applied and the championships are subject to arbitration systems according to specified standards and clear rules globally recognised by ECAHO (European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations) and with an international jury of judges.
KIAHF is also marked by a variety of accompanying events, including live art shows and paintings that highlight purebred Arabian horses. They also include a photo competition, organised for a group of professional and amateur photographers for the best pictures of horses in action at KIAHF 2023.
The picturesque Katara beach will also host several art exhibitions, including painting exhibition on saddles, and a free drawing exhibition related to horses. A distinguished and creative group of Qatari and resident artists from the Arab Gulf countries and other participating countries will participate in these exhibitions.
