Qatar National Library (QNL) is participating in the third edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF), being held on the Katara Beach until February 11. The international event brings together equestrian enthusiasts and aims to showcase the beauty, distinction and uniqueness of Arabian horses.
The 11-day festival will be marked by 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 present items on Arabian horses from the Heritage Library, including historical photographs, books and pamphlets on Arabian horses.
The opening was attended by HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman of Al Faisal Holding, and HE 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 horse specialist institutions, including Katara, Al Shaqab and the Arabian Horse Centre 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, a press statement notes.
Maryam al-Mutawa, head of Collection Access at QNL, 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."