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| QREC chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani (second from right) and QREC general manager Sami Jassim al-Boenain address the media at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club yesterday. PICTURE: Juhaim |
The General Assembly of WAHO will take place at the Ritz Carlton from November 2 to 4. Apart from the WAHO business conducted during the General Assembly sessions, several expert Guest Speakers will be talking on a variety of interesting topics. The Pride of Qatar Days’, which are unique tailor-made tours and visits to premier Stud Farms, are from November 5 to 8 with several presentations of Qatar’s world-renowned Arabian horses. Pre- Conference sightseeing tours for registered participants are offered from October 30 to November 1, most of which are then repeated Post-Conference on November 9 and 10.
“We are very happy to host such a prestigious event in Qatar. We will ensure that the delegates will go back happy with a wonderful experience. We will spare no effort to make this is the best ever WAHO Conference,” QREC general manager Sami Jassim al-Boenain told reporters at the press conference.
The REC general manager was mighty pleased with the development of the equestrian sport in Qatar since the past 20 years. “We have been organizing the International Horse Show for the past 20 years and it has grown in stature over the years. Apart from this we also have horse racing for Pure Arabian horses which is on the top of the agenda. Qatar has already put Pure Arabian horses on the world map by hosting the Qatar Arabian World Cup during the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triompher in Paris.”
Qatar has top class Stud Farms and the visitors to the WAHO Conference would have an opportunity to visit Al Shaqab Stud, Umm Qarn, Al Shahania Stud and other famous Stud Farms in Qatar. “One of the main equests of the visitors has been to visit the various Stud Farms in Qatar. We have made arrangements for their visit and I must thank Al Shaqab, Umm Qarn and other Stud Farms for allowing the WAHO delegates to visit their Stud Farms,” Sami added.
Sami was also proud that Qatari citizens are involved in the development of the equestrian industry. “We are really proud to say that the locals are involved in the development of the equestrian sport in Qatar. The sport has really grown in stature since the past 15 years. This has all been possible because of the involvement of the locals who are managing all the aspects. QREC has come a long way since the alst 20 years. It has developed vastly and we are still looking to make it a world class facility.”
WAHO Executive Secretary, Katrina Murray said she was impressed with the facilities in Qatar and she was looking forward to the conference.
“Qatar is a nice country. It will be an exciting conference here in Doha. Over 40 countries will be participating in this week-long event. It is an opportunity for all members of WAHO to come and enjoy Qatar, which has got a rich tradition of Arabian horses,” said Murray.
The programme of the whole WAHO Qatar 2011 Conference is rich with an exceptional choice of events. Everyday offers an extensive variety of activities which will give everyone who attends, the chance to experience the heart and spirit of the State of Qatar.
WAHO, the World Arabian Horse Organisation, was founded in 1970. The first WAHO Conference was held in Seville, Spain in 1972. The forthcoming WAHO Conference to be held in Doha will be the 20th WAHO Conference.
WAHO’s objective is to preserve, improve and maintain the purity of the blood of horses of the Arabian breed and to promote public interest in the science of the breeding of Arabian horses. To promote and facilitate the acquisition and distribution of the knowledge in all countries of the history, care and treatment of horses of the Arabian breed.. WAHO has 64 Member countries nations with 13 additional countries whose Arabians are registered for them by neighboring registries.
WAHO has always acknowledged that the Middle East countries are the homeland of the Arabian horse
Over the years, more than 2,600 people who share an interest in Arabian horses have joined as Individual Associate Members.
Qatar Airways, the official Carrier of WAHO Conference 2011, has provided an “exclusive” discount on their fares for accredited participants. Please visit the Qatar Airways page on the WAHO conference website at www.wahoqatar2011.com for more details.
For further details contact Hannie Maasdijk, Coordinator, WAHO Qatar 2011 Conference, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, PO Box 7559, Doha, Qatar. Tel: +974 4419 7639; Fax: +974 4480 2734; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: www.wahoqatar2011.com