Katara International Arabian Horse Festival has become a milestone and a distinctive mark within the series of Katara festivals and its activities throughout the year.
Doha, Qatar: In a bid to preserve and strengthen Qatar’s rich horse heritage, Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, the General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, emphasised the profound connection between the Arabian community and its equine companions.
Noting the historical ties between the Arabian people and horses, he stressed the significance of revitalising this kind of tradition. “It is important to preserve and promote the horse heritage because the Arabs have close relations with horses, and these horses for certain times got neglected, and now, Qatar is taking care of breeding and encouraging people to breed more Arabian horses,” he told The Peninsula.
Prof. Dr. Al Sulaiti highlighted Katara’s commitment to the care and breeding of Arabian horses, encouraging local breeders to actively participate in preserving this cultural legacy. With a focus on hosting international championships, he expressed the importance of events in supporting breeders and fostering a renewed interest in Arabian horse breeding.
A transformative chapter for Qatar’s equestrian scene is its hosting of the World Arabian Horse Championship (WAHC), scheduled to conclude today at the Old Doha Port. Remarkably, this marks the first time in 42 years that the event is taking place outside of France, signifying Qatar’s growing prominence in the world of equestrianism.
Prof. Dr. Al Sulaiti characterised the WAHC as a qualitative leap in celebrating the Arabian horse. The decision to host the championship in Qatar stems from a partnership between Katara and the National Center of Agricultural Exhibitions and Agricole Competitions S.A (CENACA), securing Qatar’s role as the host for both 2023 and 2025.
The Cultural Village Foundation further demonstrates its commitment to horse heritage through the annual Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF).
Prof. Dr. Al Sulaiti revealed that the festival, boasting over 500 horses from more than 11 countries, is a monumental event. Comprising competitions such as the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, the Arabian Horse Auction, and the prestigious Title Show, KIAHF has solidified its reputation as one of the most sought-after horse festivals globally, complementing the grandeur of the upcoming WAHC.
He explained that the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival has become a milestone and a distinctive mark within the series of Katara festivals and its activities throughout the year. “KIAHF is presented in a more distinctive way, befitting the ancient history of Qatar and enriching the authentic heritage of Qatari equestrian sport.” In 2024, the event will celebrate its fourth year, usually being held in February.
