Katara International Arabian Horse Festival featuring 674 horses from 10 nations begins

By A Robin - February 04, 2024

Katara International Arabian Horse Festival

The 4th edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAH) kicked off at Katara Corniche, showcasing 674 horses from 10 countries. The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of H E Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth, and H E Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, alongside other dignitaries.

Scheduled to run until February 11, the festival boasts an extensive program, including the Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) from February 1 to 5, the Katara Arabian Horse Auction on February 4, and the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show from February 8 to 11.

This year's GCAT, with a prize pool of €17 million, spans seven destinations across the Middle East and Europe, making stops in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Cannes, Valkenswaard, Rome, and Paris throughout the year.

In addition to the equestrian events, the festival features various artistic activities, such as a photo exhibition, saddle painting, artistic and educational workshops, live painting, and the opening of three art exhibitions by Ali Almimar, Ali Nadir and Mahacine Al Ahrach, and Andre Guimaraes.

Katara Corniche is adorned with kiosks offering equestrian products, contributing to the festival's vibrant atmosphere. Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Katara General Manager, emphasized the significance of preserving and promoting the Arabian horse heritage. He highlighted Qatar's commitment to breeding and supporting local breeders, aligning with the cultural legacy and fostering international championships.

Prof. Dr. Al Sulaiti encouraged local breeders to actively participate in preserving this cultural heritage. The artistic workshops aim to showcase various works depicting the heritage and aesthetics of horses, providing a platform for enthusiasts to develop their talents. Prof. Dr. Al Sulaiti underscored the cultural significance of these events, uniting amateurs and equestrianism enthusiasts while promoting creativity in various art forms.

As a spectacular addition to the festival, the Skydiving team from Lekhwiya Forces performed over Katara Beach, featuring portraits of H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatar flag, and the AFC Asian Cup flag, among other displays. This aerial spectacle is part of the accompanying activities for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 in the Cultural Village, enhancing the overall allure of the festival.