Stunning Finale to 2021 Katara International Arabian Horse Festival‍

The first edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF), held under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, concluded on a resplendent note yesterday. Some of the finest purebred Arabian show horses competed in the championships of the prestigious Title Show. Stallions, mares, colts, fillies, and yearling, finalists in their respective classes, graced the arena, impressing judges and spectators with their graceful trot and absolutely gorgeous looks. Noft Alnayfat, a senior mare, and Sundown K.A, a senior stallion, Arabians owned by Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa H A AL-Thani, proudly strutted off with the championship titles in their respective categories.

HE Prof. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, General Manager, Katara, and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, welcomed a number of Their Excellencies led by His Excellency Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports and heads of diplomatic missions to Qatar. They included HE the Minister Plenipotentiary Mr. Ali bin Saad Al-Naghmoush Al-Qahtani, Acting Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and His Excellency the Minister Plenipotentiary Mr. Nasser Saqr Al-Ghanim - Deputy Ambassador of the State of Kuwait.

HE Prof. Al-Sulaiti expressed great satisfaction that the Festival, which featured a total prizemoney of QAR13,000,000, one of the highest for an event of this type, had concluded successfully. He also noted that the participation of 12 countries in the very first edition of the KIAHF was an outstanding achievement.

HE pointed out that the highest standards of integrity and fairness were upheld during the Title Show, as the entire proceedings were held in accordance with the standards and rules set by European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO). He also thanked all the sponsors, partners, officials, artists, and exhibitors at the Festival for their valuable contribution. The officials, judges, and members of the Disciplinary Committee were also honored by the General Manager.

Art lovers were in for a special treat. AlBahie, the Qatar-based auction house, held an auction titled ‘Al Aseel.’ On the block were various pieces of equine-related artwork by international artists. The five-day Festival had featured several equine-related exhibitions and a postal exhibition.

Besides the impressive Title Show, spectators were treated to a taste of Qatari heritage. They were introduced to Hariri Al Shaqab, the poster-child for KIAHF and a world-famous stallion that has won numerous international awards and championships. Audiences were also presented with a remarkable light and sound laser show accompanied by a parade of Arabians and their riders dressed in traditional costume. Spectacular fireworks display and illuminated drones featured horse and rider along Katara’s waterfront, against the backdrop of traditional dhows. A brightly-lit message welcoming people back to the next edition of KIAHF next year, brought the Festival to a fitting finish.

The Festival was held by Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, in cooperation with the Qatar Equestrian Federation, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, and Qatar Foundation.

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We look forward to the 2022 Edition of this amazing show !! 

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https://kiahf.qa for more info! 

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