Excitement continues unabated during Katara International Arabian Horse Festival

The third day of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF), held under the patronage of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and presented by Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, witnessed more action and excitement. Gorgeous mares, fillies, stallions, and colts strutted their stuff, all trying to impress the judges from the European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO).

A number of Their Excellencies and dignitaries graced the Festival. They included the ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions from Hungary, Austria, Poland, Italy, Ukraine, and Romania.

His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani, Manager of Breeding and Show, Al Shaqab, expressed much appreciation for the support given by HH the Amir for the Festival. HE Sheikh Hamad also applauded HE Prof. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, General Manager, Katara, and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, his team, and the partnering organisations for the noteworthy preparation that went into the Festival. Commenting on the success achieved by the many Arabians owned by Al Shaqab and other Qatari-owned studs in KIAHF 2021, HE Sheikh Hamad noted that horses bred and raised in Qatar were indeed world class.

Al Wazna Al Shaqab. Credit KIAHF Festival

The title show features a total prize money of QAR 13,000,000, one of the highest in the world for an event of this order. Special awards will be awarded to horses achieving high performances over the years.

Besides the title show, equine enthusiasts and visitors can look forward to various fun and activities. In addition to families looking for entertainment, the Festival is also attracting equine and art enthusiasts. Several equine-related exhibitions and kiosks are also featured as part of the Festival.

The qualifying rounds for mares and stallions aged seven years and older will be held on 5 February. The final day, Saturday 6 February, will see the culmination of the Festival as the finalists of the various classes compete. A special surprise show also awaits visitors as part of the grand closing ceremony.

Credit Scott Bailey

In keeping with the directions laid down by the Ministry of Public Health and to ensure the safety of all concerned, visitors are advised to strictly comply with all the Covid-19 protocols.

List of Finalists from 4 February

Class 3A three-year old fillies:
1^st – Emarella (Sahm El Arab x Emandorella), owned by Aljassimya Farm, 92.42 points
2^nd – Sultanah Al Shahania (Sultan Al Zobara x Majolicaa, owned by HESheikha Reem Mohammed A Al-Thani, 92.17 points (won by type)
3^rd – Mona Lisa Aljassimya (Equator x Minwah), owned by Aljassimya Farm 92.17 points

Emarella. Credit Scott Bailey

Class 3B three-year old fillies:
1^st – Al Wazna Al Shaqab (S.M.A. Magic One x Bushrah Al Shaqab), owned by Al Shaqab – Member of Qatar Foundation, 92.67 points
2^nd – Maria Magdalena NWA (FA El Rasheem x Magdalina NWA), owned by Al Thumama Stud; 92.17 points
3^rd – Adwaa Al Arab (Emerald J x HK Jojo RLC), owned by Al Jumail Stud, 91.83 points

Class 7A four-to-six-year old mares:
1^st – Najla Umm Aludham (Wadee Al Shaqab x DA Magic Moment), owned by Nasser Mohammed Al Hajri, 92.25 points
2^nd – EM Queen Desert (Fadi Al Shaqab x Wajd Al Shaqab), owned by Al Hamad Stud, 91.83 points
3^rd – Fajer Al Adeed (Hariry Al Shaqab x AS Michael), owned by Khalid Ali Abdulla Al Obaidli, 91.08 points

Class 7B four-to-six-year old mares:
1^st – Hamamat Al Shahania (Kahil Al Shaqab x Majolicaa), owned by Al Shahania Stud, 93.08 points
2^nd – Loulou Al Nasser (RFI Farid x Rihab Al Nasser), owned by Al Nasser Stud, 92.33 points
3^rd – Aria Dinara (AJ Dinar x GR Areylia), owned by Alsafwa Stud, 91.83 points

Radhee Al Shaqab. Credit Scott Bailey

Class 6 three-year old colts:
1^st – Momayz Aljassimya (Equator x RP Miss Surprise), owned by Aljassimya Farm, 91.33 points
2^nd – Radhee Al Shaqab (WH Justice x OFW Emmalee), owned by Al Shaqab – Member of Qatar Foundation, 91 points
3^rd – Fahad Al Shaqab (S.M.A. Magic One x DA Kharma) owned by Al Shaqab – Member of Qatar Foundation, 90.58 points

Kashef Al Shaqab. Credit Scott Bailey

Class 10A four-to-six-year old stallions:
1^st – Kashef Al Shaqab (Marwan Al Shaqab x Psyrella) owned by Al Shaqab – Member of Qatar Foundation, 92.08 points
2^nd – Amir Al Reeh (Fadi Al Shaqab x Zahra Al Zobair), owned by Al Reeh Stud, 91.92 points (won by type)
3^rd – Badi Athbah (EKS Alihandro x Fedora RG), owned by Al Jazeel Stud, 91.92 points

Jaal Aljassimya. Credit Arabian Essence

Class 10B four-to-six-year old stallions:
1^st – Jaal Aljassimya (WH Justice x Annaiss) owned by Aljassimya Farm, 91.75 points
2^nd – Badiea Al Nasser (RFI Farid x Aliah Al Nasser) owned by Al Jumail Stud, 91.67 points
3^rd – Sultan Al Rayyan (Al Adeed Al Shaqab x Munira Al Rayyan), owned by Jabor Nasser Sultan Al Towar Al Kuwari, 91.33 points

The show continues at 3.30pm local time today.

Cultural Village Foundation, Katara
Cultural Village Foundation is an exceptional project of hope for human interaction through art and cultural exchange – a project made possible thanks to the inspired vision, solid faith, and wise leadership of HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of the State of Qatar.

Keeping pace with the emerging global culture that emphasizes the importance of diversity in human development, Katara Cultural Village is the largest and the most multidimensional cultural project of Qatar. It is a place where people come together to experience the cultures of the world. With beautiful theatres, concert halls, exhibition galleries, and cutting-edge facilities, Katara aims to become a world leader for multi-cultural activities.

In line with the goals set forward by the Qatar National Vision 2030, Katara serves as a guardian to the heritage and traditions of Qatar and endeavours to spread awareness about the importance of every culture and civilization and as such, Katara hosts international, regional, and local festivals, workshops, performances, and exhibitions.

The idea of Katara
Katara was born out of a long-held vision to position the State of Qatar as a cultural beacon, a lighthouse of art, radiating in the Middle East through theatre, literature, music, visual art, conventions, and exhibitions.

This village shall be a glimpse of the future of a world where people of different cultural backgrounds overcome their national boundaries and embrace common causes to promote a united humanity.

Katara is where the grace of the past meets the splendour of the future.