The Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF), held under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, began on an impressive note at the Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, on 2 February. His Excellency Prof. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, General Manager, Katara and Chairman of the Organising Committee, KIAHF, inaugurated the five-day Festival.
His Excellency Prof. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti
Visitors can look forward to enjoying several equine-related art exhibitions put up by individuals and organisations. Qatar-based auction house, Al-Aseel, is exhibiting various equine-related works of art created by international artists. HE Prof. Al-Sulaiti also inaugurated an exhibition organised by the Polish embassy, in the presence of HE Janusz Janke, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the State of Qatar. The exhibition titled, Manuscript Concerning the Horses of the Orient and those Originating from Oriental Breeds, provides interesting equine-related contributions by Polish traveller Wactaw Seweryn Rzewuski.
The Festival, scheduled from 2-6 February, is held by Katara in partnership with Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and Qatar Equestrian Federation. A Title Show organised from 3-6 February is the principal event of KIAHF.
His Excellency Prof. Al-Sulaiti, said: “Our vision is to promote Qatar, a pioneer in breeding purebred Arabians, as a world-class hub for horses and equestrian sports. The Festival aims to promote the standing of the unique purebred Arabian breed locally, regionally, and internationally.
“The nation has previously hosted 29 international shows and championships for purebred Arabians. This is the first time the premier show is being hosted at Cultural Village Foundation, Katara. The Festival has attracted international interest and global participation of horse owners and breeders.”
The Title Show features a total of QAR 13,000,000. Mohammed Al-Darwish, the Title Show Manager, said: “Special prizes are being awarded for this festival. The ‘Legend’ award of QAR 3,000,000 will be awarded to the horse that wins the championship three times over a period of time. While the qualifying rounds will be held from 3- 5 February, the championship round will be held on 6 February.”
A delightful time awaits equine enthusiasts and visitors. In order to ensure the safety of all concerned, visitors are required to follow the Covid-19 protocols. The Festival is being held at Katara’s beautiful esplanade. A grand Closing Ceremony has been planned after the final round of the championships on 6 February.
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, 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 emphasises 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 offer 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.
