Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, held a press conference on 27 January to present details of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, being organised under the patronage of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Festival, scheduled from 2-6 February, will be held at Katara’s esplanade.
The press conference was led by His Excellency Prof. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, General Manager, Katara, and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Katara International Arabian Horse Festival. Bader Mohammed Al-Darwish, Title Show Manager, and representatives of organisations sponsoring the Festival were among the speakers.
His Excellency Prof. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, said: “The unveiling of the first edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival is of great significance, as it is being held under the gracious patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The festival embodies one of the oldest and most ancient sporting events dedicated to the magnificence of purebred Arabians. Qatar is recognised globally for its equestrian excellence. It is a world leader in owning, preserving, and perpetuating purebred Arabians.
“Katara is organising this Festival with the good support of Qatar Equestrian Federation, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, and Qatar Foundation. This joint effort is a testament to the effective partnerships that Katara enjoys with other institutions, Qatari clubs, and sports federations. The hosting of an exceptional global event of this magnitude is the result of our strong alliances.
“The Festival enhances Katara’s position as an incubator for international championships, events, and sporting events of all kinds. Further, it establishes Katara’s role in preserving the country’s rich heritage in equestrian sport and the related Qatari legacy. It also enhances the status of purebred Arabians locally, regionally, and internationally. The festival reinforces the vital and harmonizing relationship between culture and sport while upholding and enriching the fundamental legacy of Qatar’s rich history in equestrian sport.
“The festival encompasses one of the most extravagant international tournaments dedicated to the beauty of Arabian horses, making it an exclusive event at a global level.”
In response to a safety concern that was raised on the festival being held during the pandemic, His Excellency assured the gathering that strict safety protocols would be followed in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by the Ministry of Public Health. All participants, organisers, officials, and guests will have to show the ‘green’ status on their Etherhaz application, masks will have to be worn by all, and social distancing will have to be strictly followed.
His Excellency Prof. Khalid Bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti thanked the sponsors and partners for their support. The sponsors include diamond partner, Nasser Bin Khaled Group; platinum partner, Qatar Insurance Group; the exclusive banking partner, Al Ahli Bank; the telecom partner, Vodafone; the diamond partner, Ali Bin Ali; the media partner, Alkass; the official airline partner, Qatar Airways; and the social media partner, Qommunication.
Representatives from the partnering organisations expressed their pleasure in partnering with an exclusive event that upholds Qatar’s rich equestrian history. While reiterating their support for events that enhance Qatar’s position as a globally-recognised world hub for sport, they expressed complete confidence in Katara’s ability to successfully conduct the high-profile event.
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.
