The Peninsula
The World Arabian Horse Championships 2023 and 2025 will be held in Qatar, for the first time outside France in over 40 years.
Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, told The Peninsula that Qatar, particularly the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara, is set to host the championships.
He said hosting the championships will strengthen Qatar’s status in the equestrian community and promotes interest in purebred Arabian horses. The competition is without a doubt the most prestigious event in the world for the most exquisite Arabian purebred horses.
The annual December event brings together more than 100 horses from over 25 countries, where about 2,000 attendees from passionate owners, accomplished breeders come together.
Prof. Dr. Al Sulaiti said Katara’s hosting of the event was made through an agreement with the National Center of Agricultural Exhibitions and Agricole Competitions S.A. — most commonly known as CENECA, which is based in France.
The development also proves as a “conclusive evidence that we are working on more than one level at the same time, in a manner befitting the efforts made by the State of Qatar to be a beacon in the region, the Middle East and the world,” Prof. Dr. Al Sulaiti said.
The 2023 edition will be hosted by Katara from December 6 to 9; the 2024 edition will be from December 13 to 14, at Paris Porte De Versailles; 2025 edition, back at Katara again, from December 10 to 13; and 2026 edition, at Paris Porte De Versailles, from December 11 to 15. CENACA has highlighted the beauty of Arabian Horses as the “Prince of the Desert.”
“The Arabian Horse belongs to all the peoples of the world. Throughout the ages and thanks to humanity’s dedication, the Arabian horse has become a mystical legend, a victorious warrior, an epic steed and an elite progenitor.”
“Today, the breeding of purebred Arabians is an art carefully preserved by a whole sector of professionals: owners, breeders, trainers and artisans,” it said. Prof. Dr. Al Sulaiti has also stressed the upcoming third edition of Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, set from February 1 to 11 at Katara Esplanade.
Like the last year, the total prize money is a whopping QR17,083,500. The event will feature three competitions: The Peninsula Show which will run from February 1 to 4, Arabian Horse Auction on February 7, and Title Show, from February 8 to 11.