Alkass Digital
Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, The second edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF 2022) got off to a grand start at the Katara Esplanade on Wednesday.
The launch happened "amid a distinctive heritage atmosphere that boasts of originality and equestrianism", Katara - the Cultural Village Foundation said in a statement.
KIAHF is organised by Katara in association with Qatar Equestrian Federation, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, and Qatar Foundation.
The 11-day festival, running until February 12, was inaugurated by Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, general manager of Katara and chairman of the Organising Committee of KIAHF. The opening was marked by the presence of a number of ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions to the country, and other dignitaries.
On the occasion, Prof al-Sulaiti expressed happiness at the launch of the second edition of KIAHF. "The Katara International Arabian Horse Festival has become an important international event that attracts equestrian enthusiasts and lovers of Arabian horses of all nationalities and categories, as it has gained its global reputation since the launch of its successful first edition. The festival today is a shining example of the march of Qatari equestrian sport and its distinguished championships," he said.
He noted that the festival is increasing its role by preserving the equestrian culture, reviving its noble heritage and transforming it in an innovative way for new generations, stressing that the current version will be distinguished and exceptional with its cultural and heritage events and new championships.
Prof al-Sulaiti thanked the sponsors of the festival, whom he described as Katara's partners in the festival's success, development and prosperity.
A military band, at exactly 3pm, marched into the scenic arena for the ceremonial start of the festival.
The day's events began with the Yearling Fillies category of the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, which will be held until February 5 and showcases 239 horses from the region.
Horses from 11 countries are participating in KIAHF 2022. The Auction (February 7) has 32 top purebred Arabian entries, and the prestigious Title Show (February 9-12) has 309 entries.
The festival also has a number of distinguished art exhibitions highlighting the status of Arabian horses with state-of-the-art photo exhibitions and horse art exhibitions with the participation of a number of artists. Live saddle painting, in addition to shepherds’ tents and cafes, are some of the other attractions.
KIAHF 2022 is sponsored by Nasser Bin Khaled Al-Thani & Sons Holding (Diamond Sponsor), Ahlibank (Exclusive Banking Sponsor), Hairaat Jewellery (Diamond Sponsor), Vodafone (Telecom Sponsor), Qatar Insurance Group (Platinum Sponsor), Ali Bin Ali Luxury (Titanium Sponsor), Qatar Airways (Airlines Sponsor), Al Kass (Media Sponsor), Qommunication (Social Media Sponsor) and White Event (Social Media Sponsor).
The number of horses participating in the Arabian Peninsula Championship is 239. As for the Katara auction of qualified purebred Arabian horses, the number of horses approved to participate in the auction has reached 32 and the new addition for this year will be selling a group of eggs for horses of the most important and oldest breeds of Arab horses.
There are 309 registered horses for the Title Show championship.
KIAHF 2022 has a total prize money of QR17,083,500, of which QR13,990,000 is for the Title Show championship. This is besides in-kind prizes, including as cars and watches from Nasser Bin Khaled and Ali Bin Ali Luxury, respectively.
The Arabian Peninsula Horse Show has a total prize of QR3,093,500 and plenty of in-kind prizes for various categories.
There will also be special prizes for 'The Legend' (Senior category) - QR3,000,000, and a 'Special Award' for the horse that has won all categories since being a yearling - QR2,000,000.
At this year's KIAHF, horse owners and breeders will also be able to buy the egg of top breed international mares.
BOX: KIAHF 2022 Arabian Peninsula Horse Show results
* Yearling Fillies (Class 1A)
1. Gazaa al-Shaqab - 92.13 pts
2. N K Lara - 91.69 pts
3. Nadirah al-Alia - 91.56 pts
* Yearling Fillies (Class 1B)
1. D Mashee'ah - 92.75 pts
2. Lehweilah al-Shaqab - 92 pts
3. Leena Al Nasser - 91.83 pts
* Fillies 2 Years Old (Class 2A)
1. Zenobia al-Waab - 92.13pts
2. Nadeema al-Rayyan - 90.75pts (higher score in type)
3. Attar al-Arab - 90.75pts