The 2nd Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF), which runs from February 2-12, will see 239 horses from 11 countries compete in the first-ever equestrian competition in the Arabian Peninsula.

At a press conference yesterday, the Managing Director of the Cultural Village (Katara) Foundation, Professor Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti described the upcoming festival as the manifestation of history, culture and heritage of equestrian activities. He said the 11-day festival has become a focal point for horse enthusiasts and the second edition will bring lots of activities.

“The success of the first edition of the Katara International Festival for Purebred Arabian Horses has resulted in the addition of a championship for horses from the Arabian Peninsula as a novelty of the second edition of the festival, in response to the passion of lovers and breeders of Arabian horses.. In addition to a set of accompanying and surprising events,” said Dr. Al Sulaiti.

“Katara has harnessed its great potential to host this global event to produce the most distinctive and engaging release for the widest audience and following. For the second consecutive year, the festival enjoys strong attendance and growing international attention, which is embodied in the large international attendance to participate in strong competitions with the best and most beautiful breeds of horses that will be transported from different continents,” he added.

Furthermore, he said that the Arabian horse auction will also be held with strong local and international participation. An auction of rare works of art will also take place, he revealed. “The great global presence obtained by the Katara Arabian Horse Festival is a reflection of what authentic equestrian sport finds in the wise Qatari rulers, an interest that has made the State of Qatar a beacon for this sport, a symbol of courage, of nobility, pride and pride,” said Dr. Al Sulaiti.

The show’s incumbent director, Bader Mohammed Al Darwish, meanwhile said that the festival is one of the most important festivals the country is hosting this year. “It’s going to be creative and strengthen among other events. The Katara International Arabian Horse Festival will be an annual event,” he said.

About 239 horses will participate in the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, 32 horses in the Arabian Horse Auction.

Another 309 horses were entered in the Title Show competition. Horse breeders can also purchase the international mare’s egg during the festival.

Al Dawish said the festival had a total prize of QR 17,083,500; 13,900,000 QR for the Title Show alone and 3 million QR as in-kind prizes such as cars and watches provided by sponsors Nasser Bin Khaled and Ali Bin Ali Luxury.

Additionally, there will be special prizes including The Legend (Senior category) – QR3m; and Special Prize for the horse that has won all categories since being a yearling and is QR2m.

The 2nd KIAHF will be held for 11 days, much longer than the first edition which lasted five days.

Al Darwish said this year’s event is a testament to the first edition where more people expressed interest.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many participants did not take part in the first edition. And this year it will be different,” he said.

The testimonials of senior officials prove to be true, as the tickets for the 4-day package of the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show and Title Show are nearly sold out.

The Arabian Peninsula Horse Show VIP table (everyday, 5th row) for seven people is the only remaining package, while for the title show, the eight-choice VIP and VVIP table packages are still available.

The Arabian Peninsula Horse Show will be held from February 2 to 3; Arabian horse auction on February 7; and the Title Show from February 9 to 12 at the Esplanade Katara.