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) is set for a spectacular start on Katara Beach on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
The festival will be held until February 12 and will feature the best Arabian horses from around the world. It is organized by Katara – the Cultural Village Foundation in cooperation with the Qatar Equestrian Federation, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and the Qatar Foundation.
KIAHF 2022 carries a total prize of QR 17,083,500 and has the participation of 11 countries, including those from the Arab region, Europe and the United States.
This year’s festival will run for a total of 11 days and will include the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show (February 2-5), Arabian Horse Auction (February 7) and the prestigious Title Show (February 9-12) .
According to the organisers, the virgin Thoroughbreds presented at the event are admired by passionate connoisseurs, horse owners and breeders and horse lovers. KIAHF is also honored by several dignitaries.
The picturesque location with Bedouin-style awnings by the sea also provides a striking combination to Katara Esplanade.
The opening day will see the start of the Arabian Peninsula Equestrian Championship for the qualifying categories for fillies in four classes from 3:30 p.m. The Arabian Peninsula Equestrian Championship is a new addition to the KIAHF.
Wednesday’s KIAHF Arabian Peninsula Championship will see the following action: Qualifying Class; yearling fillies (class 1A); yearling fillies (class 1B); Fillies 2 Years (Class 2A); and 2-year-old Fillies (Class 2B).
No less than 239 of the best thoroughbred Arabian horses are taking part in this year’s Arabian Peninsula equestrian competition. This is without counting the 32 horses for the auction and 309 (registered to date) for the prestigious Title Show.
KIAHF 2022 offers a total prize of QR 17,083,500, including QR 13,990,000 for the Title Show Championships. This is in addition to in-kind prizes including cars and watches from Nasser Bin Khaled Group and Ali Bin Ali Luxury, respectively.
The Arabian Peninsula Horse Show has a total prize of QR 3,093,500 along with many in-kind prizes for different categories.
There will also be special prizes for ‘The Legend’ (Senior category) – QR3,000,000; and a “special prize” for the horse that has won all classes since being a yearling – 2,000,000 QR.
Additionally, horse owners and breeders will also be able to buy the egg of the top international mares at this year’s KIAHF.
Fun and entertainment activities for families were organized including a lot of festival related activities such as live painting, equestrian arts exhibition, photo exhibition, pony ride for kids , an Amiri horse show; horse puzzles, 3D painting, fine art competitions, storytelling about the legend of Arabian heritage horses; Arabic music – instrumental (street art), art auction and launch of two new books on horses.
KIAHF 2022 is sponsored by Nasser Bin Khaled Group (Diamond Sponsor), Ahlibank (Exclusive Banking Sponsor), Hairaat Jewelery (Diamond Sponsor), Vodafone (Telecom Sponsor), Qatar Insurance Group (Platinum Sponsor), Ali Bin Ali Luxury (Titanium Sponsor) , Qatar Airways (Airline Sponsor), Al Kass (Media Sponsor), Qommunication (Social Media Sponsor) and White Event (Social Media Sponsor).