Katara International Arabian Horse Festival set for a spectacular start Wednesday

Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival's (KIAHF 2022) second edition is all set for a spectacular start on the Katara Beach at 3pm Wednesday.

The festival will be held until February 12 and present the finest Arabian horses from across the globe. It is organised by Katara - the Cultural Village Foundation in co-operation with Qatar Equestrian Federation, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and Qatar Foundation.

KIAHF 2022 carries a total prize money of QR17,083,500 and has the participation of 11 countries, including those from the Arab region, Europe and the United States.

This year’s festival will be held over a total of 11 days and 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, pristine purebreds showcased at the event are admired by passionate connoisseurs, horse owners and breeders, and horse lovers. KIAHF is also graced by several dignitaries.

The picturesque venue with Bedouin-style canopies by the sea also provides for a striking combine at the Katara Esplanade.

The opening day will see the start of the Arabian Peninsula Horse Championship for the qualifying categories for Fillies in four categories from 3.30pm onwards. The Arabian Peninsula Horse Championship is a new addition to 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 Old (Class 2A); and Fillies 2 Years Old (Class 2B).

As many as 239 of the finest purebred Arabian horses are participating in this year's Arabian Peninsula Horse Show. This is besides the 32 horses for the auction and 309 (registered so far) for the prestigious Title Show.

KIAHF 2022 offers a total prize money of QR17,083,500, of which QAR 13,990,000 is 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 QR3,093,500 as well as 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.

Also, horse owners and breeders will also be able to buy the egg of top-breed international mares at this year's KIAHF.

Fun and entertainment activities for families have been organised, including a large number of festival-related activities such as live painting, horse arts exhibition, photo exhibition, pony ride for kids, Amiri horse show; horse jigsaw puzzles, 3D painting, fine arts competition, storytelling about the legend of horses from the Arabic heritage; Arabic music - instrumental (street art), arts auction and the launch of two new books on horses.

KIAHF 2022 is sponsored by Nasser Bin Khaled Group (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 (Airline Sponsor), Al Kass (Media Sponsor), Qommunication (Social Media Sponsor) and White Event (Social Media Sponsor).

As seen on GulfTimes  Image Credits GulfTimes