This will be the first time in 40 years that WAHC will be organised outside France.
A strategic partnership agreement for the event was signed by Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, general manager of Katara, and Jean-Luc Poulain, president, Centre national des expositions et concours agricoles (Ceneca) during the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF 2022) activities at the Katara Espalande yesterday.
In this context, Prof al-Sulaiti stressed that this agreement consolidates Qatar's position globally in the field of equestrianism and interest in purebred Arabian horses. It also confirms the sound reputation enjoyed by KIAHF, the ongoing second edition of which was extended in duration to close to two weeks due to strong participation from Qatar and overseas. High standards have been adopted at KIAHF, making it an international event par excellence as the KIAHF Title Show championship is considered the first in the world given the size of its global participation and value of prizes and awards.
He added that the KIAHF witnesses high-quality Qatari participation annually through the best horse owners and breeders in Qatar. This confirms the ability to compete globally. It has also witnessed the coronation of Qatari horses more than once.
Further, Prof al-Sulaiti stressed that Katara is constantly working to achieve leadership in line with the wise vision of the Qatari leadership to take the nation to the highest rank in all fields.
Meanwhile, the 31st Qatar International Arabian Horse Championships Title Show at KIAHF 2022 continued with action in the Colts 2 Years Old (Class 5), Fillies 3 Years Old (Class 3), Colts 3 Years Old (Class 6A), Colts 3 Years Old (Class 6B), and Mares 4-6 Years Old (Class 7) categories.
Over 300 horses are participating in the KIAHF 2022 Title Show, the finals of which are scheduled for February 12.
Among the top winners yesterday were D Shahhar of Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, D Hadeyyah of Ajmal Stud, RDS Armani of Al Jassimya Farm, Hader Al Shaqab of Al Shaqab, and T M Galileah, owned by Bader Alhumaidi and bred by Jose Orlando A Teirxeira Junior.
KIAHF 2022, organised by Katara in association with Qatar Equestrian Federation, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club and Qatar Foundation, has the participation of 11 countries with a total prize money of QR17,083,500 in addition to several in-kind prizes.
Today, the following Title Show qualifying classes will take place: Mares 7-10 Years Old (Class 8), Mares 11+ Years Old (Class 9), Stallions 4-6 Years Old (Class 10), Stallions 7-10 Years Old (Class 11) and Stallions 11+ Years Old (Class 12).
KIAHF 2022 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, accessories tents, a photo booth and cafes are other key attractions.
KIAHF 2022 is sponsored by Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani & Sons Holding 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 (Airlines Sponsor), Al Kass (Media sponsor), Qommunication (Social Media Sponsor) and White Event (Social
Media Sponsor).
