Katara International Arabian Horse Festival 2022 kicks off to a grand start

3 February 2022

Arabian Peninsula Horse Show events mark the opening day

Amid a distinctive heritage atmosphere that boasts of originality and equestrianism, the second edition of the distinguished Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF 2022), being held under the generous patronage of HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, kicked off to a grand start at the Katara Esplanade on Wednesday 2 February.

KIAHF is organised by the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara in association with Qatar Equestrian Federation, Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, and Qatar Foundation.

The 11-day festival, running 2-12 February 2-12, was inaugurated by HE Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager, Katara, and Chairman of the Organising Committee of KIAHF. The opening was marked by the presence of a number of Their Excellencies ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions to the country, and other dignitaries.

On the occasion, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti expressed his happiness with the launch of the second edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, that will continue until 12 February at the Katara waterfront.

“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 pointed out that the festival is increasing its great 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.

He thanked the sponsors of the festival, which he described as Katara partners in the festival’s success, development and prosperity.

At exactly the stroke of three in the afternoon, a military band marched into the scenic arena for the ceremonial start.

The day’s events began with the filly classes of the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, held 2-5 February and showcasing 239 horses from the region.

Horses from 11 countries are participating in KIAHF 2022. The auction on 7 February has 32 top purebred Arabian entries, and will include selling embryos as well as breedings to the most important and oldest breeder of Arabian horses. Finally, the prestigious Title Show, running 9-12 February, 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 providing for great delight for visitors.

KIAHF 2022 is sponsored by Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani & Sons Holding Group (Diamond sponsor), Ahli Bank (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).

KIAHF 2022 has a whopping total-prizemoney of QAR 17,083,500 of which QAR 13,990,000 is for the Title Show Championships. This is alongside other ‘in-kind’ prizes including cars and watches from Nasser Bin Khaled and Ali Bin Ali Luxury, respectively.

The Arabian Peninsula Horse Show has a total prize of QAR 3,093,500 plus additional prizes.

There will also be special prizes for ‘The Legend’ (Senior category) QAR 3,000,000; and a “Special Award” for the horse which has won all categories since being a Yearling of QAR 2,000,000.

KIAHF 2022 ARABIAN PENINSULA HORSE SHOW RESULTS DAY 1

Yearling fillies class 1A
1^st Gazaa al Shaqab (Al Ayal AA x Zenab Albadeia), bred and owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Member of Qatar Foundation, 92.13 points

2^nd NK Lara (NK Nabhan x NK Lina), bred by Dr Hans Nagel and owned by Doha Stud, 91.69 points
NK Lara

3^rd Nadirah al Alia (Nasser al Rayyan x Raya al Rayyan), bred by Sheikh Meshaal Issa T I al Thani and owned by Doha Stud, 91.56 points

Yearling fillies class 1B
1^st D Mashee’ah (Safeer al Wadi x D Masha’a Allah, bred and owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, 92.75 points

2^nd Lehweilah al Shaqab (Al Ayal AA x Jafla al Shaqab), bred and owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Member of Qatar Foundation, 92 points

3^rd Leena al Nasser (Naseem al Rashediah x Nadrah al Nasser), bred and owned by Al Nasser Stud, 91.83 points

Two-year old fillies class 2A
1^st Zenobia al Waab (Nasser al Rayyan x Alfabia LNJ), bred by Sheikh Abdulla Khalid H A al Thani and owned by Al Hamama Stud, 92.13 points

2^nd Nadeema al Rayyan (Farhoud al Shaqab x Durra al Rayyan), bred and owned by Al Rayyan Farm, 90.75 points

3^rd Attar al Arab (Nasser al Rayyan x HA Dalal), bred and owned by Mohamed Jassim K A al Kuwari, 90.75 points

Two-year old fillies class 2B
1^st Amani al Rayyan (Farhoud al Shaqab x Marwa al Rayyan), bred and owned by Al Rayyan Farm, 91.92 points

2^nd Ameera al Waab (Farhoud al Shaqab x Amaal al Waab), bred by Sheikh Abdulla Khalid H A al Thani and owned by Doha Stud, 91.42 points

3^rd Araama’ al Shaqab (Fahad al Rayyan x Raniah al Shaqab), bred and owned by Al Shaqab Stud, Member of Qatar Foundation, 90.92 points

Three-year old fillies class 3A
1^st Mleiha al Waab (Nasser al Rayyan x Obeyyah al Rayyan), bred by Sheikh Abdulla Khalid H A al Thani and owned by Al Sarat Stud, 92.57 points