3rd Edition of Katara International Arabian Horse Festival launches Wednesday

Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the third edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF 2023) will gallop into action at the spectacular Katara waterfront at 3pm Wednesday.
The festival is being organised by Katara – the Cultural Village Foundation in co-operation with Qatar Equestrian Federation and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club.
It will continue until February 11.
The KIAHF 2023 is sponsored by Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons Holding (Diamond sponsor), Ahlibank (Exclusive Banking sponsor), Hairaat Jewellery (Diamond sponsor), Vodafone (Telecom sponsor), Qatar Insurance Group (Platinum sponsor), Ali Bin Ali Luxury (Titanium sponsor), Qommunication (Social Media sponsor), and White Event (Social Media sponsor), besides other partners.
Already established as one of the most sought-after horse festival in the region and the world, the KIAHF includes the Arabian Peninsula Horse Championship (February 1-4), the Arabian Horse Auction (February 6) and the prestigious Title Show (February 8-11).
The KIAHF 2023 carries a total prize money of QR17,083,500 and has the participation of 18 countries, including those from the Arab region, Europe and the US.
"The pristine purebred Arabians showcased at the KIAHF are admired by passionate connoisseurs, horse owners and breeders, and horse lovers," Katara said in a statement, adding that the KIAHF is graced by several dignitaries.
The picturesque venue with Bedouin-style canopies by the sea at Katara Esplanade will see the best of Arabian purebreds being displayed over the next 11 days.
The opening day will see the start of the Arabian Peninsula Horse Championship for the qualifying categories for fillies in four categories (Yearling fillies – Class 1A & 1B, and Junior fillies – Class 2A & 2B), from 3.30pm.
Six classes and their award ceremonies will take place tomorrow and on Friday, while Saturday will see the Arabian Peninsula Horse Championship for all categories.
There will also be a lighting show and a poetry contest.
As many as 481 of the finest purebred Arabian horses from 18 countries are participating in the KIAHF 2023, while the Auction will see 23 of the finest purebreds.
The prestigious KIAHF 2023 Title Show has a prize money of QR13,990,000.
This is on top of other in-kind prizes.
The KIAHF 2023 Arabian Peninsula Horse Championship has a total prize of QR3,093,500 as well as plenty of other in-kind prizes for various categories.
There will also be special prizes for “The Legend” (Senior category) – QR3mn; and a “Special Award” for the horse that has won in all categories since being a Yearling – QR2mn.
As always, the KIAHF 2023 will have fun and entertainment for families, including a large number of festival-related activities such as live painting, horse arts exhibition, photo exhibition, pony ride for children, horse jigsaw puzzles, 3D painting, fine arts competition, storytelling about the legend of horses from Arabic heritage, Arabic musical instrumental (street art), and arts auction.