Doha, January 16 (QNA) - Under the generous patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Katara Cultural Village Foundation launched the third edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival - KIAHF 2023 in cooperation with Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) at the Katara Beach from February 1-11, 2023.
The launch was announced at a press conference held at the Katara Amphitheater on Monday evening in the presence of Chairman of the KIAHF Organizing Committee, and General Manager of Katara Cultural Village Foundation, Prof. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, said: "Katara was keen to launch the third edition of the festival with all its elements of leadership, excellence and success, all in order to embody the bright history, revive the ancient culture and enrich the authentic heritage of the Qatari equestrian sport. We have harnessed all capabilities to organize the festival at the highest level."
He also stressed that "the third edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival will witness a remarkable development at all levels and pointed out that the festival enjoys a large and growing international interest reflected in the volume of international participation with the best and finest ancient horse breeds that will be transported from different continents of the world."
He also announced that Qatar will host the World Championship for Purebred Arabian Horses in December 2023 - a result of an agreement signed by Katara with the National Center for Agricultural Exhibitions and Competitions in France. Katara will host the 2023 and 2025 editions of the championship to be held for the first time outside France in 40 years.
KIAHF Title Show Manager, and President of Qatar Equestrian Federation Bader Al Darwish said: "This version of KIAHF will witness a remarkable development at all levels as the number of horses registered so far has reached 481 horses, and registration is still open for the newborn category."
He pointed out that the prizes awarded for the festival championships amounted to QR17,083,500 this year, in addition to in-kind prizes awarded to the first places. A total prize of QR13,900,000 has been allocated for the Title Show, in addition to valuable in-kind prizes provided by the sponsors.
The Arabian Peninsula Horse Championship will have a Total Prize of QR3,093,500 in addition to in-kind prizes provided by the sponsors besides the legend prizes and the special prize.
Al Darwish also explained that work has been done in this edition to bring about changes in the method of arbitration, which will have a positive impact on the course of the competitions and their strength.
(QNA)