(MENAFN- The Peninsula) joelyn baluyut |
The Peninsula
Doha: The third Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF) kicked off in a spectacular start where hundreds of people, both local and foreigners flocked to Katara waterfront to see firsthand the finest purebred Arabian horses.
Katara General Manager, Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said during the inauguration that the event has strengthened the genuine tradition of Qatari equestrian sport.
“The Katara International Arabian Horse Festival has become a milestone and a distinctive mark within the series of Katara festivals and its activities throughout the year. KIAHF is presented in a more distinctive way, befitting the ancient history of Qatar and enriching the authentic heritage of Qatari equestrian sport.”
“Since the launch of the festival, we have set clear goals that we have strived to achieve. In addition to preserving our authentic heritage, there have been efforts to make this festival among the most famous international horse show festivals.”
He emphasised that the horse festival has also established Qatar as a global hub for the most genuine and premium Arabian horse auctions.
The first day of festival witnessed the official visits of H H Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Abdullah Al Farhan Al Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Qatar and H E Najeeb bin Yahya Al Balushi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Qatar. One distinctive feature of the event is the main stage and booths are Bedouin-style canopies-inspired.
The 11-day event happening until February 11 has earned a reputation as one of the most coveted horse festivals in the region and throughout the world. Eighteen countries are taking part in the event this year, compared to 11 which participated last year. The countries include from the Arab region, Europe and the USA.
The prize money of the festival is a whopping QR17,083,500.
The main events include the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, ongoing until February 4; the Arabian Horse Auction on February 6; and the prestigious Title Show, from February 8 to 11.
Aside from these, there are daily art displays and live paintings that highlight the magnificent art of equestrianism and horses.
The festival has also evolved into a platform for artists from across the world to exhibit their skills and creations throughout the occasion.
The Peninsula talked to two street and graffiti artists who were doing live art show on the streets yesterday. They were given a canvas (half mirror and half white canvas) on which they will create their artwork.
Mekky Dfs, who travelled to Qatar all the way from Algeria has done a reflection of the horse using black spray. He said that the festival is an avenue for an artist like himself to show to people his work. He has been commissioned by Katara to do artwork for a month in the country. Qatari artist, Mubarak Al Malik said he has been doing spray paint art since 2010. Being part of the prestigious event, he said it is a great platform for him to showcase his art beyond the four walls.
For those who are philatelists or interested in stamps, Katara Arab Postal Stamps Museum is holding a horse stamps exhibition which opens from 7am to 10pm. Thousands of horse stamps which date back as old as 1930s are being displayed at the museum from five collectors in and out of the country. Aside from the stamps, sculptures and magazines in relation to equine are also being exhibited.
The Katara International Arabian Horse Festival event is organised by the Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, in cooperation with Qatar Equestrian Federation and Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club. The event is being held at Katara waterfront and is open from 3.30pm until 9.30pm.