The 5th Katara International Arabian Horse Festival 2025 Kicks off Tomorrow
Mdmar – Doha – Katara
In a press conference held on Tuesday evening at the Katara Cultural Village, HE Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival 2025, officially announced the launch of the 5th edition of the festival. Held under the generous patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the event will take place from January 29 to February 8, 2025, at Katara Cultural Village. Recognized as one of the premier global platforms for Arabian horse beauty, the festival continues to captivate equestrian enthusiasts worldwide.
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Dr. Al-Sulaiti highlighted the festival as a symbol of Qatar’s deep cultural and historical connection to Arabian horses, which epitomize valor and grace. He emphasized the commitment to elevating the profile of purebred Arabian horses and ensuring their unique legacy is celebrated globally. Katara, he noted, remains dedicated to preserving Qatar’s rich equestrian traditions.
He also unveiled the second edition of the Global Champions Arabians Tour, showcasing 511 horses from eight countries: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and Oman. The tour, which began earlier in January in Ajman, UAE, will make its next stop in Doha, followed by Muscat, Riyadh, Cannes, Valkenswaard, London, and Prague, before concluding in Doha in December 2025. Dr. Al-Sulaiti described the tour as a landmark opportunity to showcase the finest Arabian horses while fostering international collaboration and exchange.
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Adding to the festival’s cultural depth, Dr. Al-Sulaiti announced the release of the book “Arabian Horses in Stamps… A Celebrated History”, the launch of the Katara Arabian Horse Manuscript, and the unveiling of the Katara – The Cultural Heritage City for Arabian Horses sculpture. He also revealed that Katara has been officially designated as the Cultural Heritage City for Arabian Horses by ALECSO, further underscoring Qatar’s leading role in preserving this remarkable legacy.
Acknowledging the vital role of the festival’s sponsors, Dr. Al-Sulaiti extended his gratitude to the Diamond Sponsor, Nasser Bin Khaled Group, Platinum Sponsor, Ali Bin Ali Luxury Group, and other esteemed partners including Qatar Airways, Doha Bank, United Development Company, Ooredoo, Assets Group, Qatar Insurance Group, Al Kass Channels, and social media sponsors Q Communications and Socast.
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Badr Mohammed Al-Darwish, CEO of the Global Champions Arabians Tour, confirmed the readiness to host the 5th edition of the festival following the success of its four predecessors. He revealed the festival will open with the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, hosting 207 horses from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt, running from January 29 to February 1, 2025. The Global Champions Arabians Tour will commence on February 5, featuring 304 horses from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Oman.
HE Sheikh Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, CEO of Nasser Bin Khaled Group, emphasized their unwavering support for this prestigious event, describing it as a reflection of Qatar’s cultural heritage and a celebration of Arabian horses’ beauty and distinction on a global scale.
Ali Al-Saadi, Technical Director of Qatar Airways, highlighted the airline’s pride as the Official Aviation Sponsor, ensuring the transportation of purebred horses with the highest standards of care and comfort, while showcasing the noble Arabian horse culture worldwide.
“mdmar” website for horse races and equestrian News
Braik Al-Marri, Head of Retail Banking at Doha Bank, reiterated their sponsorship as part of their commitment to community responsibility and preserving Qatar’s heritage for future generations.
Nasser Al-Harmi, Executive Director of Human Resources at United Development Company, praised the festival’s global achievements, reaffirming their dedication to promoting equestrian values.
Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, Senior Marketing Communications Manager at Ooredoo, emphasized their exclusive telecom sponsorship reflects their drive for innovation, enriching cultural and sporting experiences in Qatar.
“mdmar” website for horse races and equestrian News
Nader Salameh, Marketing Director at Ali Bin Ali Luxury Group, expressed pride in supporting the festival, highlighting Qatar’s leadership in safeguarding equestrian heritage.
Rashid Al-Buainain, Chief Administrative Officer at Qatar Insurance Group, described the festival as a remarkable addition to Qatar’s cultural and sporting calendar, reaffirming their support for events celebrating national heritage.
The festival will feature the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, the Global Champions Arabians Tour, the Katara Arabian Horse Auction, and an array of cultural, educational, and recreational events.
“mdmar” website for horse races and equestrian News
The “Mdmar” website for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
