Director General of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) and Chairman of the Festival’s Organising Committee, Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti.
Doha, Qatar: The Katara International Arabian Horse Festival (KIAHF) 2026 represents a continuation of a dedicated journey of progress and development in strengthening the bond between purebred Arabians and the Qatari and Arab culture, the Director General of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) and Chairman of the Festival’s Organising Committee Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, has said.
Addressing a press conference to announce the sponsors of the event yesterday, Prof. Al-Sulaiti highlighted that the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival is held under the patronage of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
“This esteemed patronage signifies steadfast support for the festival and underscores the revered status of the Arabian horse within Qatari and Arab culture, serving as a genuine emblem of identity and cultural heritage, he said.
The sixth edition of the event, to be held from February 4-11, will be the largest equestrian sporting event hosted by Katara this season, among a series of events.
Dr. Al-Sulaiti pointed out that from its inception, the festival has evolved beyond a mere seasonal event, establishing itself as a permanent fixture in the Arabian horse community, founded on principles of growth and continuity rather than transient exhibitions.
He emphasised that six years of continuous development have been reflected in the growing attendance and increasing confidence of breeders, owners, and enthusiasts both within and outside Qatar.
He emphasised that six years of continuous development have been reflected in the growing attendance and increasing confidence of breeders, owners, and enthusiasts both within and outside Qatar.
Dr. Al-Sulaiti pointed out that this year’s festival features 545 horses registered across its two championships: the Arabian Horse Tour and the Arabian Peninsula Purebred.
“Each championship is distinguished by its unique artistic characteristics, unparalleled beauty, and diverse lineage, enriching the festival experience and lending it balance and depth across the various styles of purebred Arabian horses,” he said.
Dr. Al-Sulaiti expressed his gratitude to all the festival’s sponsors: Qatar Airways (Global Partner), Doha Bank (Global Partner), Nasser Bin Khalid Al Thani & Sons Group (Official Sponsor), United Development Company (Global Partner), Investment Holding Group (Global Partner), Qatar Insurance Group (Exclusive Insurance Sponsor), Ali Bin Ali Luxury (Global Partner), Richard Mille (Global Partner), Al Kass Sports Channels (Official Broadcaster), Education Above All (Official Humanitarian Partner), 2connect, AT Communications (Social Media Sponsor), Qommuniation (Social Media Sponsor), Toconnect (Social Media Sponsor), and QTR (Media Partner).
In his address, Tournament Director and member of the Organising Committee, Bader Mohammed Al Darwish, expressed his pride in the achievements of the sixth edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival.
Al Darwish explained that the Arabian Horses Tour – Doha returns for the second consecutive year as the highlight of the festival programme, with more than 200 horses competing for the titles of the World Arabian Horse Championship “Supreme” at the season’s conclusion.
