Doha, February 2 (QNA) - Under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the sixth edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival 2026 will commence on Wednesday. Organized by the Katara Cultural Village Foundation, the festival will run until Feb. 12.

Katara General Manager Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, who is also the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival 2026, confirmed in a press conference held Monday that the sixth edition of the festival was a continuation of ongoing work and development.

He noted that since its inception, the festival has transcended the realm of a seasonal event, becoming a firmly established fixture in the Arabian horse scene, built on development and continuity, rather than a temporary showcase.

Al Sulaiti added that six years of continuous development have resulted in increased attendance and growing confidence among breeders, owners, and enthusiasts both within and outside Qatar. He emphasized that this confidence is not earned through slogans, but through action, discipline, and consistent effort, and that the festival's current standing is the fruit of a clear vision.

The Chairman of the organizing committee noted that this year's festival features 545 horses registered in the Arabian Horse Tour and the Arabian Peninsula Championships.

Each championship is distinguished by its unique artistic characteristics, beauty, and diverse breeds, enriching the festival experience and providing a balanced and comprehensive overview of the various types of purebred Arabian horses.

For his part, President of the Qatar Equestrian Federation Bader Mohammed Al Darwish expressed his pride in the achievements of the sixth edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival.

He affirmed that this progress reflects a clear vision and continuous efforts to solidify the festival's position and enhance the global presence of Arabian horses.

Al Darwish said that the Arabian Horses Tour Doha returns for the second consecutive year as the highlight of the festival program, with more than 200 horses competing for the World Arabian Horse Championship (Supreme) titles at the season's conclusion.

He noted that the Doha leg holds special significance in the tour's itinerary, given its symbolic value and historical importance, as its name is inextricably linked to Arabian horses and the values ​​of authentic horsemanship.

He added that the Doha leg is a pivotal stop in a season that began in Abu Dhabi, and comes within the context of a renewed celebration of Arabian horses in a city that has historically been a major center for this venerable breed and a hub of authentic values.

He pointed out that the festival also includes the Arabian Peninsula Purebred Championship, with a wide participation of 180 horses.

The Katara International Arabian Horse Festival 2026 is one of the most prominent events organized by the Katara Cultural Village Foundation, embodying its cultural mission aimed at preserving authentic Arab heritage and promoting the Arabian horse as a living cultural value that endures through time. (QNA)