Doha, Katara: The Katara Cultural Village Foundation held a press conference this evening, Monday, to announce the sponsors of the 2026 Katara International Arabian Horse Festival. The conference was attended by His Excellency Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, Director General of the Foundation and Chairman of the Festival’s Organizing Committee, as well as representatives of the sponsoring entities and members of the Organizing Committee.
In his address during the conference, His Excellency Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti affirmed that the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival is held under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, may God protect him, the Emir of the State of Qatar. He noted that this high-level patronage represents unwavering support for the festival and reflects the esteemed position of the Arabian horse in the Qatari and Arab consciousness, as an authentic symbol of identity and cultural heritage.
Dr. Al-Sulaiti explained that the sixth edition of the festival is a continuation of a sustained journey of work and development. He noted that since its early years, the festival has transcended the framework of a seasonal event, becoming a firmly established fixture in the Arabian horse scene, built on development and continuity, not temporary displays.
He emphasized 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. This confidence, he stressed, is not earned through slogans, but through action, discipline, and sustained effort. He affirmed that this prestigious position did not come about by chance, but is the result of a clear vision and conscious, cumulative effort.
Dr. Al-Sulaiti also noted that this year’s festival features 545 horses registered for its two championships: the Arabian Horse Tour and the Arabian Peninsula Purebred Championship. Each championship is distinguished by its unique artistic characteristics, unparalleled beauty, and diverse breeds, enriching the festival experience and lending it a balance and depth among the various styles of purebred Arabian horses.
He added that the Arabian horse is not merely a relic of history, but a deeply rooted component of cultural identity. From this perspective, the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival affirms that preserving the Arabian horse is preserving a living cultural value that transcends time and embodies the essence of authenticity and belonging. He emphasized that the festival reflects this meaning in its content, messages, and organization. His Excellency expressed his gratitude to all the festival’s sponsors: Qatar Airways (Global Partner), Doha Bank (Global Partner), Nasser Bin Khalid Al Thani & Sons (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, Mr. Bader Mohammed Al Darwish, Tournament Director and Organizing Committee Member, expressed his pride in the achievements of the sixth edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, emphasizing that this progress reflects a clear vision and continuous effort to solidify the festival’s position and enhance the global presence of Arabian horses.
Al Darwish explained that the Arabian Horses Tour – Doha returns for the second consecutive year, becoming the highlight of the festival program. More than 200 horses will compete for the titles of the World Arabian Horse Championship “Supreme” at the season’s conclusion. He noted that the Doha leg holds special significance in the global tour, 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 as part 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 also mentioned that the festival includes the Arabian Peninsula Championship, with a large number of 180 horses participating. In closing, Al Darwish thanked the sponsors for their continued support. Mr. Majid Abdulaziz Yousef Al-Khalifi, Executive Vice President and Deputy Head of Business at Doha Bank (Global Partner), His Excellency Sheikh Faleh Bin Nawaf Al Thani, CEO of Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons Holding Group (Official Sponsor), Mr. Hussain Akbar Al Baker, Executive Director of Commercial and Real Estate Affairs at United Development Company (Global Partner), Ms. Huda Ayad, Acting Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Istithmar Holding (Global Partner), Mr. Rashid Al Buainain, Chief Administrative Officer at Qatar Insurance Group (Exclusive Insurance Sponsor), and Mr. Nader Salameh, Marketing Director at Ali Bin Ali Luxury (Global Partner), all delivered speeches emphasizing the importance of this partnership. Expressing their pride and honor in sponsoring the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, they affirmed that their support stems from their belief in the festival’s cultural and heritage value and its role in enhancing Qatar’s standing on the map of international Arabian horse championships. They also commended the outstanding organizational level achieved by the Katara Cultural Village Foundation in previous editions.
The Katara International Arabian Horse Festival 2026, which will take place from February 4th to 12th, 2026, is one of the most prominent events organized by the Katara Cultural Village Foundation.
It embodies the Foundation’s cultural mission aimed at preserving authentic Arab heritage and promoting the Arabian horse as a living cultural value that transcends time.
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