The 2023 Souq Waqif Equestrian Festival, featuring several events including the fourth edition of the Souq Waqif International Arabian Horse Show, got off to a great start at the Souq’s western side on Tuesday afternoon.

The festival, which runs until February 28, boasts of huge participation from local horse owners, as well as those from countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Argentina.

The festival, hosted by the Organising Committee at the Private Engineering Office, kicked off with a musical show by the army band and was followed by the opening rounds of the mare beauty contest (two years old).

The seven-judge panel — comprising experts from Morocco, Germany, France, Spain, UK and the Netherlands — judged horses based on various physical attributes including head, neck, chest and limbs, in addition to gait and agility. 

“The Organising Committee has allocated prizes worth QR6.4 million, which is the highest in the festival’s history. It has attracted considerable participation from the GCC region, with 58 horses taking part,” said the Festival’s General Supervisor Abdulrahman Mohamed Al Namea.

Festival Director Mohamed Abdulrahman Al Mansuri said the event was a great platform for horse owners and equestrian fans to meet and exchange views and experiences about their shared passion for horses. He said the Souq Waqif’s convenient location helped in attracting lots of spectators.

“The venue was prepared carefully in order to give participants and spectators the best experience. We’ve dedicated areas for horse owners, participants, the general public and families as well,” said Al Mansuri.

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Photo credit: Lisa Abraham, ArabHorse.com