The five-hour-long flight from Warsaw to Doha allowed us to step into the fascinating world of the Orient. The exotic city of Doha inspired awe not only because of the phenomenal architecture to be seen everywhere, but primarily due to its omnipresent aura of serenity and kindness. Such extraordinary atmosphere surrounded the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, which took place between 29th January and 1st February 2025 as an integral part of the fifth edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival. The Festival, which ended on 8th February 2025, consisted this year of three events: the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, the Katara Arabian Horse Auction, and Global Champions Arabians Tour, its most prestigious part.

The Katara Cultural Village Foundation in collaboration with the Racing and Equestrian Club and the Qatar Equestrian Federation organizes Katara International Arabian Horse Festival annually. The Festival is graced with the esteemed patronage of the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Professor Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, General Manager of the Foundation pointed out in his message to the guests that the Festival is a tribute to the tireless efforts of breeders who devoted their lives to preserving the purity of Arabian bloodlines. Moreover, the Festival expresses the fact that Katara fully embraces its responsibility to preserve and promote heritage, with the Arabian horse standing as a powerful symbol of strength, elegance and loyalty.

The Arabian Peninsula Horse Show is a specific origin show open to Straight Egyptian horses registered or eligible for registration by the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO). 139 horses were registered for the show representing six countries: Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The horses competed in 12 classes for considerable prize money. Suffice to say that the owner of the winning horse in senior classes is awarded with 250 000 QR. Therefore, there is a lot at stake, although what ultimately matters is the prestige of being the owner of the best horse.

The Show itself takes place in a fairy-tale scenery created by a show complex erected at a huge expense upon the Katara beach to last only for the duration of the Festival. Yet, the organizers spared neither money nor effort in order to secure dazzling conditions for the presentation of horses. All premises were designed in sophisticated aesthetics drawing on Bedouin culture, combined with subtle shades of brown, beige and white, thus creating the effect of subdued luxury. Such scenery in conjunction with shimmering ultramodern skyscrapers looming on the horizon in a way symbolizes the underlying concept behind the event, namely the connection of a centuries’ long cultural tradition of Qatar with the challenges of the modern world. The entire place provided a grand and dignified setting arranged meticulously for the sole purpose being to admire the beauty of Straight Egyptian horses participating in the show. This year, the horses were evaluated over days by a panel of 14 judges, among whom there were Poles this time. It is worth mentioning that the organizers every year indicate a different colour as the dress code in place. This year, black attire was to be observed.

Day 1, Wednesday 29th January – the first day of the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show welcomed the guests with sunny, though somewhat windy weather and a comfortable temperature around 20 degrees Centigrade. The performance of Qatar Air Forces Music Battalion proved a beautiful and original element of the opening ceremony. Upon completion of the customary welcome speeches, the competition could begin in the starting classes of yearling fillies and yearling colts.

At this point, a slight remark needs to be made. While analysing the show, one has to bear in mind that we are watching Straight Egyptians, not Pure Polish Arabians. Therefore, evaluation criteria and breeding considerations are somewhat different. Due to their narrow gene pool, the Arabian horses classified as Straight Egyptian are very similar in appearance and conformation. These horses are characterized by their delicate, refined build and narrow chest. Delicate construction makes them susceptible to all kind of injuries, while rather frequent cases of disqualification during the show resulted mainly from lameness. Additionally, Arabian Straight Egyptian mares suffer from reproductive health problems; hence, each new foal is highly valued. Yearling fillies opening the competition already showed everything that is best in a Straight Egyptian Arabian horse, namely a small, exquisitely chiselled wedge-shaped head set upon a long, arched neck. Their large, dark eyes gain additional expression against the prevailing milky grey colour of coat, prevailing in that breed.

Of the yearling fillies competing in classes 1A and 1B, only one in class 1A was bay among the remaining grey fillies. And yet, after fierce competition, the victory in class 1A with 91.70 points went to her, the wonderful bay beauty QUMRIYAH (Naseem Al Rashediah x Kamar Ega) owned by Qatari Al Hamama Stud. It is interesting to note that third in the same class was a grey filly displaying a high potential for future, GJ MAJESTICA (Majd Al Qusar x Hadiye Al Shahania) owned by Al Nasser Stud from Qatar and bred by Glenn Jacobs. The same Glenn Jacobs known for taking photographs of Polish horses. However, not everybody knows that apart from being a photographer, he is also a highly successful breeder of Straight Egyptian Arabian horses. Unfortunately, movement remains the weakest point of yearling fillies. Nonetheless, according to judges, especially fillies competing in class 1A seem promising, as more than half of them received notes above 90 points. From the group of 11 yearling fillies competing in class 1B, the victorious one proved to be the truly charming ANHAJEEAH AL SHAQAB (Naseem Al Rashediah x Mashhoorah Al Shaqab) from Al Shaqab Stud in Qatar.

18 yearling colts competed in classes 4A and 4B. Also here, one bay colt stood out against the grey crowd, though without success. In class 4A, the public was absolutely taken by the grey colt SAIF AL WADI (Naseem Al Rashediah x Nefertiti Al Wadi) belonging to Saudi Al Wadi Stud. During his presentation, that charismatic colt freed himself from the handler, whereupon he started to walk in a highly dignified manner away from the show ring towards the adjacent pier leading to docked boats. After a while, Saif Al Wadi decided to turn back out of his own free will. Walking slowly and majestically, he then appeared again at the side of his handler as if nothing had happened. No intervention was undertaken, as everybody awaited calmly and respectfully for the colt to finish his walk. This manifestation of Saif Al Wadi’s independent character met with enthusiastic acclaim from the public. The judges were equally impressed viewing the beauty and charm of the Saudi colt. Saif Al Wadi received a total note of 91.43 points, thus winning his class. In the second class of yearling colts 4B the unquestionable number one proved to be the astounding grey D SADN (D Labbad x D Asfoorah) owned by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud from the United Arab Emirates. D Sadn achieved the highest note of the day, being 92.57 points. Myself, I was greatly captivated by the movement and charisma of the Qatari colt IBN AL NAIF (Ansata Nile Echo x Al Jood Al Naif) belonging to Al Naif Stud.

Day 2, Thursday 30 January – the second day of the show proceeded with the competition of junior fillies and junior colts, ergo horses aged 2 and 3 years. According to the regulations applicable during the show, age groups are determined by the date of birth, with the year starting on 1st October and ending on 30th September for the junior classes (fillies and colts as per the Middle East breeding season) and starting on the 1st of January and ending on 31st December for the senior classes (Mares and Stallions).

The cold and violent wind raging during the second day of the show failed to disrupt the rivalry of junior horses. Junior fillies of class 2A initiated the competition. Of the 15 fillies registered, 2 were absent and 2 were disqualified. Of the 11 fillies competing in class 2A the grey GHAYA EL ALYA (Quemar Al Zaman Al Waab x Ghezlan Al Waab) representing Al Hamama Stud definitely stood out above the rest. Among a varied group of competing fillies, as confirmed by dispersed notes, Ghaya El Alya could boast with an exquisitely shaped small head of excellent proportions and harmonious build. Deservedly, she won her class with the note of 91.50 points. Class 2B that followed surpassed the level of the previous class. The high note of 92.07 points as well as victory in class 2A was awarded to a filly of stunning beauty, BAGHA AL FARIDA (Baarez Al Farida x Sheroukh Al Farida), owned by the Egyptian Al Farida Stud. My favourite filly in that class was MAYAN AL NASSER (Shagran Al Nasser x Reema Al Nasser) of Qatari Al Jaham Stud attracting with her splendid movement and charm.

The competition of junior colts gave them an opportunity to manifest on the ring their personality, charisma, but also their striking femininity. One gets the impression that these junior colts have a strong potential to show much better movement than was actually the case. The obstacle often seems to be the lack of cooperation and coordination between the horse and the handler. This phenomenon was highly noticeable during the show. 11 horses were registered in class 5A, thereof only 9 entered the competition. One chestnut colt and one bay colt added diversification to the prevailing grey colour of the participants. However, only 3 colts manage to receive notes of 90 points and above. Victory in class 5A with the note 90.93 went to SH SAHER (Motair Al Baida x PSE Razeelah) from Alshaya Stud in Kuwait. The last class of the day, i.e. class 5B, took place after nightfall, lighted by a breath-taking illumination worthy of the Tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Like in the previous class, only 9 colts competed of the 11 individuals registered for class 5B, as 1 was absent and 1 disqualified. Generally, horses in that class displayed fluid, dynamic movement. Undoubtedly, most of them have a bright future ahead. The performance of MALEEH AL NASSER (Nasser Al Rayyan x Sarab Al Nasser) of Al Nasser Stud provoked an extraordinary explosion of enthusiasm and acclaim from the public. It turned out that the public and the judges were unanimous in their preferences. Maleeh Al Nasser won class 2B with a very high note of 92.07, thus outclassing his rivals. Personally, I was absolutely taken and charmed by the third junior colt in that class HAITHAM AL SHAHEEN (Fares Al Rayyan x Ghamer Al Shaqab) belonging to Al Shaheen Stud from Qatar.

Day 3 Friday 31 January – the third day of the show was marked by an increase of temperature in Doha, which seemed to bode heated competition. Of the15 senior mares registered for the first class of the day, a bevy of 13 milky white and dark eyed beauties entered competition in class 3A. During a joint presentation of all the competitors, one mare released herself from her handler, apparently driven by an urge for a solo walk. Fortunately, the handler quickly regained control of the situation, bringing in place the mare in his care by a calm gesture. The competitive level among senior mares proved very high, which found reflection in the notes awarded by the judges, attaining above 90 points for the majority of the mares in competition. The classes of senior mares revealed a known truth that the Arabian horses are late maturing. With age, the mares bloom, ultimately achieving the full spectrum of their beauty. The even and high level of competition inevitably made it possible only for an exceptional beauty to win the class. Indeed such was the case.

The winner of 3A with 92.29 points was the phenomenal SHEIHANA AL NASSER (Naseem Al Rashediah x Al Jazi Al Nasser) from Qatari Al Nasser Stud. On her heels was the extraordinary D’ANNAFEYYAH (Asfoor Al Waab x D Folah) owned Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, with the note of 92 points. A slight shadow was cast upon the rivalry in class 3B of senior mares due to the notice that one of the handlers received from DC a yellow card. Although 14 mares were registered for the class, only 11 entered the competition, of which 2 were disqualified. An undisputed victory in class 3B went with the impressive note of 92.64 points to the absolutely wonderful and unique NADRAH AL NASSER (Shagran Al Nasser x Jamila Nasser) representing Al Nasser Stud. The public showed Nadrah Al Nasser their admiration by applauding intensely her performance, when the mare impressed with her exceptional quality and fascinating movement. Another noteworthy senior mare came second in that class with the note of 91.79 points, i.e. LUJINA (Al Ayaal x Mashalla Aleha) x Mashalla Aleha) from the Kuwaiti Ashayel Arabian Horse Stud. It is interesting to note that according to the catalogue, the breeder of Lujina is Ali Ali Mahmoud from Poland.

After the dark, Friday was crowned with the competition of senior stallions in classes 6A and 6B. 10 senior stallions were registered in each class. Also here, one stallion gracefully escaped from his handler to receive in reward great applause from the public. The rivalry between senior stallions proved equally heated. It became apparent once again that with age, Straight Egyptian Arabian horses gain in beauty. 9 stallions competed in class 6A as one stallion was disqualified. Amongst a range of other excellent horses, one was especially catching the eye from the first moment on the ring. D MEMZER (Asfoor Al. Waab x Extreme Wonder) from Dubai Arabian Stud excelled due to his dynamic movement, captivating personality and exquisite head. He won his class with a note of 92 points. However, a real gem was yet to be discovered among the participants of the last class 6B of senior stallions. Born in 2018, GJ FAHEEM (Naseem Al Rashediah x Hadiya Al Shahania) seemed to declare from the very first moment on the ring: “Veni, vidi, vici”. The owner and the breeder of this brilliant stallion is Glenn Jacobs mentioned earlier. GJ Faheem is very difficult to describe. One has to experience GJ Faheem personally with own eyes in order to appreciate fully his exceptional charm and beauty. GJ Faheem became gold champion in the last edition of the show. This year, he won his class with the highest note of the show, being 92.79 points, thus placing himself in the role of the favourite for the highest prize this year.

As rivalry in classes has ended after 3 days of competition, it is now time for a few, general reflections. Undoubtedly, Arabian Peninsula Horse Show revealed the extremely high level and strength of the Straight Egyptian breed conducted on the Arabian Peninsula, as well as an incredible potential of that breed on a global scale. Those who consider with scepticism Straight Egyptian Arabian Horses would change their mind upon viewing the horses participating in the show. The judges were very severe in their evaluations, as no horse managed to reach a note of 93 points. The competition clearly pointed to the supremacy of studs from Qatar in breeding Straight Egyptian Arabian Horses, while the stallion Naseem Al Rashediah needs to be pointed out as the most successful sire of that breed.

Day 4 Saturday 01 February – the last day of the show emerged with beautiful sunshine and azure sky, creating a perfect background for the championships as the last chord of the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show. Rules for championships state that that if the total number of entered horses is less than 180, the top five horses from each class qualify for the championships. If the number of entered horses is more than 180, only the top 3 from each class qualify for the championships. This year, champions were to be chosen from a group of 5 top horses from each class, totalling 10 horses for each category. That day, the public was more than ever animated, eagerly awaiting for the winners to be crowned. There were no surprises, though. The best won.

The wonderful bay QUMRIYAH (Naseem Al Rashediah x Kama Ega) became the gold champion of yearly fillies, silver title crowned GJ MAJESTICA (Majd al Qusar x Hadiya Al Shahania) bred by Glenn Jacobs, and bronze went to the charming ANHAJEEAH AL SHAQAB (Naseem Al Rashediah x Masshoorah Al Shaqab. As can be seen, the entire podium of yearly fillies was occupied by the studs from Qatar: Al Hamama Stud, Al Nasser Stud and Al Shaqab Stud. Naseem Al Rashediah is the sire of the gold champion and bronze champion.

In the championships of yearly colts, gold covered the phenomenal D SADN (D Labbad x D Asforaah), silver was received by the mischievous SAIF AL WADI (Naseem Al Rashediah x Nefertiti Al Wadi), while broze title went to IBN AL NAIF (Ansata Nile Echo x Al Jood Al Naif). The podium was divided between studs from the United Arab Emirates (Dubai Arabian Stud), The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Al Wadi Stud) and Qatar (Al Naif Stud). Naseem Al Rashediah is the sire of the silver champion.

Supremely beautiful BAGHA AL FARIDA (Baarez Al Farida x Sherouk Al Farida) became the gold champion of junior fillies, the title of silver champion was awarded to the lovely GHAYA EL ALYA (Qamar Al Zaman Al Waab x Ghezlan Al Waab), and the bronze title was received by LATEEN AL DANAT (Naseem Al Rashediah x Mona Aldanat). Gold honoured the junior filly from the stud in Egypt: El Farida Stud, silver honoured the junior filly from the stud in Qatar: El Hamama Stud, while bronze is the success of Al Danat Farm from Kuwait. Naseem Al Rashediah is the sire of the bronze champion.

The favourite of the public, MALEEH AL NASSER (Nasser Al Rayyan x Sarab Al Nasser) became the gold champion of junior colts, silver title was awarded to MEJRIN AL SALAM (Motair Al Baida x Layan Al Salam), and the bronze went to AKM LUSAIL (Shaheen AA x Aishaa). Gold and bronze graced two studs from Qatar, Al Nasser Stud and AKM Arabians. Silver podium is the success of Al Salam Stud from Kuwait.

In the midst of flashing photographers and a large international audience, the judges finally decided on the titles in the last, most exciting classes of senior mares and senior stallions. Yet, nothing could threaten the position of favourites, so final results came as no surprise.

Unquestionably, the highest step on the podium among senior mares was occupied deservedly by the supremely beautiful, NADRAH AL NASSER (Shagran Al Nasser x Jamila Al Nasser). As expected, silver medal was awarded to the exceptional D’ANNAFEYYAH (Asfoor Al Waab x D Folah), while the lovely LUJINA (Al Ayal AA x Mashalla Aleha) became the bronze champion. The following studs were proud of the trophies received: Al Nasser Stud from Qatar, Dubai Arabian Horse Stud from the United Arab Emirates and Asayel Arabian Horse Stud from Kuwait.

The championships of senior stallions constituted the final icing on the cake. There could be no doubt as to the stallion most worthy to occupy the first place. During the competition, that stallion gained widespread admiration and the highest note of the show. No other could become the gold champion of senior stallions but the exceptional GJ FAHEEM (Naseem Al Rashediah x Hadiya Al Shahania), owned and bred by Glenn Jacobs. Congratulations. Behind him as silver champion came BASHEER AL WAAB (Sinan Al Rayyan x Amaal Al Waab) bred by Sheikh Abudullah bin Khaled Al Thani, while the bronze title went to the charismatic D MEMZER (Asfoor Al Waab x Xtreme Wonder). Success could be celebrated by El Alya Stud from Qatar and Dubai Arabian Stud from the United Arab Emirates. Yet first and foremost the owner and breeder of the gold champion deserved to celebrate. This great achievement of Glenn Jacobs was awarded with prize money amounting 250 000 QR. Naseem Al Rashediah is the sire of the gold champion of senior stallions.

4 days in the company of beautiful Straight Egyptian horses bred on the Arabian Peninsula proved an unsurpassed aesthetic experience, as the breath-taking beauty and sweetness of these horses is unquestionable. It needs to be underlined that not only huge funds, but also enormous effort is put by the breeders of the competing horses to achieve such wonderful results. That effort is seen as a way to honour the ancient cultural heritage connecting horses with the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula. For them, breeding horses is a passion and the pursuit of a long-time strategy. The organizers of Katara International Arabian Horse Festival aim to provide a global platform that offers knowledge and expertise about purebred Arabian horses, enabling horse owners to exchange this knowledge and expertise with one another, contributing to their development and growth. The task of promoting the beauty of these horses, along with the accompanying breeding tradition also aims at elevating the status and significance of purebred Arabian horses around the whole world. Undoubtedly, the State of Qatar is an questionable leader in spreading the true belief in the power the Arabian horses on a global scale and in a global perspective.

At his point one has to express great admiration for the organizers, who made their utmost to take the best care of all the guests invited. The Organizing Committee of Katara International Horse Festival displayed the highest level of professional prowess and efficiency. All organizational aspects of the event were perfectly coordinated, which secured smooth operation at all levels, as well as full comfort and satisfaction to all the guests admiring the beauty, strength and elegance of Straight Egyptian Horses from the Arabian Peninsula. Last, but not least, one cannot forget about the extremely touching kindness, courtesy and willingness to help shown to the guests not only by the organizers, but also by every single inhabitant of Qatar met on the way. Leaving the hospitable thresholds of Qatar, we will remain with the message that the breeding of Straight Egyptian Arabian horses is immanently linked with the tradition and the feeling of national identity of that country, as expressed in the motto: “Breeding for heritage”.