Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The activities of the second edition of the Saudi Arabian Horses Festival 2022 kicked off at the International Equestrian Resort here on Monday. The 8-day festival, with the slogan of “Ubayyah in Diriyah,” is being held under the patronage of Riyadh Emir Prince Faisal Bin Bandar.

Several eminent figures, including princes, officials, representatives of Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), in addition to participants and equestrian fans, especially those interested in the purebred Arabian horses attended the informal opening ceremony.

The event is organized with the partnership and support of DGDA, which is the strategic partner of the event, and under the supervision of the King Abdulaziz Arabian Horses Center.

The Pride of Diriyah Auction of elite Arabian horses was the major highlight of the opening day. The auction started at 6:00 p.m. on Monday with the participation of 40 purebred Arabian horses of rare breeds.

The auction was an opportunity to acquire a selection of horses whose breeds belong to rare horses, with a display of 40 stallions and mares. Around 120 people who are interested in purebred Arabian horses participated in the auction in which the total sales exceeded SR1million.

The mare called Bromma Bahamas was auctioned for the highest price of SR180,000. A portion of the auction proceeds will be donated to charities, according to organizers of the event.

Another major highlight of the festival is the International Championship for Purebred Saudi Arabian Horses Festival; category B on Wednesday, the third day of the festival. As many as 350 purebred Arabian breed horses from different countries will participate in the event, with prizes in excess of SR2 million.

The Ubayyah festival is named after the mare of King Abdul Aziz, founder of modern Saudi Arabia. Several events and programs that showcase the Kingdom’s history and heritage were launched catering to the tastes of all age groups of the Saudi society on the sidelines of the festival on the opening day.

These events included screening of a cultural documentary film that tells the stories of personalities from the first Saudi state. This show is taking place for the first time in the Kingdom. Gonzalez’s Horse Show is another event that tells the story of harmony between man and horse.

The event is being organized strictly in line with adherence to all precautionary measures and preventive protocols to stem the spread of coronavirus.