Qatar evacuates 147 horses amid Gulf tensions, highlights equestrian legacy

Qatar evacuated 147 horses via special flights amid Gulf tensions, demonstrating its commitment to the welfare of Arabian horses, a cornerstone of the nation’s equestrian heritage. Hyderabad’s Aizah Mir also won silver at an international equestrian event in Qatar.

Dubai: Qatar’s deep-rooted equestrian heritage has come into focus amid ongoing regional tensions, with the country evacuating 147 horses through special flights, underscoring its commitment to their welfare.

Long before emerging as one of the world’s leading natural gas exporters, Qatar was renowned for its prized Arabian horses, which remain an integral part of its culture and tradition. The ruling Al Thani family has historically been associated with breeding fine Arabian horses, which also played a role in the country’s early military history.

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This enduring legacy continues today, as demonstrated by the recent evacuation effort. Amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region following the Iran conflict and restrictions on Qatar’s airspace, authorities prioritised the safe relocation of horses from a neighbouring country.

The animals were first transported by road from Doha to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia—a journey of about 350 km—before being flown to Liège, Belgium, on two special Qatar Airways Boeing flights.

During transit, veterinarians and trained staff closely monitored the horses, ensuring their health, hydration and stress levels were maintained. The aircraft cargo holds were temperature-regulated to ensure suitable conditions throughout the journey.
The horses were housed in specialised padded “jet stalls”, designed to allow them to stand securely during flights. Each stall typically accommodates up to three horses and is attended by grooms and veterinary personnel.

Qatar has also been expanding its footprint in global thoroughbred racing, backed by significant financial resources. The country hosts the prestigious Emir’s Trophy, offering a prize purse of $1 million and attracting top international competitors.
Separately, Hyderabad’s 12-year-old Aizah Mir, daughter of Nasr School principal Mir Hafeezuddin, represented India at an international equestrian event in Qatar last year and won a silver medal.