Hail governor attends closing ceremony of International Arabian Horse Championship

Hail Governor Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz attended the closing ceremony of the fifth Hail International Arabian Horse Championship 2026 at the Maghwat Entertainment Park on Sunday evening. The event was attended by Prince Salman bin Faisal bin Salman bin Mohammed, Chairman of the Horse Association, Prince Faisal bin Sultan bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, Prince Mohammed bin Sultan bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, Hail Deputy Governor Ali bin Salem Al Amer, and a number of regional officials, along with a large audience of Arabian horse enthusiasts and followers of heritage and sports events.

Upon his arrival, the national anthem was played, followed by a recitation from the Holy Qur’an. Saudi horsemen then presented a display for the governor and attendees.

The governor honored participating government entities, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the championship’s organizing committee chairman and judges, sponsors, media representatives, and organizing committees, in recognition of their contributions to the success and distinction of the championship’s fifth edition.

The stallion competition then began, featuring strong competition that showcased the beauty and pedigree of the participating horses.

The governor awarded the winners in the stallion category: first place and the gold medal went to "AJ Taj," owned by Ali Mohammed Ali Al Ali; second place and the silver medal to "MHS Wasm," owned by Saud Othman Al Hajri; and third place and the bronze medal to "Shukran," owned by Hamad Ibrahim Hamad Al Abdulaziz.

The head of the King Abdulaziz Center for Horses presented a commemorative shield to the governor, along with another shield from the championship’s organizing committee.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad then took part in the traditional Saudi Ardah dance, toured the exhibition pavilions, and viewed the diverse displays at the "Khairat Hail" exhibition, as well as hospitality, crafts, and fine arts sections.

In his closing remarks, Governor Abdulaziz bin Saad praised the significant support Hail receives from the government of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, noting that this backing is fundamental to the region’s development and to advancing tourism and sports in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

He also commended the outstanding organization of the Hail International Arabian Horse Championship, which reflected the capabilities of local organizers in hosting international events. He thanked the organizing committees, government entities, sponsors, and media for their collaborative efforts that contributed to the championship’s success and highlighted Hail’s rich heritage and deep-rooted connection with Arabian horses.

In the foal category, "Ward Al Arabi," owned by Ali bin Mohammed Al Ali, took first place; "Al Aryam Sarem," owned by Sultan Hamid Al Harthi, took second; and "Najla Mahd," owned by Ahmed Muteb Al Mutairi, finished third.

In the colts (foals) category, "Lahab Al Arab," owned by Ali Mohammed Al Ali, won first place; "Dook Harb," owned by Rayan Abdulrahman Al Sayqal, was second; and "Enad Sarem," owned by Sultan Hamid Al Harbi, placed third.

In the yearling fillies category, "Ghazlan Al Arab," owned by Ali Mohammed Al Ali, took first place; "Najd Al Marqab," owned by Ayman Fahad Al Balawi, was second; and "KH Berthen," owned by Abdullah Al Dosari, was third.

In the yearling colts category, "Ramz Awj," owned by Mishaal Saad Al Dawood, took first place; "Shibl Al Arab," owned by Ali Mohammed Al Ali, was second; and "Saif Al Adhiyah," owned by Fahad Saud Al Otaibi, was third.

In the two- to three-year-old colts category, "Watan Al Taribil," owned by Rayan Abdulrahman Al Sayqal, took first place; "Miqdam Al Areb," owned by Faisal Saad Al Otaibi, was second; and "MT Laman," owned by MT LLC, was third.

In the mares category, "Misk Al Salam," owned by Prince Sultan and Prince Salman bin Faisal bin Salman bin Mohammed, took first place; "Mawaddat Rayat Al Izz," owned by Ali Mohammed Al Ali, was second; and "De Damgha," owned by Abdullah Mawsem Al Otaibi, was third.