My connection to the Arabian horse is deeply rooted in both my heritage and my life’s journey. For Arabs, the Arabian horse has always held a special place, a bond that grew even stronger with the spread of Islam, a faith that honored and elevated the noble Arabian horse.

Over centuries of migration and Islamic expansion into North Africa and Andalusia, my family’s ancestors were among those who settled in North Africa. These journeys were made with caravans that relied on camels and, of course, the Arabian horse. From that history, a profound love and respect for the breed became part of our family heritage.

In 1909, during one of the most difficult periods in Libyan history under the Italian invasion, part of my family was forced to leave Sirte for Tripoli in search of safety and stability after many family members were killed or detained in concentration camps. Even through hardship and displacement, the family’s admiration for the Arabian horse endured.

After settling in Tripoli, my grandfather owned a horse for a period of time. Although he did not keep one later in life, the passion for horses remained alive in our home through stories, poetry, and tradition. That legacy was passed down to me from an early age.

As a child, I developed a deep and lasting love for Arabian horses. I began my equestrian journey in show jumping at riding school, and my passion only grew stronger. My father once promised that if I achieved full marks and ranked first in my sixth-grade class, he would buy me my first horse. Although I spent more time dreaming about that horse than studying for it, my father, with great generosity, bought me my first Arabian horse regardless of my school results.

In the 1990s, I began participating in horse racing in Libya and was fortunate to achieve notable success. With my mare, Shommok, I won the Grand Prix races in Tripoli for two consecutive seasons. Later, I had the honor of serving as Chairman of the Racing Committee and was awarded lifetime membership in WAHO.

For me, the Arabian horse is far more than a breed; it is a symbol of heritage, endurance, beauty, and identity. My lifelong commitment to the Arabian horse reflects not only personal passion, but also a family legacy that has been carried across generations.