The Qatar Goodwood Festival by Visit Qatar kicked off with the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1), featuring eight elite runners from leading international stables in the two-mile race.

The event marked the first of several Visit Qatar-sponsored races, delivering an exhilarating showdown on the Goodwood Racecourse.

Scandinavia claimed victory in a hard-fought finish and was awarded by Qatar Tourism chairman Saad bin Ali AlKharji, also the chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar.

Beyond the track, Visit Qatar is bringing the spirit of Qatar to West Sussex through an interactive experience designed to showcase Qatar’s hospitality, unique culture, and tourism offerings to international festival goers.

Guests visiting the Visit Qatar activation are welcomed with traditional refreshments including Arabic coffee and dates. Immersive visual elements throughout the space highlight Qatar’s diverse tourism offerings, using striking imagery and compelling storytelling to inspire travel and bring the destination to life.

The Qatar Goodwood Festival continues throughout the week with more headline races, including the Qatar International Stakes, the highly anticipated Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes, the Qatar Nassau Stakes, and the King George Qatar Stakes, and the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes on the final day.

Visit Qatar said it will continue supporting world-class equestrian sport while spotlighting the country’s growing global appeal as a leading travel destination.