Al Shaqab gears up for annual CHI AL SHAQAB 2016

Under the patronage of HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani and HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), is organising CHI AL SHAQAB 2016 from March 2 to 5, in Doha.
The fourth edition of the prestigious equestrian competition, sponsored by ExxonMobil, will see top-ranking local, regional and international riders compete in Show Jumping CSI 5* and CSI 4*, Dressage CDI 5* and Para-Dressage compete for prizes totalling €1.2mn (QR5mn). Along with the competitions, members of the public can look forward to a host of entertaining activities planned throughout the duration of the four-day event.
“CHI AL SHAQAB significantly contributes to the international equestrian sport and business community. Through events such as these, Al Shaqab aims to preserve and promote the Arabian equine heritage while promoting Qatar and the region,’’ said Al Shaqab executive director and CHI AL SHAQAB president Fahad Saad al-Qahtani.
“We’re very happy to announce another page in the history of our partnership with CHI AL SHAQAB, which has become a flagship international equestrian event. I am confident that this year will be a stellar one for CHI AL SHAQAB and a wonderful experience for both competitors and spectators alike,” said president and general manager for ExxonMobil Qatar Alistair Routledge.
“This year, we’re proud to expand our collaboration as the main sponsor of the Al Shaqab Equine Education Centre, which instils lifelong leadership skills and a sense of responsibility in its students. This is critical to creating a confident and well-equipped generation who can build a bright future for Qatar.
“At ExxonMobil Qatar, we devote much of our energy to developing human capacity through our local partnerships, and we do this by providing unique learning opportunities. Ultimately, we aim to fulfil His Highness the Emir’s vision of a knowledge-based economy,” added Routledge.
The Festival Area will offer visitors, access to a dedicated family entertainment zone featuring pony and horse-carriage rides as well as an array of food and beverages choices. The Area will also include a child care facility which parents with toddlers can use.
Event director CHI AL SHAQAB Omar al-Mannai, said: “The fourth edition of CHI AL SHAQAB promises to be the best one yet with record participation expected. The equestrian competitions always attract the crowds and are set to be the highlight of the event.’’
Competing in the event, Sheikh Ali al-Thani, CSI 5* Show Jumper, who is part of the Olympic Qatari Team said: “CHI AL SHAQAB is the most anticipated annual equestrian event in the country. It’s a phenomenal opportunity to be able to compete in this year’s event.”
Members of the Qatari Royal Family and members from royal families across the GCC, as well as local and international VIPs within the equine sport and business world will be in attendance.
CHI AL SHAQAB is a key competition in the international equestrian calendar whereby riders can receive points to qualify for the Rio Olympics 2016. It is also the last opportunity for teams competing in the discipline of Dressage to qualify for the Olympics.
CHI Al SHAQAB the first event of the CSI 4* Jumping tour taking place in Doha over three weeks, which also present an opportunity for riders to gain qualifying points for the Olympics.
After CHI AL SHAQAB, the second event will take place at the Qatar Equestrian Federation, and the third will take place at Katara Cultural Village.
beIN SPORTS will be the official host broadcast for CHI AL SHAQAB, showing the competition across their worldwide network, as well as online.
CHI AL SHAQAB 2016 is one of only four international annual equestrian competitions that showcases three or more equestrian disciplines in one event.
Al Shaqab Hotel, Careem, Nasser bin Khalid, Reach Out To Asia, are partners of CHI AL SHAQAB.
For Wednesday and Thursday the day tickets are priced at QAR20 for adults (above the age of 12) and QAR10 for children (above the age of 6); while for Friday and Saturday tickets are priced at QAR40 for adults (above the age of 12) and QAR10 for children (above the age of 6). Children up to 5 years can access the event free of charge. Tickets will be available online at Q-Tickets, and starting from March 2 at the ticket booth in the AL SHAQAB Spectator Plaza.