Chi Al Shaqab International Equestrian Competition 2016, which kicks off tomorrow at the magnificent Al Shaqab arena, is a unique occasion for the Qatar’s Olympic show jumping team to experience a highly technical competition. It also gives them the opportunity to hone their skills in the various upcoming tournaments.
Chi Al Shaqab should help them gain more confidence in the run up to the Olympic Games that will be held in August this year in Rio de Janeiro.
Qatar has a strong squad built around four key riders who were the mainstay of the team last year, achieving a number of impressive results at championship level. Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani, Ali Yousef al-Rumaihi, Khalid al-Emadi and Bassem Hassan Mohammed, all of whom will be competing at Chi Al Shaqab, sealed the Olympic spot in the team event.
The Qatar’s formidable four earned a place at the Rio Olympic Games with victory at the second-leg of the ‎Furusiyya 2015 series in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in February last year. ‎
Chi Al Shaqab is especially significant for Sheikh Ali al-Thani. The 5 star show jumping rider 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.”
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 €1.2 million (QR 5 million). 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.
Meanwhile, Al Shaqab will be hosting an Open Day on Thursday, 10 March 2016 at the Breeding and Show Department of Al Shaqab starting from 5:30 p.m.  
Every year, Al Shaqab organises an Annual Open Day to enable Arabian horse enthusiasts to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the Arabian horses kept in its stables. Fans from all over the world attends this open day which provides a unique opportunity to the public to have a behind the scenes look at Al Shaqab and its state-of-the art facilities .
His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa
al-Thani founded Al Shaqab in 1992 to preserve and further develop the Arabian horse in Qatar. Al Shaqab is led by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani and encompasses an Endurance Team, a Breeding & Show division, and a Riding
Academy.
In 2004, Al Shaqab proudly became a member of Qatar Foundation. Al Shaqab’s mission is to be global leaders in preserving, improving and promoting the Arabian horse breed through setting the highest standard in breeding, show, equestrian arts and equine welfare while encouraging community participation.