Passengers from the mega cruise ship, Mein Schiff 5, were given a guided tour of Al Shaqab yesterday during their stopover in Doha.
Upon their arrival, the visitors were briefed on the establishment of Al Shaqab and its development over the last 25 years. This was followed by a tour of the main indoor and outdoor arenas, where the world’s top riders compete in events such as Chi Al Shaqab and Longines Global Champions Tour, endurance horse exercise areas and the stables housing pure-bred Arabian horses.
One of the highlights of the tour was a horse show where some of the best Arabian horses bred by Al Shaqab were displayed, Al Shaqab said in a press statement.  In addition, the visitors were able to get up close with pure-bred Arabians to have their selfies taken.
Khalifa al-Attiya, executive director of Al Shaqab, said: “Al Shaqab is pleased to welcome tourists to our world-class equestrian facility.  Working closely with tour operators, we have specially tailored the tour programme for cruise groups in view of the limited time they have in Doha. This is the fourth cruise group that Al Shaqab has hosted during the current cruise season and we are expecting more groups this month as well as in the coming months.
“The guided tour programme is also available for other tourist groups and local visitors. We have a team that will guide groups of visitors and customise the tour based on their interests such as Breeding & Show or Equine Education with a visit to the stables as the highlight of their experience at Al Shaqab. Pony rides can also be organised for school groups to help generate interest in equestrian sports among children.”   
Myriam Sluypers, a member of the cruise group who is visiting Al Shaqab for the first time, said: “It’s amazing. I have never seen such a huge and well-organised facility for horses. Even in Europe, we do not have the same as you have here. I have not seen anything better than this.” Members of the public interested in visiting Al Shaqab can book their tour through the Al Shaqab website. www.alshaqab.com
Tours are available from Saturday to Thursday at 9am and 3pm.

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