The Peninsula
Doha is gearing up for an equestrian extravaganza with two major back-to-back events taking place at Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation.
The first, from February 28-March 2, is the opening leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) 2019. The second, and the jewel in Qatar and Al Shaqab’s equestrian crown, is CHI Al Shaqab 2019, which will be held from March 7-9. In addition, during the entire period of February 28 – March 9, Al Shaqab will have a festival area to provide a variety of fun-filled activities and entertainment that will cater to all children and adults alike.
Additionally, Al Shaqab will also be the venue for the Qatar International Sports and Fitness Exhibition (QISFE) from April 2-6, under the patronage of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee. Exhibitors across the areas of Sports and Fitness Facilities; Health and Wellness; Nutrition; and Sportswear will be present at the event.
Unlike previous years where Al Shaqab was the host venue of the LGCT finals, this year will see the spectacular venue providing the perfect backdrop to kick off this thrilling competition.
CHI stands for Concours Hippique International or “Equestrian International Competition”, and is Al Shaqab’s signature event. With ExxonMobil as the main sponsor, the competition will see top riders compete in three Olympic equestrian disciplines of Showjumping; Dressage; and Para Dressage.
CHI Al Shaqab is the first equestrian competition of its kind in the Middle East and Asia region to be sanctioned by the International Equestrian Federation. Attracting the best athletes and horses from around the world since its inception in 2013, it is one of only five international equestrian events to showcase three or more equestrian disciplines.
Capturing the excitement and spirit of top-class sport, CHI Al Shaqab further strengthens Qatar’s status as a hub for international sporting competition, while paying tribute to Qatar’s rich equestrian heritage.
Khalifa al Attiya, President of CHI Al Shaqab and Al Shaqab’s Executive Director, said: “The Arab world has a very rich equine heritage, and through events such as this, Al Shaqab preserves and perpetuates that aspect of Qatari culture. CHI Al Shaqab significantly contributes to the international equestrian and business community, highlighting Qatar’s role as a global sporting destination.”
“Al Shaqab is also proud that CHI Al Shaqab always serves as an important event for the local community as well. The Festival Area is extremely popular and this year there will truly be something for everyone in terms of entertainment and fun activities. I would like to encourage everyone in Qatar to attend CHI Al Shaqab 2019, the first leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour 2019, and the Qatar International Sports and Fitness Exhibition, as I’m confident they will leave Al Shaqab with unforgettable memories.”
Tickets for both the first leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour 2019 and CHI Al Shaqab went on sale yesterday, and are available on the Al Shaqab website (www.alshaqab.com). Children under the age of 6 will enjoy free entry to public areas of both competitions. For the first time, exclusive VIP tables and boxes have been introduced this year to enable corporate organisations to entertain their highly valued clients and special guests to witness and enjoy two world-class equestrian competitions in Qatar.