The Peninsula
Qatar, home to the world's best show jumping venue Longines Al Shaqab Arena, is eyeing a three-tier development in equestrian, a top official said yesterday.
Omar Al Mannai, Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event Director, Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines, yesterday said Qatar is rapidly developing the equestrian sport by focusing on rider development, engaging communities and boosting equestrian economy.
Al Mannai was speaking to the media following an agreement signing with the Social & Sport Contribution Fund (Daam) who have been named the Supporter of Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab to be held from February 25 to 27.
“This agreement is a continuous support from Daam for our activities and events, local and international. We have fruitful collaboration with Daam during our popular Hathab Series also,” Al Mannai said yesterday.
“As I said earlier, we base our mutual relationships on three main pillars - the first one is developing the sport at all levels by grooming riders - individually and in groups.
“The second pillar is about engaging the community so the sport lovers in the country become part of our events as fans, volunteers, vendors,” Al Mannai said.
“The third pillar focuses on boosting the equestrian economic by having a good market like horse sales in Qatar by involving equestrian vendors within Doha to provide a better market for them.
“We also want to give a boost to other stakeholders like trainers and grooms so that there will be career opportunities when we have these kind of events regularly,” Al Mannai explained yesterday. “At the end of the day, we have a vision for Hathab Series and other events. It's a clear vision from Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Chairman H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani.
“That vision is based on developing and improving the equestrian season in Doha. We want to make the equestrian season in Qatar more attractive for those wanting to come here to be part of our events and activities.
International riders can come here during the off-season and make use of the facilities here. This can be a good opportunity for them to train their horses in high-performance environment and with all the infrastructure we have, I don't think any individual or group can see or experience this kind of infrastructure,” Al Mannai said.
Al Mannai said Qatar can expect more regional riders competing in events staged in Doha from next season.
“We have received many requests related to Hathab or other events. Maybe not right now but we may see their participation from the next season since the pandemic around the world has not ended yet,” he said.