CHI Al Shaqab equestrian extravaganza from tomorrow

The 10th edition of the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines will be held from tomorrow till Saturday, with world-class riders from 28 nations set to provide high quality exhibition of equestrianism.
The prestigious championship – a highlight of the equestrian sport calendar, is one of only five CHI-accredited events held around the world. As always, Germany riders will lead the pack in showjumping, while Belgium and the Netherlands are traditionally strong in all three disciplines, including the Dressage and Para-Dressage events. Riders from Palestine and Lithuania will take part in the prestigious championship for the first time.
Qatar will be represented by Wejdan al-Malki, on her 18-year-old purebred bay Spanish stallion, Mango Jacaro, while in showjumping discipline Faleh al-Ajami and Salmen al-Suwaidi will carry local hopes.
At a press conference yesterday, Al Shaqab’s Event Director Omar al-Mannai said CHI Al Shaqab has grown in stature over the years and credited the state-of-the-art Al Shaqab for building on Qatar’s equestrian traditions.
“We are proud and honoured to host the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines – now established as a highlight of the equestrian year. Bringing together many of the best riders and horses from around the world, this event carries a level of prestige which can only help Al Shaqab continue its mission of building on Qatar’s equestrian traditions,” said al-Mannai.
“Again this year, we will deliver a festival of extraordinarily high-quality sport, as well as cultural, educational, and family activities. It has been tremendously encouraging to see the event grow bigger and better with every passing year – and this has been a credit to everyone involved. Special thanks must go to the event sponsors and partners, who have shown their commitment towards supporting equestrian sport in Qatar,” he added.
The festival atmosphere of the weekend will be enhanced by a wide range of cultural, educational and entertainment activities suitable for all the family: pony rides, carnival games, arts & crafts, face painting, puppet shows, a clown duo, children’s contests, magic shows, and much more. Cafes and restaurants will provide guests with high-quality refreshment options.
The sporting action will take place over the course of three days, from tomorrow till Saturday, leading up to the Dressage Freestyle event and Showjumping Doha Grand Prix.
This year’s competition is supported by title sponsor Commercial Bank; presenting partner Longines and main sponsor ExxonMobil Qatar. The event’s additional supporters are Qatar Tourism (official sponsor), Vodafone Qatar (telecom partner), Gulfcrafts (space branding partner), White Event (social media partner), Equine Veterinary Medical Center (veterinary partner), and Aspetar (medical partner).
Speaking on behalf of the Main Sponsor, Saleh bin Saad al-Mana, Vice-President and Director of Government & Public Affairs at ExxonMobil Qatar, said: “We’re excited and delighted to be the main sponsor of CHI Al SHAQAB for another year, and to continue our long-standing relationship with Al Shaqab.”
He added: “Young people are one of society’s main agents of change and progress. We believe that they should have access to life-changing activities that expand their horizons and arm them with vital life skills. Al Shaqab provides a space for them to experience such activities, and unique learning opportunities beyond the classroom that will help them create strong and prosperous communities for the future.”
For Commercial Bank, Ashjan Saleh I S al-Khalaf, Sponsorship and Events, said: “I’m delighted that Commercial Bank will once again be the Title Sponsor of CHI Al Shaqab. We’re looking forward to being part of a truly exceptional equestrian competition. Commercial Bank appreciates the importance of sports in the social and economic development of Qatar – and is committed to supporting Qatar’s vision of becoming an international sporting hub.”
Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Jassim al-Thani, CEO at Vodafone Qatar commented: “We are honoured to be partnering with Al Shaqab. At Vodafone, we believe in the importance of utilising technology and innovation within the sports sector and are proud to be the official telecom partners of this exciting event. Through Vodafone’s advanced network, we are playing our part in securing seamless communications for organisers and providing an exceptional communication experience for participants.”
He added: “In line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, and with Vodafone Qatar’s three pillars, sustainability, sports and innovation, we are committed to supporting Qatar’s efforts in organising world-class sporting events.”
Finally, on behalf of event planning and marketing specialists, White Event, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hamad Khalifa al-Sowaidi, said: “Everyone at White Event is excited to contribute to the success of an international sports competition as prestigious as the CHI Al Shaqab – working closely with the Supreme Organising Committee to help promote the event through social media channels. We look forward to a productive long-term partnership with Al Shaqab.”
The tickets for the event is available at www.q-tickets.com or on arrival at the venue.