The Organising Committee of the Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025 on Wednesday announced the completion of all arrangements for the launch of the first round of the most awaited event, which will begin at the glorious Longines Arena at Al Shaqab from today and continue till Saturday. The event has attracted more than 150 riders from 30 countries.The Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025 has a total prize money of more than 1.7mn euros. The showjumping event comprises three international rounds, with the first and second rounds allocated to the one-star, two-star, and four-star categories, while the third and final round includes the one-star and three-star categories, in addition to the major five-star category. The second round of the championship will be held from January 16-18, and the third and final round is from January 23-25. This year’s edition has been organised by the Qatar Equestrian Federation, Al Shaqab and the Qatar Olympic Committee.At a press conference on Wednesday, Event Director Mohammed Jaber al-Khayarin confirmed that the Doha rounds are one of the most prominent international championships on the global equestrian calendar, as they attract an elite group of internationally ranked riders from around the world to compete in the various categories of the championship, with the number of participating riders reaching 277 riders from around the world.He pointed out that this version of the championship is to enhance the status of equestrian sports, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to modernize while preserving the ancient traditions and heritage values. He also revealed the total prize money for all international equestrian championships for the year 2025, amounts to more than 5.5mn euros, including 1.7mn euros for the Doha rounds.He added: “Organising this event requires exceptional effort and high professionalism to achieve the required success and contribute to the success of the championship competitions, so we extend our thanks and appreciation to all sectors that worked tirelessly to make this event come out in the best possible way. We invite everyone to attend this exceptional global event and spend a time full of fun and excitement.”Nasser Mubarak al-Hajri, the championship’s Sports Director, while delving into the technical aspect of the championship noted that the Tour witnesses the participation of a number of world-class riders such as Scott Brash and Janne Friederike Meyer, in addition to riders from many different and also neighbouring countries.The number of participants in the first round of the championship reached 150 riders from more than 30 countries, which reflects the high level and great diversity of participants. The largest number of participation is from Qatar with 86 Qatari riders, then Saudi Arabia with 41 riders, 35 European riders, Egypt with 27 riders, in addition to riders from other countries.Regarding the registered horses, he explained the number has reached 410, including: 150 from Qatar, 135 from European countries, 86 from Gulf countries, in addition to horses from Arab countries. The championship will feature stables for different categories, with the stables for European riders hosting 134 horses, the stables for local riders hosting 133 horses, the stables for Gulf riders hosting 69 horses, the stables for Middle Eastern riders hosting 32 horses, and the stables for local Al Shaqab horses hosting 40 horses.He added: “To ensure a world-class sporting experience, the championship arena has been shaped by international course designers with experience in designing the arenas of dozens of international championships. International judges were also consulted alongside a local jury, with the aim of enhancing local expertise in line with the highest international standards, which contributes in raising the level of the championship and enhancing its position on the global stage. “Abdullah al-Qashouti, Director of Marketing and Communications of Doha International Equestrian Tour 2025, informed that the organising committee has allocated a special area for the public that has many recreational facilities including a variety of foods and drinks for all, besides the multiple options of cafes and shops, in addition to many entertainment events for all age groups and segments of the society.Accompanying events will be held on the outer perimeter of the Longines Arena, where contracts have been signed with service providers, business owners and the artist community to provide an exceptional experience for the fans, demonstrating Qatari hospitality and heritage. The Longines outdoor arena also includes games for children and an area for visual artists, ensuring an enjoyable and enriching experience for all visitors.He also informed that in an effort to provide an exceptional experience for the riders. “A Riders’ Corner has been allocated in a distinguished location directly overlooking the competition field. A ticket has been provided for one person at a price of 800 euros for the event, or a private table reservation for 6 riders at a price of 3,500 euros for the tournament inside the pavilion.“As for the fans, they can purchase tickets from the official platform Qtickets, with general audience ticket prices ranging from QR50 per day for adults, QR25 for children aged 7-12, while entry is free for children under the age of 7. Other options include hospitality packages and VIP tickets, which offer multiple benefits such as exclusive access to the platform, premium seating service and valet parking,” he added.The event is sponsored by Doha Bank, Al Abdulghani Motors, and Zabargad Jewellery. The Tour is also partnered by Qatar Airways as the official airlines, Visit Qatar, Al Kass Sports Channels as the broadcasters, So Cast as the social media partner, and Sahil as media partner.