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Khalid Al Jahni: Sports Director at CHI AL SHAQAB

Al Shaqab was founded in 1992 by His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The centre was established at the site of the Battle of Al Shaqab, where Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani initiated the campaign that led to Qatar’s independence in 1893.

“The best horse riders and judges in the world are always eager to participate in CHI AL SHAQAB…”

Al Shaqab was founded in 1992 by His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The centre was established at the site of the Battle of Al Shaqab, where Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani initiated the campaign that led to Qatar’s independence in 1893.

Horsemanship skills were crucial to this victory, and equestrianism has been a key part of Qatar’s culture for many generations. Al Shaqab has ensured that these skills will be preserved and honoured, by encouraging locals such as Khalid Al Jahni to champion the sport.

Khalid began his career in equestrianism as a horse rider at Qatar Equestrian Federation in the year 2000. Eight years later, he began working at Al Shaqab, one of the most prestigious and distinguished equestrian centres in the world. And, with CHI AL SHAQAB 2016 underway, Khalid is performing a crucial role as Sports Director.

“The best horse riders and judges in the world are always eager to participate in CHI AL SHAQAB,” he says. “Extensive and special care are tendered to the horses once they arrive, and the tournament provides a great opportunity for all of our national riders to meet the top 50 riders in the world and benefit not only from their invaluable experience, but also from watching their performance in the competition.”

Khalid stresses that riders are not the only people who reap the rewards of AL SHAQAB, however. “Volunteers also benefit from CHI AL SHAQAB as we open our doors for numerous people to enlist in many different departments and gain invaluable experience. They are assigned to specific departments based on their educational qualifications and skill sets. Here at Al Shaqab we co-operate and work together as a team to overcome any challenges that we may face.”

Khalid believes that CHI AL SHAQAB is a flagship event for Qatari youth, in terms of educating them on one of the country’s long-standing traditions, and he is looking forward to welcoming hundreds of his compatriots during the competition. “We call upon our youth to attend this tournament because we believe that they will enjoy it, and also benefit from it on a cultural level.

The value of this tournament is represented in its audience. Therefore, we encourage them to join us in making CHI AL SHAQAB 2016 one of the most successful and prestigious international equestrian competitions in the world."