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Al Shaqab to host spectacular LGCT and GCL 2021 season opener

The world’s premier five-star showjumping competitions will bring together the  best riders and horses in their quest for individual and team glory from March 4-6 2021 under the stunning, iconic architecture of the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, setting the scene for an electrifying weekend of equestrian sport.

 

 

There will be 16 events worldwide on the LGCT and GCL calendar next year, starting with the championship season opener in Doha, and finishing with the Finals in New York in September, before the ultimate showdown at the Global Champions Prague Playoffs in November.

 

The kick-off event in Doha will see the maiden LGCT Grand Prix of the year, where riders will look to be the first to book their Golden Ticket to the Prague Playoffs. The GCL teams will go into battle over two rounds, armed with new strategies to take them to victory in 2021.

 

Khalifa Al Attiya, Executive Director, Al Shaqab, said: “Since 2013, Al Shaqab has been a proud host of the Longines Global Champions Tour. The Arab world has a very rich equestrian heritage and, through events such as this, Al Shaqab preserves and perpetuates an important aspect of Qatari tradition and culture. Al Shaqab’s hosting of such an internationally renowned championship bears testament to Qatar’s position as a global sporting destination.

 

“The Longines Arena at Al Shaqab will provide the perfect backdrop for the world’s leading equestrian athletes and horses to kick off what promises to be a thrilling championship, as they compete for one of the most coveted titles in the world of showjumping.”

 

Jan Tops, President of LGCT and GCL, said: “We are pleased to announce our dates for 2021 and look forward to a new season with confidence and excitement, but also with humility. I know all our stakeholders and especially our loyal fans are looking forward to a fresh start with a new season after such a difficult year for everyone due to the global pandemic.

 

“We are working closely with our host cities and organizing partners to deliver a welcome return to top-level showjumping with robust health and safety protocols. I would like to thank everyone for their continued support including our sponsors and team owners."

 

In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Public Health’s precautionary measures will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety and well-being of participants, equestrian fans, and all who are involved with the event.

 

 

ENDS//

 

Al Shaqab – A World-Class Facility

 

Since its establishment in 1992, Al Shaqab’s vision was to build on Qatar’s Arabianhorse heritage and be a leading global center for equine professionals, whileproviding an engaging experience for the community. Global leadership has not onlymeant preserving, improving, and promoting the Arabian horse breed, but alsoencouraging the community in this unique, traditional cultural sport. 

 

Today, Al Shaqab’s impressive facilities, which are distinctivelydesigned in theshape of a horseshoe, cover 980,000 square meters. With a state-of-the-art MainArena comprising both an indoor and outdoor venue capable of holding over 5,000spectators, Al Shaqab is part of Qatar’s growing reputation on the world stage thatshowcases its ability to host major international sports event at the highest level.

 

For further details please visit www.alshaqab.com

 

Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development, and community development.

QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF’s world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation’s development.

QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all.

For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and projects, please visit:www.qf.org.qa

For any media inquiries, please contact: pressoffice@qf.org.qa

 

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