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Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show: A Spectacular Equestrian Extravaganza Under the Patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani

This equestrian spectacle is poised to be an unforgettable experience, uniting a total of 272 horses, including 70 from outside Qatar. Hailing from Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, these magnificent creatures will compete for top honors in an exhilarating display of skill and grace. The inaugural edition of the show boasts an esteemed panel of judges who will bring their expertise to evaluate and appreciate the prowess of these equestrian teams, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition: Renata Schibler (Switzerland), Josy Everars (Belgium), Helen Hennekens-van Nes (Belgium), Marek Trela (Poland), Robbie Den Hartog (Netherlands), Terry Holms (USA), Christine Valette (France), Soheil Sanati (Iran), Bassem Badr (KSA), Mohamed Mohsen (Egypt), Barbara Pfisner (Switzerland), Mohammed Hammad (Egypt).

At a press conference on November 15 to officially launch the event, Khalid AL Jehani, Breeding & Show Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event Director, Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show, said: "we believe that, within just a few editions, this show will establish itself as a "not-to-miss" yearly event for Arabian Show Horse owners, both locally and internationally. We are immensely proud to have the support of our sponsors who have made this event possible. The Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show has garnered significant attention from equestrian enthusiasts and experts worldwide, and the sponsors have played a vital role in shaping this prestigious event.”

Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show is classified as a B show by the European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO), allowing winning horses to qualify for international shows of higher classification. This show not only showcases the beauty and grace of purebred Arabian horses but also celebrates the traditional and cultural significance of  owning these magnificent creatures, reflecting the deep-seated love for Arabian horses in the community.

By highlighting the uniqueness of purebred Arabian horses both locally and internationally, the event underpins Qatar's rich Arabian heritage, further strengthening its global presence in the equestrian community.

“The event does not cater only for lovers of equestrian sport. We also want to ensure that all spectators enjoy and experience the festive atmosphere. Thus, besides cafes and coffee corners, we also have a dedicated entertainment zone offering fun and educational activities for children of all ages.” Khalid Al Jahni added.

Get ready for an unforgettable time at Hayyakum on November 17-18, 2023, at Longines Indoor arena in Al Shaqab! Join us with your families and friends from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM for exciting activities such as gymkhana, pony rides, Arabian horse experiences, art and crafts, archery, and more. Delicious food and cozy cafes are also waiting for you. 

Moreover, the organizers envision that the 1st edition of the Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show will mark the beginning of the international competition season in Qatar. This strategic timing will enable horse owners from around the world to prepare their horses for the world championship, a historic event set to take place outside Paris for the first time.

This show promises not only a world-class competition but also a celebration of the timeless bond between humans and these majestic Arabian horses. The two days of this event will be filled with thrilling competitions, breed presentations, and an opportunity for attendees to witness the grace and beauty of the Arabian horse.

The Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show is more than just a competition; it is a testament to Qatar's commitment to the equestrian arts and the promotion of its rich equestrian heritage on the global stage. With the support of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, this event is poised to become a cornerstone in the world of Arabian horse shows.

Al Shaqab – A World-Class Facility

Since its establishment in 1992, Al Shaqab’s vision has been to build on Qatar’s Arabian horse heritage and be a leading global center for equine professionals, while providing an engaging experience for the community. Global leadership has not only meant preserving, improving, and promoting the Arabian horse breed, but also encouraging the community in this unique, traditional cultural sport. 

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