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Al Shaqab celebrates success of CHI AL SHAQAB 2016

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani, Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), is celebrating the successful conclusion of CHI AL SHAQAB 2016, which took place from 2nd – 5th March 2016 in Doha, Qatar.

 Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani, Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), is celebrating the successful conclusion of CHI AL SHAQAB 2016, which took place from 2nd – 5th March 2016 in Doha, Qatar. 

The fourth edition of the world-class equestrian competition brought a wealth of local, regional and international riders to compete in disciplines of Jumping, Dressage and Para-Dressage for prizes totalling €1.2 million (QR 5 million).

Attended by members of the Qatari Royal Family, members of royal families from across the GCC, and local and international VIPs from the equestrian and business worlds, CHI AL SHAQAB once again put on an impressive performance worthy of its stellar international reputation.

Throughout the event, the local Doha Tour riders showed great potential during their individual competitions, rising to the occasion in the presence of the world’s highest-ranking riders. International riders in the CSI3*and CSI5* classes in all three disciplines performed superbly, upping the ante as the excitement of the competition reached a climax during Saturday evening’s Jumping Grand Prix.

Mr Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Executive Director of Al Shaqab and President of CHI AL SHAQAB, said: “CHI AL SHAQAB is the most anticipated annual equestrian event in the country, and it attracts world-class riders who compete at the highest level of the sport. With the successful conclusion of this year’s event we are continuing to build on Al Shaqab’s legacy of equestrian sports here in Qatar, as well as our growing international reputation of being a world-renowned facility.”

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, and His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), for all their support in making CHI AL SHAQAB 2016 the success it is. In doing so, they have enabled us to promote and support not just Qatar and the region, but also the heritage and culture of the Arabian horse on a global level,” he added.

Mr Omar Al Mannai, Event Director of CHI AL SHAQAB, said: “CHI AL SHAQAB 2016 has exceeded all our expectations. The skill and grace displayed by both local and international riders across all classes was phenomenal, and the Grand Prix events epitomised the excitement that is a hallmark of such high-calibre equestrian competitions.”

He continued: “Additionally, the number of spectators and their interaction with our family-orientated activities was very impressive, and we are delighted that there was so much community involvement.”

Thanks to the dedication and guidance of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of Al Shaqab and Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairman of Al Shaqab; CHI Al Shaqab has become a flagship international equestrian event,” said Alistair Routledge, President and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar. 

"I want to extend my appreciation to the wonderful, hard-working team headed by Mr. Fahad Al Qahtani, who is responsible for executing CHI Al Shaqab. This year’s event was a stellar one, and a great experience for both the competitors and spectators. We are pleased to have supported this outstanding event for the fourth year,” he added.

CHI AL SHAQAB 2016 is one of only four international annual equestrian competitions that showcases three or more equestrian disciplines in one event, and is the only one of its kind in Asia. Through the successful organisation of events such as CHI AL SHAQAB, Al Shaqab continues to support both Qatar Foundation’s vision for the facility, which aims to promote Qatar as a premier international sports destination, and the Qatar National Vision 2030.