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Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented By Longines Offers Dazzling Mix Of Equestrian Sport & Entertainment

Doha – The magnificent Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, is all set and ready to welcome the world’s top riders and horses, when Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines 2022 gets under way from the 24^th to the 26^th of February.

 

A star-studded contingent of 95 riders from 24 countries, and 146 elite competition horses from around the globe, has already touched down in Doha – primed to dazzle and impress the crowds as they compete for glory in Al Shaqab’s signature event, which will be organized for the ninth time at Qatar’s iconic equestrian destination.

 

The much-anticipated international event will provide equestrian sport lovers with a unique opportunity to be a part of the strongest and only championship of its kind in the Middle East and Asia region, as they witness three days of unparalleled action and entertainment unfold in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para dressage.

 

At a press conference held at Al Shaqab on February 22 to officially launch this year’s event, Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines, and Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab, said: “Once again, Al Shaqab is delighted to welcome the world’s best riders and horses to Qatar. They love the amazing facilities, training conditions and competition set-up here, and it shows in the number of champion riders who keep returning for CHI AL SHAQAB.”

 

This year’s rider’s list is filled with the names of the biggest stars in equestrian sport. Sweden’s Peder Fredricson, ranked world number one in the latest FEI Longines Jumping Rankings, headlines the event entries. Last year’s five-star Grand Prix winner, Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, returns in the hunt for further honors, and will be joined by a host of CHI AL SHAQAB champions and top-ranked riders, including Great Britain’s Scott Brash, Australia’s Edwina Tops-Alexander, and Belgium’s Pieter Devos. Flying the flag for Qatar will be Wejdan Majed Al Malki, who will be participating in the dressage category, and the showjumping trio of Hamad Nasser Al Qadi - fresh off his second successive Emir Sword title triumph - Faleh Suwead Al Ajami, and Nasser Al Ghazali.

 

Al Mannai said: “To be able to see the top athletes compete in a truly world-class competition is an incredible opportunity for the equestrian community here in Qatar, and for sport lovers in general. It has been tremendously encouraging, and satisfying, to note the event grow bigger and better with every passing year, regardless of the challenges faced.

 

“This is a credit to everyone involved with Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines, including the participants, fans, Organizing Committee and other team members. Special mention must go to the event sponsors, who have shown their commitment towards supporting equestrian sport in Qatar.”

 

Commercial Bank is the Title Sponsor, Longines is the Presenting Partner, and ExxonMobil Qatar is the Main Sponsor.

 

Joseph Abraham, Group CEO, Commercial Bank, said: “Commercial Bank is pleased to play its part in Qatar’s sporting success story and to support Qatar’s national vision of being a world-class sports hub through its sponsorship of this premier equestrian competition.”

 

Hussein Ali Al-Abdulla, EGM & Chief Marketing Officer, Commercial Bank, said: “I’m delighted that Commercial Bank will once again be the Title Sponsor of CHI AL SHAQAB. We’re looking forward to being a part of a truly exceptional equestrian competition. Commercial Bank appreciates the importance of sports in the social and economic development of Qatar, and is committed to supporting Qatar’s vision to be an international sporting hub.”

 

Saleh Al Mana, Vice President and Director of Government and Public Affairs, ExxonMobil Qatar, said: “We’re excited to be part of this year’s CHI AL SHAQAB as a main sponsor and to continue our support for Al Shaqab and its programs and events. Our partnership with Al Shaqab is inspired by the Qatar National Vision 2030 and driven by a commitment to prepare young people for a rapidly changing world by instilling the values, motivation and confidence they will require to meet future challenges.”

 

Al Shaqab is also proud of its long-term association with Longines, which is the Presenting Partner of CHI AL SHAQAB.

 

Al Mannai said: “This relationship is underscored by the name of the competition venue, with the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab representing the perfect location for the world’s best riders and horses to come together and compete for the ultimate honor of being crowned a champion at CHI AL SHAQAB.”

 

 ENDS//

 

Al Shaqab – A World-Class Facility

Since its establishment in 1992, Al Shaqab’s vision was 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.

 

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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