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Following the renewal of this major partnership, Longines will continue to be the Official Partner and Official Watch supporting Al Shaqab and its world-class equestrian facilities, including the spectacular Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. In addition, the Swiss watch brand remains the Presenting Partner and Official Timekeeper of Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB, a premier event on the international equestrian calendar, as well as the Main Partner and Official Watch of Longines Hathab - Qatar Equestrian Tour,  the popular national showjumping and dressage competition series, which is organized jointly by the Qatar Equestrian Federation and Al Shaqab.

First organized by Al Shaqab in 2013, CHI AL SHAQAB is the world-class equestrian center’s annual signature event, and the only competition of its kind in the Middle East. Events such as CHI AL SHAQAB and Longines Hathab - Qatar Equestrian Tour  ensure that Al Shaqab remains a hub for horse-riding competition, with the aim of further developing equestrian sports in the region and shaping Qatar’s next generation of equestrian champions.

Khalifa Al Attiya, Executive Director, Al Shaqab, said: “We are delighted to reaffirm our strong and enduring ties with Longines, a well-established and prominent global brand known for its support for equestrian sports. Longines maintains a balance between traditional techniques and modern technological innovations, and this philosophy genuinely reflects the values and aspirations of Al Shaqab. The extension of our agreement allows both parties to strengthen their long-term partnership, and the growing popularity of equestrian sport in Qatar only demonstrates the success of our collaboration.”

Longines Vice President Marketing, Matthieu Baumgartner, declared: “We are proud to extend this privileged partnership and to be closely associated with Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation.  We are looking forward to continuing this collaboration, by being the Presenting Partner, Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of CHI AL SHAQAB, as well as the Main Partner and Official Watch of Longines Hathab - Qatar Equestrian Tour, This partnership reinforces Longines’ long-lasting dedication and commitment to the equestrian world, which dates back one-and-a-half centuries.”

About Al Shaqab

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.