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Top Qatari athletes praise “amazing” preparations for Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines

Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation, has received glowing praise from leading Qatari athletes for the outstanding preparations of its signature equestrian event - Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines.

High jump world champion Mutaz Barshim, hurdler Mariam Farid, who ran in the 2019 World Athletics Championship in Doha, and showjumper Hamad Ali Al Attiyah, who competed in the Rio Olympics, visited Al Shaqab on 16 February and expressed their excitement at the arrangements that are being made for the event.

The 7th edition of the prestigious competition, will take place from 27 to 29 February at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. It will see top-ranking local and international riders compete in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para dressage.

CHI (Concours Hippique International – International Equestrian Competition) is the official title awarded by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) to international equestrian competitions with three or more equestrian disciplines. Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines is one of only five CHI competitions worldwide and the first and only equestrian event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia region.

Barshim said: “In Qatar, athletes are encouraged and inspired in every sport. Equestrian sports hold a special place in Qatar’s history, which adds to the significance of an amazing event such as CHI Al SHAQAB. The facilities at Al Shaqab are truly world class, which makes it easier for the riders and the horses to perform their best when competing. We’re all looking forward to some spectacular performances.”

Farid, a student at Northwestern University in Qatar - a partner university of QF - said: “CHI Al SHAQAB will see male and female riders riding against each other in the same competitions, which will deliver exciting and unique action for spectators. Sports fans in Qatar are getting the very best, with CHI AL SHAQAB being yet another example of world-class sporting events held in Qatar, after the 2019 World Athletics Championship and FIFA Club World Cup.”

Olympic rider Al Attiyah, said: “The event provides wonderful opportunities for local and international riders to perform in a fantastic arena. As a Qatari rider, I’m proud that Qatar, and Al Shaqab, is organizing one of the biggest and most prestigious equestrian competitions in the world.”

Tickets for Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines, including exclusive VIP hospitality packages, are available online at https://www.q-tickets.com/ or through the Al Shaqab website (www.alshaqab.com).


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 5000 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.