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  4. Top Riders to Compete at CHI AL SHAQAB 2017

Top Riders to Compete at CHI AL SHAQAB 2017

Publication Date:
21/02/17

AL SHAQAB celebrates its 25th anniversary

Doha: Top riders from all over the  world will come to AL SHAQAB in March to compete in the 5th edition of CHI AL SHAQAB, which will take place from 2– 4 March 2017 at its state-of-the-art facilities in Doha, Qatar.


The 5th edition of the prestigious equestrian competition will see top-ranking local, regional and international riders compete in Show Jumping CSI 3*and 5*, Dressage CDI 5*, and Para-Dressage CPEDI 3*. The event, which is open to the public will also include a host of entertainment activities aimed at inspiring young riders, trainers, officials and equestrian enthusiasts and contributing to a legacy of appreciation of the sport.

This year’s event is particularly special for AL SHAQAB, as it marks its 25th anniversary. A special ceremony on the March 3 is being planned to commemorate the occasion, combining a world-class competition with a keen appreciation of Qatari heritage.

 

“The Arab world has a very rich equine heritage, and through events such as this, AL SHAQAB preserves and perpetuates that aspect of Qatari culture. CHI AL SHAQAB significantly contributes to the international equestrian and business community, demonstrating Qatar’s role as a global sporting destination,’’ said Khalifa Al Attiya, AL SHAQAB Executive Director.

 

Members of the Qatari royal family, as well as local and international VIPs within the equine sport and business world, will be in attendance.

 

Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, CHI AL SHAQAB, said: ‘’The fifth edition of CHI AL SHAQAB is shaping up to be the best one yet, with record participation expected. The equestrian competitions always attract the crowds, and this year is particularly special because of AL SHAQAB’s 25th-anniversary celebration.”

 

“The international interest in CHI AL SHAQAB is very good for Qatar and the region as a whole. It creates a valuable dynamic between many stakeholders, including businesses, tourism and equestrian industries, as well as an array of cultural entities,” he added.

 

Top ranked riders will be competing at CHI AL SHAQAB including Sheikh Ali Al Thani who represented Qatar and was placed sixth in show-jumping at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He also carried Qatar’s flag in the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony.

 

Other top-ranked riders who will be competing in the show-jumping events are world number one Daniel Deusser (Germany), who finished second in last year’s Grand Prix at CHI AL SHAQAB; second-ranked Christian Ahlmann (Germany), who finished third in the 2016 Grand Prix; and Simon Delestre (France), currently ranked fifth in the world.

 

Patrick Kittel (Sweden) won both the Grand Prix and the Freestyle test at AL SHAQAB last year, and he’ll look to repeat the feat in 2017. Other dressage riders to watch include Carl Hester (United Kingdom), the world’s number five, and Inessa Merkulova (Russia), ranked sixth. Several riders will be defending their 2016 crowns in para-dressage, including 1b winner Nicole Den Dulk (Netherlands), II winner Rixt van der Horst (Netherlands), and Philippa Johnson-Dwyer (South Africa), who won the III.

 

The Spectator Plaza will offer visitors an array of food and beverage stands, in addition to a dedicated family entertainment zone featuring interactive video games, virtual reality sets, F1 and horse simulators, face painters, illusionists pony rides and a day –care centre for toddlers. A range of cultural activities are also planned, including henna painters, falcon handlers and traditional food to enable visitors to experience Qatari hospitality.

"I am very pleased to announce on behalf of ExxonMobil Qatar the fifth year of our partnership with CHI Al Shaqab,” said Alistair Routledge, President and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar. “We are proud to support this world-class equestrian event and the Al Shaqab Equine Education Center.  The Center inspires students to reach their full potential helping to foster a confident and skilled generation that will contribute to the Qatar National Vision 2030, a vision we at ExxonMobil Qatar are committed to help fulfill." 

 

"We look forward to another incredible CHI event at the world-class Al Shaqab equestrian center with the best national and international horses and riders battling for one of the most coveted titles in the equestrian calendar.  CHI Al Shaqab promises entertainment to spectators from Qatar and beyond, year after year,” he added.


CHI AL SHAQAB 2017 is one of only three international annual equestrian competitions that showcases three or more equestrian disciplines in one event. By hosting events such as CHI AL SHAQAB 2017, AL SHAQAB supports the Qatar Foundation Vision 2030, which aims to promote Qatar as a premier international sports destination.

 

There are several ticketing options for interested spectators. Adult general admission is QAR35, and QAR15 for children. VIP tickets include VIP seating on the second floor of the arena, complimentary all-day 5-star catering, exclusive entrance, and VIP valet parking; single-day VIP tickets start from QAR1,000 for adults and QAR500 for children. Three-day VIP packages are also available, at QAR2,500 for adults and QAR1,250 for children. For tickets, please visit www.q-tickets.com.

 

Schedule of Events

Thursday, 2nd March

9:30 am: Jumping CSI 3*, outdoor arena

10:30 am: Para-Dressage CPEDI 3*, indoor arena

12:30 pm: Jumping CSI 3*, outdoor arena

3 pm: Jumping CSI 5*, outdoor arena

5:45 pm: Jumping CSI 5*, outdoor arena

 

Friday, 3rd March

8:45 am: Para-Dressage CPEDI 3*, indoor arena

9:30 am: Jumping CSI 3*, outdoor arena

12:30 pm: Jumping CSI 3*, outdoor arena

1 pm: Dressage CDI 5* Grand Prix, indoor arena

3 pm: Jumping CSI 5*, outdoor arena

6 pm: AL SHAQAB 25th Anniversary Celebration, outdoor arena

7:30 pm: Jumping CSI 5*, outdoor arena

 

Saturday, 4th March

8:30 am: Dressage CDI 5* Grand Prix Special, indoor arena

9 am: Jumping CSI 3*, outdoor arena

10:30 am: Para-Dressage CPEDI 3*, indoor arena

11:30 am: Jumping CSI 5*, outdoor arena

2:15 pm: Jumping CSI 3*, outdoor arena

2:45 pm: Dressage CDI 5*, indoor arena

4:30 pm: Jumping CSI 5*, outdoor arena

ADD separate box for the other sponsors

 

To learn more and participate in social media competitions, follow Al Shaqab’s channels:

 

INSTAGRAM: @al_shaqab

TWITTER: @AlShaqab

FACEBOOK: alshaqabofficial

 

Text Box: The Venue: Spread out over 980,000 square meters and with a stable capacity for more than 400 horses, Al Shaqab stands out for its dynamic architectural design. Laid out as a horseshoe shape with its distinctive architectural elements, significant green areas and water feature as well as its landmark main arena, the center offers a welcoming environment for both human and equine visitors. The equestrian center features facilities such as: • Breeding and Show Center for AL SHAQAB’s renowned Arabian Horses • Staff, Groom, and Competitors’ accommodation • Dressage, Endurance, Show Jumping and Amiri stables • Marwan Club with a gym, pool and Organic restaurant • Equine Exercise Center/ Endurance Accommodation, state-of-the-art air conditioned Equine Hydrotherapy and Exercise Unit • Indoor Arena, 100 meters by 60 meters field of play. 2,700 seats all housed within the air conditioned arena • Outdoor Arena, 120 meters by 80 meters field of play, semi-roofed, 2,500 seats • Full service Equine Education Department equipped with the infrastructure to teach all levels from absolute beginner to National Team level • Equine Veterinary Medical Center (EVMC), a complete service equine hospital, clinic, laboratory • Equine Training and Rehabilitation SPA

Text Box: AL SHAQAB Aims To: • Develop Human Capital • Increase awareness of AL SHAQAB's history and achievements locally, regionally and internationally • Produce subsequent generations of World Class and Premier Show horses within top Arabian bloodlines • Lead equestrian education for riders and trainers in the region • Lead innovations and advancements in equine veterinary medicine, research and welfare while becoming the point of reference for veterinary and equestrian information in the region • Become a world-renowned Equine Education Center graduating educated riders up to competition level • Develop and maintain riders able to compete with top 10 ranked FEI riders • Ensure sustainable preservation of the Arabian breed for Qatar’s future generations • Become a focal point and knowledge center for the public and a major Qatari landmark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-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 centre 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. 

World Champion stallions Gazal Al Shaqab, Al Adeed Al Shaqab and Marwan Al Shaqab, alongside their offsprings have  enhanced the pedigree of Arabian horses not only Qatar, but around the world. In 2004, AL SHAQAB became a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development to continue its mission to promote the breeding and showing of Arabian horses, and to provide educational and competitive opportunities in the equestrian arts.

Today, AL SHAQAB’s impressive facilities, which are distinctively designed in the shape of a horseshoe, cover 980, 000 square metres. 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.

 

Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF) is a private, non-profit organisation that is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential, for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world.  Qatar Foundation was co-founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. 

QF’s work encompasses education, research and community development.  World-class universities are brought to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy. At the same time, QF builds Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercialising solutions through key sciences.  The Foundation also works to foster a progressive society while enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar’s heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community.

For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and projects, visit http://www.qf.org.qa

 

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