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World’s best riders geared for action at Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines

A total of 88 riders from 23 countries will thrill crowds during the spectacular Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines event, which will take place at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation, from 27-29 February.

 

The world-class international equestrian competition, which Al Shaqab is organizing for the seventh time, will see 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 (Mena) region.

 

German showjumper Daniel Deusser, currently third on the Longines global rankings, headlines the impressive list of entries. Other showjumpers competing include Sweden’s Peder Fredrickon, ranked number five, Belgium’s Pieter Devos, ranked number six and the winner of last year’s CSI5* Grand Prix in Doha, as well as Olympians Edwina Tops-Alexander (Australia), and Scott Brash (Great Britain).

 

Qatari riders taking part are Bassem Mohammed, who competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics and won the 2017 LGCT Doha leg Grand Prix at Al Shaqab, Faleh Suwead Al Ajami, and Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri.

 

At a press conference on February 25 to officially launch the event, Omar Al Mannai, Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab, and Event Director, Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines, said: “Al Shaqab has achieved its goal of developing an equestrian competition that other organizers aspire to and talk about. It underscores Qatar’s ability to organize major sports events.

 

“This year is the first time we have Commercial Bank as the event’s title sponsor and we are honored to have them on board.

 

“We are also very proud of our association with Longines, who will be the Presenting Partner. Our long-term relationship with Longines is further cemented by the Al Shaqab Arena being renamed as “Longines Arena”.

 

“And, of course, once again we have ExxonMobil on board as Main Sponsor, and we greatly appreciate the support they have shown to Al Shaqab over the years.”

 

Commenting on para dressage as a part of Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines, Al Mannai said: “This is the fourth year Al Shaqab will be including this important Olympic discipline in the event and our facilities are geared to meet the needs of the participants.

 

“These are great role models who are sources of great inspiration to the physically impaired. We look forward to seeing Qatari riders participating in this discipline in the future.”

 

Al Mannai said Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines was an event for all, in keeping with Al Shaqab’s role within the community of Qatar.

 

“The event does not cater only for lovers of equestrian sport. We also want to ensure that all spectators enjoy and experience the festive atmosphere. Thus, besides cafes and coffee corners, we also have a dedicated entertainment zone offering fun and educational activities for children of all ages.”

 

For the convenience of spectators, Al Shaqab is providing a shuttle service from the Al Shaqab metro station on the Green Line to the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. The service will run at 10-minute intervals over all three days of the event.

 

Tickets for Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines, including exclusive VIP packages, are now 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 Arabianhorse heritage and be a leading global center for equine professionals, whileproviding an engaging experience for the community. Global leadership has not onlymeant preserving, improving, and promoting the Arabian horse breed, but alsoencouraging the community in this unique, traditional cultural sport. 

Today, Al Shaqab’s impressive facilities, which are distinctivelydesigned in theshape of a horseshoe, cover 980,000 square meters. With a state-of-the-art MainArena comprising both an indoor and outdoor venue capable of holding over 5000spectators, Al Shaqab is part of Qatar’s growing reputation on the world stage thatshowcases its ability to host major international sports event at the highest level. 

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