Gulf Times
Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, is gearing up for a feast of breathtaking equestrian sport, with two world-class international events taking place on consecutive weekends at the iconic Longines Arena at Al Shaqab.
The first, from February 25-27, is Al Shaqab’s signature equestrian event – Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines 2021. The premier international equestrian competition, which will be organised and hosted by Al Shaqab for the eighth time since it was created in 2013, has evolved to become one of the highlights on the global equestrian calendar.
The prestige associated with CHI Al Shaqab, and its exemplary organisation, has also attracted the finest local and global sponsors and partners: The Social & Sport Contribution Fund (Daam) has been named this year as the Supporter of the event; Commercial Bank is the Title Sponsor; Longines is the Presenting Partner; and ExxonMobil is the Main Sponsor.
Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines 2021 will be followed by the first competition of the 2021 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT), from March 4-6, also at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. The world’s leading five-star showjumping competition, which will take horses, riders and spectators to 15 major cities worldwide, kicks off the new LGCT season in Doha.
Equestrian fans will be hoping for a repeat of last year’s thrilling competitions, which saw Germany’s Daniel Deusser ride Killer Queen to a magnificent double victory, winning the Grand Prix at both Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines and the LGCT first leg.
In line with the Ministry of Public Health’s Covid-19 health and safety guidelines, the venue capacity will be restricted to 10 percent. Tickets can be purchased at the venue on events days. As a further precautionary measure, there will not be a Festival Area this year.
Khalifa al-Attiya, Executive Director, Al Shaqab, and Vice Chairman, Supreme Organising Committee, Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines, said: “Al Shaqab is proud and delighted that CHI Al Shaqab and LGCT will once again take place in Qatar, as these popular global equestrian events showcase Al Shaqab as a premier competition venue bar none. They also bear testament to Qatar’s position as an international sports destination, and its ability to organise world-class events despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Ultimately, the health and safety of spectators and participants remains Al Shaqab’s highest priority, and MoPH Covid-19 precautionary measures will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety and well-being of riders, equestrian fans, and all who are involved with the events.”
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.