World-renowned equestrian event to offer 17,000 square metre plaza for public

Al Shaqab will host top riders and teams from around the world in the upcoming international equestrian competition, CHI AL SHAQAB 2013, which takes place from 27 to 30 March. Throughout the four-day festival, a 17,000 square metre spectator plaza will be open to all members of the public who wish to celebrate Qatar’s rich heritage in equine culture and sport. 

“CHI AL SHAQAB 2013 will raisethe standard and level of competition of equestrian events in the region. Held for the first time ever in the Middle East and Asia, we are expecting a significant turnout at the event, which is why we created such a large spectators’ zone,” said Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Al Shaqab Director & CHI AL SHAQAB President. 

“Designed with the whole family in mind, the plaza will boast a fashion exhibition and trade market, a food court, a dedicated ‘kid’s zone’ featuring pony rides and horse shows, as well as an array of cultural presentations. The festivities we are organising will highlight Qatar’s long history of equestrian excellence and ensure that Arabian horses continue to remain central to the country’s present-day heritage,” he added. 

The inaugural event will take place at Al Shaqab’s state-of-the-art facilities at Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. Top regional and international teams have been invited to compete, and special guests include a collection of VIPs as well as leading dignitaries from around the globe. 

In advance of the upcoming festival, a dedicated team from Al Shaqab recently visited the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday, 21 February 2013. The event was the first leg of the Super League, and saw Qatar and Saudi Arabia qualify for the series final. 

Al Shaqab will host competitions in three equestrian disciplines spread over four days:  Show Jumping CSI 5* and CSI 3*, Dressage CDI 4* and Endurance CEI2*.