All set for Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines

 With the 10^th edition of the Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines taking place over the next three from 23 to 25 February, a Press Conference and Media Q&A was hosted at Al Shaqab yesterday by Event Director, Mr Omar Al Mannai, and Discipline Manager, Mr Alejandro Berdegué, together with representatives of the event’s sponsors.

As always, CHI AL SHAQAB – a highlight of the equestrian sport calendar, and one of only five CHI-accredited events held around the world – will showcase outstanding equestrianism from the very best regional and international athletes, both riders and horses, competing for the top honors in Showjumping, Dressage or Para-Dressage.

During the event, daily bulletins will be available on the Al Shaqab website (www.alshaqab.com) to keep everyone up to date with the latest news on events, results and winning riders.

This year’s competition is supported by Title Sponsor, Commercial Bank; Presenting Partner, Longines; and Main Sponsor, ExxonMobil Qatar. The event’s additional supporters are Qatar Tourism (Official Sponsor), Vodafone Qatar (Telecom Partner), Gulfcrafts (Space Branding Partner), White Event (Social Media Partner), Equine Veterinary Medical Center (Official Veterinary Partner), and Aspetar (Official Medical Partner).

World-class riders from no fewer than 28 different and diverse nations will take part in this year’s CHI AL SHAQAB. As always, Germany provides a very high-quality team of Showjumpers, while Belgium and the Netherlands are traditionally strong in all three disciplines, including the Dressage and Para-Dressage events. Palestine and Lithuania are countries represented at CHI AL SHAQAB for the first time.

Competing for Qatar is Wejdan Al Malki, on her 18-year-old purebred bay Spanish stallion, Mango Jacaro. Watch out for Wejdan in Friday and Saturday’s Dressage competition. Local fans may also support Qatar’s two competitors in the Showjumping discipline: Faleh Al Ajami and Salmen Al Suwaidi.

The festival atmosphere of the weekend will be enhanced by a wide range of cultural, educational and entertainment activities suitable for all the family: pony rides, carnival games, arts & crafts, face painting, puppet shows, a clown duo, children’s contests, magic shows, and much more. Cafés and restaurants will provide guests with high-quality refreshment options.

The sporting action will take place over the course of three days, from Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 February, leading up to the Dressage Freestyle event and Showjumping Doha Grand Prix. For the full 3-day schedule of events, visit www.alshaqab.com

Al Shaqab’s Event Director, Mr Omar Al Mannai, commented: “We are proud and honoured to host the 2023 Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines – now established as a highlight of the equestrian year. Bringing together many of the best riders and horses from around the world, this event carries a level of prestige which can only help Al Shaqab continue its mission of building on Qatar’s equestrian traditions.”

He continued: “Again this year, we will deliver a festival of extraordinarily high-quality sport, as well as cultural, educational, and family activities. It has been tremendously encouraging to see the event grow bigger and better with every passing year – and this has been a credit to everyone involved. Special thanks must go to the event sponsors and partners, who have shown their commitment towards supporting equestrian sport in Qatar.” (Quote to be approved)

Speaking on behalf of the Main Sponsor, Mr Saleh bin Saad Al Mana, Vice-President and Director of Government & Public Affairs at ExxonMobil Qatar, expressed his company’s satisfaction with the arrangement: “We’re excited and delighted to be the main sponsor of CHI AL SHAQAB for another year, and to continue our long-standing relationship with Al Shaqab.”

He added: “Young people are one of society’s main agents of change and progress. We believe that they should have access to life-changing activities that expand their horizons and arm them with vital life skills. Al Shaqab provides a space for them to experience such activities, and unique learning opportunities beyond the classroom that will help them create strong and prosperous communities for the future.”

For Commercial Bank, Mr Ashjan Saleh I S Al-Khalaf, Sponsorship and Events, said: “I’m delighted that Commercial Bank will once again be the Title Sponsor of CHI AL SHAQAB. We’re looking forward to being part of a truly exceptional equestrian competition. Commercial Bank appreciates the importance of sports in the social and economic development of Qatar – and is committed to supporting Qatar’s vision of becoming an international sporting hub.”

Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Jassim Al Thani, CEO at Vodafone Qatar commented: “We are honoured to be partnering with Al Shaqab. At Vodafone, we believe in the importance of utilising technology and innovation within the sports sector and are proud to be the official telecom partners of this exciting event. Through Vodafone’s advanced network, we are playing our part in securing seamless communications for organisers and providing an exceptional communication experience for participants.”

He added, “In line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, and with Vodafone Qatar’s three pillars, sustainability, sports and innovation, we are committed to supporting Qatar’s efforts in organising world-class sporting events.”