Al Shaqab to Host First CHI International Equestrian Festival in Asia

Doha, February 05 (QNA) -Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, has announced its first annual CHI competition, which will take place 27 to 30 March 2013, at Al Shaqab s state-of-the-art facilities in Doha, Qatar. Under the patronage of HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Thani and HE Sheikha Al-Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani, CHI AL SHAQAB 2013 will be the first event of its kind in Asia. As a CHI international equestrian event, Al Shaqab will host competitions in three equestrian disciplines over four days, including show jumping, dressage and endurance. "We are pleased to be organizing this unique international event honouring Qatar s centuries-old tradition of equestrian excellence. CHI AL SHAQAB 2013 is already receiving interest and enthusiasm beyond our expectations in its inaugural edition, and we would see it become a benchmark for all of Asia and a key event in the international equestrian calendar," commented Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Director of Al Shaqab, who announced the event at a press conference on 5 February along with Khalil Ibrahim Al Jaber, Director of Sports Affairs Department at QOC, and Hamad Bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, President of the Qatar Equestrian Federation. Shining an international equestrian spotlight on Qatar, Al Shaqab expects participation from more than 25 nations, 150 riders and 200 horses. The top 30 show jumpers and top 15 dressage riders from the International Equestrian Federation s world rankings will be invited to compete. Top regional and international teams will also be invited to compete in the endurance race. Located within Qatar Foundation s Education City, Al Shaqab s 980,000 square meters of world-class facilities will serve as host for the event. An estimated 10,000 spectators are expected over the four days, including special attendance by members of Qatar s Royal Family and other royal guests of honour from the GCC. CHI AL SHAQAB 2013 will not only draw the local and international horse world, it will also be a family event with activities for the general public. In addition to witnessing some of the highest quality equestrian riders in the world compete, visitors will have access to an international exhibition and multiple cultural and equine events. The spectator plaza will comprise more than 40 tents filled with vendors, food courts, game zones and child-friendly areas. Cultural events throughout the festival will also include equine demonstrations, as well as pony and carriage rides for the whole family. CHI (Concours Hippique International - International Equestrian Competition) is the official title given by the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) only to international equestrian competitions with three or more equine disciplines in one week. CHI AL SHAQAB 2013 will be held from 27 until 30 March 2013 in Doha, Qatar. This will be the first time that this event is held in the Middle East and Asia. The CHI AL SHAQAB festival will be hosted annually, around the same time of the year. The program includes three equestrian disciplines spread over four days: Show Jumping CSI 5* and CSI 3*, Dressage CDI 4* and Endurance CEI2*. Top world-ranking riders from Qatar, the GCC and around the world are expected to compete during the event, with an initial estimate of 200 horses in competition.. Members of the Qatari Family and other royal families in the GCC, as well as other national and international VIPs of the equine sport and business world, will be in attendance. The event is open to the public and includes a range of family-friendly activities, in addition to the equestrian competitions that will be the highlight for horse lovers and connoisseurs. A Spectator Plaza extending across 9,000 square metres will offer visitors access to an equine and fashion exhibition and trade market, a public food court, a "kids zone," pony rides, horse shows, a vaulting demonstration and games for all ages. It is worth to mention that HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, founded Al Shaqab in 1992 to preserve and further develop the Arabian horses in Qatar. Al Shaqab is led by HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and encompasses an Endurance Team, a Breeding & Show division, and a Riding Academy. In 2004, Al Shaqab proudly became a member of Qatar Foundation. Al Shaqab s mission is to be global leaders in preserving, improving and promoting the Arabian horse breed through setting the highest standard in breeding, show, equestrian arts and equine welfare while encouraging community participation.(QNA)