Press Conference at Al Shaqab sets scene for this weekend’s 2023 Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines
23 February 2023
Press Conference at Al Shaqab sets scene for this weekend's
2023 Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines.
22 February 2023 – Doha, Qatar. With the 10th edition of the Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines taking place over the next three days, a Press Conference and Media Q&A was hosted at Al Shaqab yesterday by Event Director, Mr Omar Al Mannai, Sport Director, Mr Ali Al Rumaihi, and Discipline Manager, Mr Alejandro Berdegué, together with leading riders and sponsor representatives.
This year's CHI AL SHAQAB – a highlight of the equestrian sport calendar, and one of only five CHI-accredited events held around the world – 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), Equine Veterinary Medical Center (Official Veterinary Partner), and Aspetar (Official Medical Partner).
As always, the competition will showcase outstanding equestrianism from the very best regional and international athletes, both riders and horses – each pair seeking to achieve that special bond that will enable them to compete for the top honors in Showjumping, Dressage or Para-Dressage.
The indoor/outdoor Arenas at the spectacular Longines Arena – with grandstands capable of accommodating 10,000 guests – together with the equestrian center's extensive facilities, are being readied to welcome all visitors, not least the 91 élite riders 138 magnificent horses which are due to compete.
Among the élite riders to watch out for will be last year's Showjumping Grand Prix winner, Marcus Ehning from Germany, in a field which also includes Christian Ahlmann (2021 winner), Ludger Beerbaum (winner in 2014 and 2016), and Pieter Devos (2019 winner).
Indeed, the high-quality showjumping roster features four of the current top 10 riders in the FEI world rankings – Harrie Smolders (ranked 4), Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (ranked 7), Maikel van der Vleuten (ranked 8) and Kevin Staut (ranked 10).
In the Dressage events, Sweden's Patrik Kittel returns to Doha, after winning the Freestyle competition in 2020 and finishing as runner-up last year. The Para-Dressage competition welcomes new riders, as well as previous winners including Pepo Puch (Austria), Kevin van Ham (Belgium) and four-time champion, the Netherlands' Rixt van der Horst.
Younger 'rising stars' who may catch the eye include Jeanne Sadran (France) and Jack Whitaker (Great Britain) in the Showjumping, as well as Juan Matute (Spain) and Evelyn Eger (Germany) in the Dressage events.
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; Qatar's leading equestrian achieved 7th place in the CDI Gran Prix Special event at last year's CHI AL SHAQAB. Local fans may also support Qatar's two competitors in the Showjumping discipline: Faleh Al Ajami and Salmen Al Suwaidi.
Among the more unusual stories is that of the Palestinian rider Diana Al Shaer, who will compete in the Dressage on her 15-year-old mare, Unzalee de Massa. Born in Russia to a Palestinian father who had emigrated there in 1975, Al Shaer originally competed for the Russian Federation. But, after a trip to Palestine in 2017, she felt compelled to switch her allegiance to her second homeland, when invited to do so by the Palestine Equestrian Federation. In this way, she hopes to inspire and perhaps open up opportunities for Palestine's talented young riders.
As well as magnificent horses and outstanding horsemanship, the CHI AL SHAQAB weekend will offer guests the chance to enjoy a wide range of cultural, educational and entertainment activities suitable for all the family: pony rides, live music and dance shows, arcade games, arts & crafts, face painting, puppet shows, a clown duo, children's contests, magic shows, PlayStation games, virtual reality experiences, and much more. Meanwhile, catering concessions are preparing to provide guests with high-quality refreshment options.
The top-class sporting action will unfold over the course of three days, from Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 February, culminating with the Dressage Freestyle and Showjumping 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."
Speaking on behalf of the Main Sponsor, Mr Dominic Genetti, President and General Manager of 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, Executive General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Premium Banking, Mr Hussain Al Abdullah, 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."
The Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines runs form 23 to 25 February – and tickets are available now at www.q-tickets.com
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Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines
Among the highlights on the global equestrian sports calendar, the CHI ('Concours Hippique International') event at Al Shaqab is one of only five CHI equestrian competitions held annually around the world – and the only event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia regions.
To learn more, please visit www.alshaqab.com
Al Shaqab – A World-Class Facility
Since its establishment in 1992, Al Shaqab's vision has been to build on Qatar's Arabian horse heritage and be a leading global center 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.
Today, Al Shaqab's impressive facilities, which are distinctively designed in the shape of a horseshoe, cover 980,000 square meters. With a state-of-the-art Main Arena comprising both an indoor and outdoor venue capable of holding over 5,000 spectators, Al Shaqab is part of Qatar's growing reputation on the world stage that showcases its ability to host major international sports event at the highest level.
For further details, please visit www.alshaqab.com
Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development, and community development.
QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF's world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation's development.
QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all.
For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, please visit: www.qf.org.qa
For any media inquiries, please contact: pressoffice@qf.org.qa