World’s best riders descend on Doha for Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines

Doha, Feb 24 – A star-studded list of 86 riders from 27 countries around the world has descended upon Doha to compete in the spectacular Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines 2021 event, which will take place at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, from February 25-27.

In addition, 138 horses have arrived in Qatar's capital city to take part in the world-class international equestrian competition.

 Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, is organizing CHI AL SHAQAB for the eighth time, and the much-anticipated event will again see riders participate in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para dressage.

Sweden's Peder Fredrickon, ranked number four in the FEI Longines Jumping Rankings, headlines the riders' list, while Olympians and former CHI AL SHAQAB winners Edwina Tops-Alexander (Australia) and Scott Brash (Great Britain) make welcome returns to Doha.

Flying the flag for Qatar will be local riders Sultan Salmen Al Suwaidi (jumping) and Majed Wejdan Al Malki (dressage).

At a press conference held on February 23 to launch the event, Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines, and Commercial Manager, Al Shaqab, said: “Once again, this amazing event has managed to attract globally respected champion riders and horses to Doha. They love to compete at Al Shaqab, and it shows in the number of riders who keep returning for the event. Al Shaqab has truly achieved its goal of developing an equestrian competition that other organizers aspire to and talk about, and that elite organizations wish to be a part of. This is highlighted by the quality of sponsors and partners who are associated with the event."

Commercial Bank is the Title Sponsor; Longines is the Presenting Partner; ExxonMobil is the Main Sponsor with The Social & Sport Contribution Fund (Daam) as the Supporter of the event.

Commercial Bank's GCEO, Joseph Abraham stated: “Commercial Bank has always been a big supporter of major sports tournaments held in Doha. Our partnership with Al Shaqab aims to maximise the global exposure and visibility around the world-class equestrian tournament, Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines, that takes place every year in the country."

Hussein Ali Al-Abdulla, EGM & Chief Marketing Officer, Commercial Bank, said: “I'm delighted that Commercial Bank will once again be the Title Sponsor of CHI AL SHAQAB. We're looking forward to being a part of a truly exceptional equestrian competition.

“Commercial Bank appreciates the importance of sports in the social and economic development of Qatar, and we are committed to supporting Qatar's vision to be an international sporting hub."

Saleh Al Mana, Vice President and Director of Government and Public Affairs, ExxonMobil Qatar, said: “I'm pleased that ExxonMobil Qatar will continue what has been a long-term and rewarding role as Main Sponsor of CHI AL SHAQAB.Since it's inception in 2013, this tremendous equestrian competition has grown more and more popular. ExxonMobil Qatar is happy to support such a culturally significant sport that holds so much meaning for Qataris.

Abdulrahman Bin Abdulatif Al Mannai, Chief Executive Officer, Social & Sport Contribution Fund, said: “The Social & Sport Contribution Fund (Daam) is delighted to be involved in this world class event. Daam's vision is to make a positive difference in the community by supporting social and sports activities such as CHI AL SHAQAB, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.

“We believe that Daam's support and commitment to the development ofhorsemanship in Qatar will play a role in encouraging young riders to pursue a passion for equestrian sports.​

Al Mannai added that Al Shaqab is proud of its long-term association with Longines, who are the Presenting Partner of CHI AL SHAQAB. “This relationship is underscored by the renaming of the competition venue as the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, which represents the perfect location for the world's best riders and their horses to compete for the ultimate honor of being crowned a champion at CHI AL SHAQAB," said Al Mannai.

 A former international-level showjumper and dressager rider who represented Qatar in the 2006 Asian Games, Al Mannai emphasized the importance of para dressage as a part of Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines.

He said: “ Al Shaqab continues to include this Olympic discipline in the event not only because our facilities are geared to meet the needs of the participants but, more importantly they are wonderful role models and sources of great inspiration. We look forward to seeing Qatari riders competing in this discipline in the future."

In line with the Ministry of Public Health's (MoPH) 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. Fans unable to access the venue can still catch all the action, as the event will be broadcast live on Al Kass TV and beIN Sport, while it will also be live-streamed on Al Shaqab's website, alshaqab.com.

Al Mannai said: “As an organizer, Al Shaqab is proud of the hard work that has gone into making the event a reality in the midst of a global pandemic. But, more than anything else, the health and safety of participants, spectators, and all involved with the event remains Al Shaqab's highest priority. Therefore, with guidance and instruction from MoPH, Al Shaqab has ensured that all necessary COVID-19 precautionary measures are in place, and will be strictly enforced."