FROM LEFT: Director of Marketing and Communications Abdullah Al Qashouti, Deputy Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin, CEO of In2Strides Alejandro Ancin Berdegue and Sporting Director of the Event Salemain Al Suwaidi attending a press conference at Al Shaqab yesterday.
DOHA: The inaugural H H The Father Amir’s Prix gets underway today with riders from across the world set to compete for top honours at Al Shaqab’s Longines Arena.
The opening ceremony of the prestigious event is scheduled to begin at 5:30pm, with organisers promising a dazzling start to the month-long competition, which will be held over four Tours. The season-opening H H The Father Amir’s Prix carries a total prize purse of over €3.3m.
The opening Tour, taking place from January 2 to 4, will be followed by the second Tour from January 8 to 10. The third Tour is scheduled from January 22 to 24, with the finale taking place from January 29 to 31.
More than 240 male and female riders from 32 countries will be seen in action, with the field also including 93 Qatari contestants. Belgium’s Abdelkader Said – a 2025 LGCT Super Grand Prix winner - Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann are among the prominent names set to vie for titles throughout January.
A rider enters Al Shaqab’ Longines Arena during the vet check yesterday.
H H The Father Amir’s Prix is the first event of the action-packed Doha Equestrian Tour 2026, which features a total of 10 international championships to be held until April 4. The total prize purse of the Doha Tour exceeds €10m.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Deputy Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin said the star-studded H H The Father Amir’s Prix will provide a befitting start to the Doha Equestrian Tour. He added that the event has been rated among the world’s top equestrian competitions.
“Extensive preparations have been made to deliver the event in an exceptional manner, in accordance with the highest organisational and technical standards, reflecting Qatar’s established reputation for hosting major international sporting events,” said Al Khayarin.
“Hosting the competition at Al Shaqab, one of the world’s premier equestrian venues, underlines our commitment to providing an exceptional competitive environment for riders and an outstanding experience for spectators.”
Sporting Director of the Event Salemain Al Suwaidi said the competition will showcase 500 horses from all over the world.
“We are entering an exceptional year with 10 championships to be contested among elite combinations of riders and horses,” he said.
CEO of In2Strides Alejandro Ancin Berdegue said the courses were designed in collaboration with internationally recognised experts who have worked on leading equestrian events worldwide to enhance competitiveness, showcase riding skill and strengthen the event’s global standing.
“This year is going to be special,” he said. “Everything is ready, and the organisers deserve praise for their hard work. I attended the horse inspection and everything is going smoothly. The addition of H H The Father Amir’s Prix will boost the sport and further enhance the skills of Qatari riders.”
Providing details of today’s opening ceremony, Director of Marketing and Communications Abdullah Al Qashouti said the event will feature artistic performances, a breathtaking drone and light show, along with equestrian-themed activities within the competition venue.
“Tickets are available through the Road to Qatar platform, with general admission priced at QR50 per day. The platform also offers a range of hospitality options, including VIP Tent Hospitality and Premium Hospitality Packages, providing exclusive access, premium seating, dedicated parking, catering services and daily information,” he said.
Action begins at 9am today with CSI 2* (125cm) and CSI 1* (120cm) competitions, with the opening day’s final event – the CSI 4* (145cm) – scheduled to begin at 7:15pm.
