Doha gears up for CHI Al Shaqab

Top international riders and members of the public will come together to celebrate Qatar’s rich equine heritage when Al Shaqab hosts the fifth edition of CHI Al Shaqab, its top international competition, from March 2 to 4 in Doha.
CHI Al Shaqab 2017, sponsored by ExxonMobil Qatar, is one of only four international annual equestrian competitions that showcases three or more equestrian disciplines in one event. The prestigious competition will see top-ranking local, regional and international riders compete in Show Jumping CSI 5*and 3*, Dressage CDI 5*, and Para-Dressage CPEDI 3* at Al Shaqab's impressive grounds.
Alongside the equine competition, visitors to Al Shaqab will be treated to a host of entertainment and cultural activities that aim to promote a legacy of appreciation for the sport.
Speaking at a press conference held yesterday at Al Shaqab, Omar Al Mannai, Event Director of CHI Al Shaqab, said: “In just five years, CHI Al Shaqab has established itself as one of the top events on the international equestrian calendar, attracting equine enthusiasts from across the globe. The event attracts a great deal of international interest, which sheds a light on Qatar as a nation with a sporting legacy we can be proud of.”
“ExxonMobil Qatar is delighted to sponsor CHI Al Shaqab for the fifth year, and to help promote Qatar as a premier sports event destination with our partner Al Shaqab,” said Alistair Routledge, President and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar.         
Top ranked riders will be competing at CHI Al Shaqab including Qatar's Sheikh Ali Al Thani, world number one Daniel Deusser (Germany), second-ranked Christian Ahlmann (Germany) and Simon Delestre (France), currently ranked fifth in the world.
Patrik Kittel (Sweden) won both the Grand Prix and the Freestyle test at Al Shaqab last year, and he’ll look to repeat the feat in 2017. Other dressage riders to watch include Carl Hester (United Kingdom), the world’s number five, and Inessa Merkulova (Russia), ranked sixth. Several riders will be defending their 2016 crowns in para-dressage, including 1b winner Nicole Den Dulk (Netherlands), II winner Rixt van der Horst (Netherlands), and Philippa Johnson-Dwyer (South Africa), who won the III.
Visitors to the CHI Al Shaqab 2017 can look forward to number of exciting activities and an assortment of food and beverages in the Spectator Plaza. The dedicated entertainment zone will feature something for the entire family including interactive video games, virtual reality sets, F1 and horse simulators, face painters, illusionists, pony rides and a daycare centre for toddlers. A range of cultural activities will also be on offer, including henna painters, falcon handlers and traditional food to enable visitors to experience true Qatari hospitality.
Speaking about the value of the event to the community, Sheikha Asmaa Al Thani, CHI Al Shaqab Marketing Director, said: “In addition to being a notable sporting event, CHI Al Shaqab is an invaluable event for the wider community in Qatar. It is an opportunity to discover a sport to those who are not familiar with it, become enthused about horses capabilities, and enjoy an array of additional activities which will be available during these remarkable three days.”
This year’s event holds special significance since for Al Shaqab, as it marks our 25th anniversary.