QREC honours partners for contribution to racing success
Mdmar – Doha
The 2025/2026 racing season awards ceremony at Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC) saw the recognition of key partners whose contributions have been instrumental in QREC’s success. Their support helped deliver an outstanding racing season featuring top-class international horses, the highest international standards and substantial prize money. Such achievements would not have been possible without the fruitful cooperation and shared vision of the organisations and companies involved. Their role extends beyond sponsoring events to supporting Qatar’s national heritage, fostering competition on its racecourses and serving as a driving force behind the sport’s continued development.
The awards were presented by QREC Chairman Mr Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al-Attiyah and Deputy CEO and Director of Support Services Mr Ahmed AmanAlla Al-Sheebani.
Honouring Daam
The first award recognised an organisation that plays a strategic role in developing Qatar’s youth, preserving its heritage and supporting its sporting future. Its vital contribution extends well beyond individual race meetings to strengthening the foundations of the country’s sporting infrastructure, serving as QREC’s principal supporting partner throughout the season. The award was received by Mr Hassan Yousef Al-Obaidly, Director of the Programmes Department at the Social and Sports Contribution Fund (Daam).
Recognising QNB
The ceremony then turned to one of the world’s leading banking institutions and a prominent supporter of Qatar’s sporting heritage. Each season, attention focuses on the most prestigious event on the horse racing calendar, the pinnacle of competition and excitement. QNB Group has consistently contributed to enhancing the stature of this historic event through its title sponsorship of the Group 1 PA HH The Amir Sword, the third leg of the Doha Triple Crown. The award was received by Mr Khalid Al-Sada, Senior Executive Vice President, Corporate and Institutional Banking at QNB Group.
Paying tribute to Longines
The ceremony continued with the recognition of Longines, a prestigious international brand synonymous with precision and timeless elegance. Longines plays two particularly important roles in Qatari horse racing. It is the sponsor and presenter of the HH The Amir Trophy, which was elevated to international Group 1 status this season and serves as the Official Timekeeper at Al Rayyan Racecourse, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy in race timing and the recording of finishing times.
Acknowledging Baladna
Baladna plays a vital role in Qatar’s premier racing festival, fostering competition between local contenders and international challengers. As the title sponsor of the HH The Amir Silver Sword, one of the festival’s most prominent races, it supports an event that showcases speed and excellence on the turf. This partnership also contributes to raising the standard of Qatar’s long-established horse racing tradition to new heights. The award was received by Baladna CEO Mr Paul Kenny.
A tribute to Ooredoo
The ceremony also recognised Ooredoo, one of the world’s leading telecommunications companies and a prominent supporter of major sporting achievements in Qatar. Ooredoo is the title sponsor of the HH The Amir Shalfa, one of the country’s leading Thoroughbred sprint races. The award was received by Mr Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Bannai, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorships at Ooredoo.
Recognition for Qatar Media Corporation
The ceremony continued with the recognition of Qatar Media Corporation, an organisation that represents the voice and image of the nation. Through its outstanding coverage, it has successfully brought the excitement and thrills of horse racing to homes across Qatar and around the world. As QREC’s principal media partner throughout the season, it has followed and broadcast historic victories with exceptional professionalism and unwavering dedication. Its pivotal contribution has helped keep Qatar’s rich racing heritage alive through television, radio and other media platforms. The award was received by Mr Ahmed Abdulla Al-Attiyah, Director of Public Relations and Communications at Qatar Media Corporation.
Honouring Alfardan Premier Motors
The next recognition went to Alfardan Premier Motors, a name synonymous with luxury, excellence and world-class service. As the Official Transportation Sponsor of the HH The Amir Sword Festival, Alfardan Premier Motors ensured the highest standards of comfort and luxury for international visitors, VIPs and distinguished guests during their journeys. The award recognised the company’s commitment to delivering a premium travel experience and its standing as a symbol of automotive luxury and excellence in Qatar. The award was received by Mr Hussain Omar Alfardan, Chief Marketing Officer at Alfardan Automotive.
Recognising Qatar Airways
The ceremony’s recognition of QREC’s valued partners extended from the roads to the skies with Qatar Airways, a world-leading airline connecting Qatar with destinations across the globe and showcasing the finest traditions of Qatari hospitality. Staging an international racing festival of such prestige, bringing together top-class horses from overseas, owners and racing enthusiasts, requires an extensive global flight network linking continents. As the Official Airline of the HH The Amir Sword Festival, Qatar Airways helped connect Al Rayyan Racecourse with the wider world, providing an exceptional travel experience for guests from the international racing community.
Acknowledging Loom
The next recognition went to Loom for successfully bridging the excitement of horse racing and the digital world, enabling audiences around the globe to follow every thrilling moment, victory and vibrant atmosphere of the festival. As the Official Social Media Partner of the HH The Amir Sword Festival, Loom helped elevate QREC’s presence across online platforms to international standards throughout the season through creative storytelling, live digital coverage and the production of diverse, engaging content.
A tribute to Elan
The ceremony continued with the recognition of Elan Group, a leading name in mass communications. To ensure that the prestige and exceptional atmosphere of Qatar’s premier racing festival reached audiences throughout the country, QREC partnered with one of the leading companies in advertising. Through its extensive networks, Elan Group successfully brought the appeal of Qatar’s rich horse racing heritage to all sections of society. As the Media Campaign Partner of the HH The Amir Sword Festival, the group played an important role in extending the event’s reach across Qatar. The award was received by Mr Ibrahim Mohammed Hassan, Managing Director of Elan Group.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
The “Mdmar” website which was Founded by Khaled Makhlouf in 2007 for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
