Stage set for 12th edition of CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines
mdmar
The 12th edition of CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines is all set to kick off tomorrow, Thursday, at the Longines Arena of Al Shaqab. The three-day championship will see the participation of world’s best showjumping and dressage riders (five-star classification), and carries a total prize-money of over 1.3 million eurosmaking it one of the most valuable events on the International Equestrian Federation’s(FEI) calendar.
The premier annual event was launched at a press conference today in attendance of Mr. Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin, the Event Director, champions of the 2022 and 2023 editions of CHI Al Shaqab – German Olympian Marcus Ehning, and Dutch dressage rider Dinja van Liere.Also present was para dressage silver medalist at the Paris 2024 OlympicsDutch Rext van der Hulst, in addition to representatives of the championship committees, and the local and regional media.
This year’s CHI Al Shaqab will witness the participation of 247 riders representing 41 countries. They will compete in the showjumping rounds for CSI1*, three-star and five-star classifications, in addition to the dressage competitions for one-star and five-star classifications, as well as para dressage.
CHI Al Shaqab is considered one of the most important events on the international equestrian calendar, and one of the championships approved by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) worldwide. A platform for top-ranking local and international equestrian stars to compete in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para-dressage.
First held in 2013, CHI Al Shaqab is one of only five CHI competitions worldwide, and the first and only equestrian event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia regions.
Addressing the media, Mr. Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin said: “CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines embodies the highest equestrian skills of elite riders and horses in exciting performances that stand witness to the exceptional levels that the championship will present over the next three days. It includes 3 Olympic disciplines: showjumping, dressage and para dressage, and comes as a confirmation of Al Shaqab’s position as the cradle of equestrianism in Qatar and a global destination for equestrian sports.
“CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines is one of only five CHI competitions worldwide, and the first and only equestrian event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia as the State of Qatar hosts this championship annually, along with only 4 other countries: Estonia, Germany, Switzerland and The Netherlands.”
The Event Director explained that CHI Al Shaqab has become a unique event not only in Qatar but globally, considering that it comes as the fifth international equestrian championship – Qatar 2025, and witnesses the participation of an elite group of the world’s brightest riders.
“The championship reflects the State of Qatar’s ability as a global destination in hosting major sporting events, and embodies Al Shaqab’s commitment to achieving its vision of becoming a leading global center in the field of equestrianism, as it enhances the love of equestrianism of the Qatari community, and contributes to consolidating our pride and appreciation of the long history of equestrianism that characterizes the State of Qatar.”
The Event Director informed that the championship witnesses the participation of 247 riders; 76 of whom are Qatari riders in addition to riders from neighbouring Gulf nations and Europe – representing 41 countries in the competitions of showjumping, dressage, and para dressage.
“The total number of horses participating in the championship has reached 445 for all categories. The championship organizing committee has allocated a special area for the public that includes many entertainment facilities, including a variety of food and beverages for all categories, in addition to providing multiple options from cafes and shops, in addition to organizing many events that suit all age groups from all segments of society.
“The accompanying events will be held in the outer perimeter of the Longines Arena, where service providers, business owners and the artist community have been contracted to provide an exceptional experience for the public, showcasing Qatari hospitality and heritage.
“The Longines outdoor arena also includes games for children and an area for visual artists, ensuring an enjoyable and enriching experience for all visitors. In an effort to provide an exceptional experience for the riders, a ‘Riders’ Corner’ has been created, which is at a distinguished location – directly overlooking the competition arena,” he said.
Exciting opening day action
The first day of the championship will witness 11 rounds with competitions starting at 9:30 am at the Longines outdoor arena with CSI 3-star showjumping (1.35m). The action at the Longines indoor arena will start at 10am with CSI 1* showjumping, Para Dressage CPEDI 3* at 11 am.
The CSI showjumping (145cm) will start at the outdoor arena at 1pm, followed by the 120cm star competitions, and the CSI 5* competitions (1.45m) Two Phases and later the 1.05m star category competitions. At 5:30 pm at the indoor arena, the primary dressage competitions will be held, followed by the Prix St. George classification dressage. The showjumping CSI 5*(1.50m) will be held at the outdoor arena from 7.45pm.
The opening day will also see a round for the Future Riders at a height of 60cm.
Competitions of the second day
Action on the second day will begin at the outdoor arena at 9am with CSI 3* (1.40m). It will be followed by eight more categories including CSI 5* (1.45, 1.50 and 1.55m with Jump Off).This edition of CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines will feature theCSI5*“Prix Hermès Sellier” class at the height of 1.55m. Action at the indoor arena will start at 2pm with dressage competitions for the five-star category, and dressage competitions for the star category. The sub-fields will also witness the Future Riders’ competitions at a height of 80cm, and the Star Classification Showjumping competitions at heights from 1.1m to 1.25m.
Final day
The finale on Saturday will see the indoor arena will stage the 5-star dressage competitions for the Grand Prix starting at 10 am, followed by the Dressage CDI 5* Grand Prix Special, Para-Dressage CPEDI 3* Para GP Freestyle, Dressage CDI 5* CHI AL SHAQAB Freestyle Grand Prix presented by LONGINES – €100.000.
The Longines outdoor arena will see action from 9am with Jumping CSI 3* (1.4m), followed by the Future Riders (100cm), Jumping CSI 5*(1.45m), Jumping CSICh 60cm/Optimum Time (1.10m), and Jumping CSI 1* (1.15m).
The Jumping CSI 3* Grand Prix with Jump-Off (1.50m) for €105.500 will begin at 3.45pm while the CHI AL SHAQAB Grand Prix presented by LONGINES Grand Prix (Two Phases 1.60m) carrying a prize of €540.000 will start at 7pm.
CHI Al Shaqab 2025 Presented by Longines, is sponsored by ExxonMobil, Visit Qatar, Qatar Airways as the official airline partner, Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Company as the official transport partner, Equine Veterinary Medical Center as the official veterinary partner, Aspetar as the official medical partner, Qommunication as the social media partner, Saheel Art Production as the media partner and Al Kass as the official broadcaster.
