Doha, Qatar – The second day of the FEI Group VII Finals at Al Shaqab’s Longines Outdoor Arena saw continued success for riders from across the region as they compete for top honors in this inaugural event held in Qatar. Yesterday’s promising start evolved into a showcase of rising talent and refined technique in the Children, Junior, and Young Rider categories during the FEI Group VII Finals. The competition highlights the growing equestrian capabilities within the Middle East and North Africa region.
The FEI Group VII Finals, which began November 27th, 2025, represents a significant step for equestrian sport in the area, consolidating regional qualifying events into a single, prestigious championship. These finals determine which athletes will qualify for further international competitions, including championships organized by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). Al Shaqab, a world-renowned equestrian facility, was selected to host, providing a top-tier venue for these developing riders.
Qatar, UAE, and Egypt Dominate Team Competitions in FEI Group VII Finals
Team competitions took center stage on Thursday, with Qatar achieving a notable victory in the CSICh-A Children Teams event. The Qatari team, comprised of Abdul Aziz Jassim A J Al Thani, Mohammed Hamza M A Al Kuwari, Mohammed Faisal Al Marri, and Abdulla Tamim H K Al Thani, delivered consistent performances to secure first place. Saudi Arabia followed closely, finishing in second, with Kuwait rounding out the podium in third.
The Junior Teams category witnessed a strong performance from the United Arab Emirates, earning them the gold medal. Egypt secured a well-deserved second place, demonstrating their developing equestrian program, while Saudi Arabia continued their consistent showing with a third-place finish.
The UAE continued their winning streak into the Young Riders Teams competition, again taking first place. Egypt, demonstrating impressive skill across multiple age groups, secured another silver medal. Saudi Arabia completed their continuous podium appearances with a bronze medal. The consistently high placement of these teams underscores the strength of equestrian development in these nations.
Rising Talent and Regional Significance
Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin, Equine Education Director at Al Shaqab, emphasized the importance of hosting the finals in Qatar. He stated the event showcases the increasing skill level of young riders in Group VII, and the commitment to equestrian development within the region. According to Al Shaqab officials, the finals aim to provide a vital platform for these athletes.
These competitions differ from individual events, relying on the collective performance of a team. This format encourages collaboration and strategic riding, adding a unique dynamic to the overall championship. Equestrian officials hope that this fosters a spirit of sportsmanship after the competitions.
The FEI Group VII Finals are particularly crucial as they serve as a qualifying pathway for the FEI Youth Equestrian Championships. Success at these regional events essentially determines which athletes will get to represent Group VII on the international stage. This adds substantial pressure and prestige to the competition.
Hosting the event in Qatar aligns with the nation’s broader strategy to become a global hub for sports, including equestrianism. Continued investment in facilities like Al Shaqab is projected to attract more international events and further elevate the sport’s profile in the country and throughout the region.
The final day of the FEI Group VII Finals promises decisive rounds in all categories, culminating in the crowning of the 2025 champions. It is expected these individual competitions will be intensely contested, with riders vying for coveted qualifying slots. The results will likely indicate future trends in youth equestrian development within Group VII and provide a glimpse of potential stars on the international circuit.
The outcome of the remaining events will determine the final standings and the athletes progressing to the next stage of international competition. Observers will be watching closely to see if the current dominance of Qatar, UAE, and Egypt continues, or if other nations will step up to challenge for the top positions.
The FEI website will continue to provide updates and results throughout the remainder of the competition.
