Doha, Qatar – The inaugural H H The Father Amir’s Prix, a premier equestrian competition, commenced today at Al Shaqab’s Longines Arena, drawing over 240 riders from 32 nations, including a substantial contingent from Qatar. The month-long Doha Equestrian Tour aims to establish Qatar as a leading global hub for show jumping and horse sport. This opening event boasts a significant prize purse exceeding €3.3 million.
The competition’s opening ceremony, scheduled for 5:30 PM local time, promises a spectacle of artistic performances and a technologically advanced drone and light show. The event is the first of ten international championships planned for the Doha Equestrian Tour, running through April 4th, with a combined prize fund surpassing €10 million, according to event organizers.
A Showcase of International Equestrian Talent
Participants include several of the world’s top-ranked riders, such as Belgium’s Abdelkader Said, the 2025 LGCT Super Grand Prix winner, as well as German athletes Philipp Weishaupt and Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann. The presence of these well-known competitors underscores the growing prestige of the Doha events on the international show jumping calendar. This year’s competition features approximately 500 horses, representing a diverse range of breeds and training backgrounds.
Event Preparations and Course Design
Deputy Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin emphasized the extensive preparations undertaken to meet the highest organizational and technical standards. He noted that the event reflects Qatar’s ongoing commitment to hosting world-class sporting events. Al Shaqab, renowned as one of the world’s leading equestrian facilities, provides an ideal setting for the horse riding event.
The course design, a crucial element for attracting and challenging top riders, was developed in collaboration with internationally recognized experts. CEO of In2Strides, Alejandro Ancin Berdegue, explained that this collaboration will enhance competitiveness and showcase the skill of both riders and horses. The aim is to establish the Prix as a cornerstone event in the global equestrian season.
Boosting Qatar’s Equestrian Profile
Beyond the international competition, organizers hope the H H The Father Amir’s Prix will drive development within Qatari equestrian sport. Berdegue stated that the addition of this event would enhance the skills of local riders and foster greater participation in equestrian events.
Tickets for the competition are available through the Road to Qatar platform, with general admission costing QR50 per day. More exclusive hospitality packages, including VIP tent access and premium seating, are also being offered, providing enhanced amenities for spectators. The organizers aim to create an inclusive and engaging experience for all attendees.
The first day of competition includes CSI 2* (125cm) and CSI 1* (120cm) classes, beginning at 9:00 AM local time. The day culminates with the CSI 4* (145cm) event at 7:15 PM, offering a glimpse of the elite-level riding to be seen throughout the month.
Looking ahead, the successful execution of the H H The Father Amir’s Prix is critical for attracting future international equestrian competitions to Qatar. Event organizers will likely focus on gathering feedback from riders and spectators to refine the experience for subsequent tours. The performance of Qatari riders throughout the Doha Equestrian Tour will be closely watched as an indicator of the nation’s growing equestrian capabilities.
Road to Qatar platform is the official site for tickets and information.
Al Shaqab details can be found on their website.
Longines is the official timekeeper for the event.
