Doha, February 17 (QNA) - The Organizing Committee of the Doha Equestrian Tours announced Tuesday the details of the 13th edition of the Al Shaqab International Equestrian Championship (CHI) presented by Longines, which represents the sixth round of the 2026 Doha Equestrian Tours.

The event will be held at Al Shaqab from February 18 to 21, with prize money exceeding 1.3 million euros.

The announcement took place during a press conference held in the multipurpose hall at the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab, attended by Assistant Director of the Championship Sheikh Talal bin Khalid Al-Thani, Director of Public Relations and Communications at Visit Qatar Jassim Al Mahmoud, Marketing and Communications Director of the Championship Abdullah Al Qashouti, and American rider Fiona Howard, who participates in para-dressage competitions.

The championship includes competitions in show jumping, dressage, and para-dressage, with participation of approximately 303 riders and 469 horses from 40 countries in the show jumping competitions across one-star, three-star, and five-star categories.

Dressage competitions in one-star and five-star categories will feature 26 riders, while para-dressage competitions in the three-star category will include 12 riders.

Assistant Director of the Championship Sheikh Talal bin Khalid Al-Thani explained during his speech at the conference that CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines reflects their continuous commitment to providing world-class equestrian sport that enhances Doha's position on the international stage.

He noted that the championship brings together show jumping, dressage, and para-dressage, with participation from elite international competitors in all three disciplines.

He also considered that the championship program has been designed in a distinctive way for audiences and media, stating that Saturday represents the peak of the event with several finals across different categories, alongside the Grand Prix show jumping competition sponsored by Longines.

He added that Friday includes one of the most popular shows among the audience, the Jump and Drive challenge, where the rider jumps on the horse and then immediately drives a car through an obstacle course.

The Assistant Director emphasized that the championship schedule accommodates all audiences during the holy month of Ramadan, with competitions taking place before Iftar and in the evening.

He also noted that daily Iftar will be organized for participants, in addition to Taraweeh prayers held at Al Shaqab.

Director of Public Relations and Communications at Visit Qatar Jassim Al Mahmoud said that the championship reflects their commitment to supporting world-class events that reinforce Qatar's position as a global destination for sports and excellence.

He added that equestrian sport holds a special place in Qatar's cultural heritage and national identity, and the championship provides a valuable platform to showcase this rich heritage to a global audience.

Marketing and Communications Director of the Championship Abdullah Al Qashouti stated that over the four days, the championship will feature a series of accompanying public events carefully prepared by the organizing committee to suit all age groups and provide a comprehensive experience for visitors.

He also highlighted the addition of a new activity this year in collaboration with Qatar Calendar platform and in partnership with Visit Qatar, aiming to enhance audience engagement and enrich the championship atmosphere with interactive and entertainment programs.

Rider Fiona Howard, who participates in para-dressage competitions, stated that this championship is her favorite every year and expressed her happiness to be at Al Shaqab, praising the organization and mentioning that her horses always perform at their best at the arena.

She also highlighted the significant financial value of the prizes, which represents important support for riders, especially in para-dressage, covering travel and international participation costs and encouraging the continuity of competitors in the sport.

CHI Al Shaqab presented by Longines represents a distinguished international week, offering high-level sports competitions ranging from youth categories to five-star show jumping and five-star dressage, alongside a dedicated program for para-dressage in the three-star category.

The event also includes qualifiers for Group Seven of the International Equestrian Federation, enhancing its role in supporting competitive sports pathways throughout the region. (QNA)