Doha Equestrian Tour Launches with H H the Father Amir Prix

The 2026 Doha Equestrian Tour officially kicks off with the prestigious H H the Father Amir Equestrian Prix, set to run from January 2 to 31, 2026, at the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab, Doha. The event will see participation from over 240 riders and boasts a prize pool exceeding €3.3 million.

Significance of the Event

The Organizing Committee has expressed readiness for this inaugural event, which plays a crucial role in the annual sporting calendar. According to Bader bin Mohammed Al-Darwish, President of the Qatar Equestrian Federation, the H H the Father Amir Equestrian Prix represents a key strategic component of the Doha Equestrian Tour, which features a total of 10 international championships ranging from one to five stars.

Al-Darwish emphasized the championship’s importance as it aligns with Qatar’s vision of using sports as a catalyst for sustainable development. He remarked, “This event serves as a national platform delivered to international standards, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to enhancing its global presence through sports.”

The Doha Equestrian Tour will continue until April 4, 2026, offering a total prize pool of over €10 million. The championship’s opening signifies its strategic importance in promoting equestrian sports and enhancing Qatar’s reputation in the international equestrian landscape.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

The event carries significant symbolic value, named after H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who laid the foundations for Qatar’s comprehensive development and significantly contributed to the advancement of sports infrastructure. Al-Darwish noted that the Qatar Equestrian Federation views this championship as an opportunity to boost Qatar’s profile in global equestrian circles, attract more international riders, and support the growth of the sport regionally.

The championship is expected to have a notable impact on the sports economy by attracting visitors, official delegations, and industry stakeholders. This aligns with Qatar’s strategy of hosting major international sporting events, which aims to maximize economic and media benefits while reinforcing Doha’s status as a leading global sporting destination.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Noah Al Thani, Secretary General of the Qatar Equestrian Federation, indicated that the H H the Father Amir Equestrian Prix reflects the federation’s long-term strategy to establish a sustainable sporting legacy that emphasizes quality, excellence, and innovation. This approach is in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Sheikh Ahmed further explained that the organizing committee has worked diligently to ensure this championship meets the standards set by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). The program includes competitions across various categories, ensuring high participation levels and technical standards through four rounds of events.

With all organizational and technical requirements completed, including arena readiness and hospitality services, the event aims to deliver a comprehensive experience for both riders and spectators. This commitment to excellence positions the Doha Equestrian Tour among the premier international events on the global equestrian calendar.